A "Note" But Make It An "Article"
When trying to file an essay is like Salieri killing Mozart
I’ve been struggling with an essay I’m writing (in theory) for a forthcoming anthology. IT’S SO HARD. Like, it’s as if I’ve never written a complete anything. Not even a D-minus middle school book report on In Dubious Battle. (Also, I had the flu last week and lost nearly all functionality? First time I’d gotten sick-sick in years?)
I have to file tonight. That’s it. Last chance. It’s a gift to have been invited to contribute and the editor IS A SAINT. Today, she reminded me of Tom Hulce in his final scene of Amadeus, and she told me not to die. I heard her and loved the reference (the trailer alone is miraculous), but also I was like, wait is she expecting fucking Mozart?
I think I know why this assignment has been murder for me, despite it being a humor piece(!). But that is another essay (optimistic) for another time (optimistic), about knowing what kind of writer you are (derogatory).
ALL TO SAY: Jill Talbot, though. Jill Talbot has been key to my survival for keeping this damn thing pushing. Her piece “All Or Nothing, Self-Portrait at Twenty-Seven”* has been my inspiration.
It’s holding fast. It’s all keeping on.
xo Blaise
*You can also read it on Brevity.
You've got this, Blaise. (Ugh, the flu.)