We've reached the end of our blog chain on angst, and since I started it, I get to end it with a quick review of everyone's point of view.
The first thing I want to note, though, is that the group overwhelmingly argued against angst being necessary for the production of creative works. They believe that what I first defined as angst in my original post can instead be a barrier (sometimes an enormous one) to creative productivity.
I wonder if part of the reason is that pretty much everyone in the chain is a little older -- between their late 20s and early 40s. I wonder if the desire for angst and the need to wallow in it is particularly valued by people in their teens and early 20s? (I remember my college poetry writing classes well -- we were just awash in angst in there, to the point that it gave me the giggles. Which, to tell you the truth, just about got me thrown out of the class more than once.)
The group members are also notable for their dedication to professionalism and publication. They're more focused on producing good, publishable work and interacting professionally with agents and editors than many writers. Angsting takes up a lot of energy; a tendency toward angst may also make it more difficult to deal with the constant rejection in the pursuit of publication.
Other theories? Comment button is below!
Well, I saved the part above and then went through and summarized what everyone said...just in time to have Internet Explorer crash on me. So guess what? There's gonna be no summary. Too much angst to redo it.
And on that note, head on over to Michelle's blog. She'll be starting our next chain on November 15th!
Labels: blog chain
I think you are right on with the age analysis - I have some angsty college poetry as well. ;)