Check out this Paris Review interview with Ursula Le Guin. She expresses her feelings on being called a "sci-fi" author." It is a bit lengthy, but if you can take away some bits and pieces, I think you will find her words meaningful. Let me know what you think!
http://www.theparisreview.org/interviews/6253/the-art-of-fiction-no-221-ursula-k-le-guin
In my opinion, Ursula Le Guin has an appreciation for "Sci-fi" literature. But in contrast she does not accept that she can be classified as a "Sci-fi" author. She stated that she has many aspects that are included in her writing. She has a very unique way of writing which draws in a unique audience due to her writing being capable of maintaining relevance from the 1900's until today.
ReplyDeleteI really appreciate the fact that she tries to create "complex" societies. I can't even count how many times I've read about a town/character that feels so two-dimensional because they're so bland. She tries to create societies that are more believable and that people can actually relate to because of their "human complexity and psychology".
ReplyDeleteThis interview provides insight on the personality of Ursela Le Guin, and the style of her writing. While answering the numerous questions, Le Guin’s personality takes shape and meshes well with her most common genre of writing. Although unwilling to fully identify as a sci-fi writer, Le Guin has a great mind for fiction. A few personality traits that show throughout the interview seeming to fit well with sci-fi literature include open-mindedness, inquisitiveness, intelligence, and appreciation for description. All of these characteristics show in her literature and make it special. She is similar to other sci-fi writers in the nature of her writing, but stands apart in the context she creates. Most sci-fi writers seem to fully invest in creating a conceptual setting that is mostly supernatural. Le Guin, on the other hand, adds human and realistic views into her stories making them different and too intricate to simply group in with sci-fi.
ReplyDeleteI feel as if Le Guin doesn't want to be put in any category as an author. She wants to be known as just a writer, a writer of good and human things. During the interview it was as if she took a journalistic approach to writing, exposing the truth about the world. I also loved that she used one of the eras of the feminist movement to motivate her because writing fiction is a way of expressing the thoughts and the person you really are without saying them out loud. Overall, I think Mrs. Le Guin pulls her inspiration from all types of writing and can't be simply called a sci-fi author.
ReplyDeleteI agree with what you said by saying that she wants to not be categorized as a "sci-fi" writer and believes that she can use her experiences to manipulate her way of writing to focus more on her style.
DeleteUrsula Le Guin is certainly a character in her own right. She has a wonderfully well-rounded perspective of the world which definitely translates to her writing. She is complex and multi-faceted, impossible to fit into a box as limiting as science fiction. The article painted a clear picture of Le Guin and her views, useful to further understanding her writings. Le Guin could almost be compared to an abstract painter. She writes from the perspective of this reality, however her lens is so uniquely her own, the world looks like a much different place. Le Guin's writings seem to be candid snapshots of certain lines of thought her mind and heart have toyed with, making her all the more interesting to read. I will definitely be reading more of her!
ReplyDeleteI like how when asked about being a science fiction writer she talks about not just writing that one genre but also about how she is, in fact, a novelist and poet. She doesn’t just put herself into one category. She makes it very clear that as a writer she is versatile and not just black and white. She also makes it very clear that anthropology is a big part of her work, which speaks to me. As a writer, many times the society is bland or just unrealistic. If an author knows quite a bit and studies anthropology, that usually isn’t the case. Le Guin also shows her intelligence here, like about famous authors as well as Taoism and Buddhism. I think especially during the time of her larger years, it was unheard of for a woman to not only know so much, but also be successful. She also brings up that many women have to use their initials to make more “masculine” names in order to sell. Le Guin seems so relaxed during this interview and her final statement left a lasting impact for me. “You can’t waste time” perfectly describes that now is the moment to act, not tomorrow or next year. Now you must do what you wish.
ReplyDeleteAfter reading this article, I liked seeing the progression of Le Guin as an author. Her personal style grew and developed slowly through many years of experimentation and different influences. I found it interesting that Le Guin cited her childhood experiences as inspiration for her pieces. For instance, she read fantasy stories as a kid, which led her to write in that particular style during her earlier years. Le Guin states that "realism is a very sophisticated form of literature, a very grown-up one." I find this comment to be true, as confronting reality seems to be more difficult than creating your own realm with imaginary characters, places, and plots. For me personally, fantasy as a genre is more interesting because it gives you the freedom to be as creative as possible. There are no limitations, which is proven by Le Guin herself.
ReplyDeleteWhile reading the article I found it very odd how Le Guin responded to most of the questions. Whenever the interviewer asked Le Guin anything about the genre in which she wrote or about how her father affected her writing she seemed to reply with almost a short or ignorant tone. However whenever the interviewer discussed Le Guin's mother and her writing or about her idea of "amazing/fantastic" stories her tone lit up and became much more energetic and interested in the topic. The article showed me that Le Guin is comfortable in her writing and whenever asked questions pertaining to her writing she can answer them with poise and complete confidence.
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