Lydia Davis is a renowned author and translator known for her unconventional and experimental writing style. She has written a novel, The End of the Story, and four books of short stories that have been compiled into the Collected Stories of Lydia Davis. Her works span three decades, from Break it Down published in 1986 to Varieties of Disturbance published in 2007. Davis is also acclaimed for her translations of works by Proust, Blanchot, and Flaubert, including her highly praised translation of Madame Bovary. She has been invited to read at the Pittsburgh Contemporary Writers Series on April 7, 2011.
Experimentation in Writing
In a recent AWP panel on experimentation in writing, Lydia Davis's work was cited as an example of unconventional and mixed genre writing. When asked about the importance of experimentation, particularly for young writers, Davis noted that while some young writers may start out being more conservative as they master traditional forms, there are exceptions. She emphasized the importance of self-confidence in venturing into new territories. Davis believes that while tried-and-true forms, such as traditional narrative short stories, will continue to thrive, there will always be an impatience for something new and unexpected.
Reading Online and Digital Publications
When asked about her reading habits online, Davis admitted that she spends less time reading online due to a lack of hours in the day. However, she acknowledges the vast amount of material available on the internet and uses it extensively for research. Davis mentioned that while she hasn't explored many online journals, she has read Salon, The Complete Review, and various blogs and chat rooms that have intrigued her.
The Importance of Narrative in Fiction
Lydia Davis agrees with Marilynne Robinson's statement that narrative is the essential mode of our being in the world. She highlights our inherent hunger for stories and the excitement that comes with opening lines that introduce a compelling narrative. However, Davis also acknowledges her focus on poetry and how it has influenced her writing. She finds a balance between narrative and other modes, such as philosophical investigation or prose poetry, to create a unique writing style.
Writing Habits and Revision
Over the years, Lydia Davis's writing habits have remained fairly constant, although the forms of her writing have evolved. She used to be more systematic, dedicating a certain number of hours each day to writing. As she gained confidence, she relaxed her schedule while maintaining a pattern of working on translations and writing whenever she could. Revision plays a significant role in Davis's writing process. She quickly drafts her work and then revises it endlessly until nothing bothers her. Even her single-line or two-line pieces undergo multiple revisions as she carefully considers each word and punctuation mark.
The Impact of Teaching on Writing
In response to the question about the impact of teaching on her writing, Lydia Davis acknowledges that it can be challenging to maintain a productive writing schedule while teaching full-time. However, she has been fortunate to teach half or quarter-time throughout her career, allowing her more time for writing. Davis finds joy in sharing what she learns outside of class with her students, incorporating her own development as a writer into her teaching. She brings in various reading materials, discussions, and insights into the classroom, enhancing the course with real-world experiences.
The Balance between Readability and Experimentation
When discussing the tension between "readability" and "experimentation" in writing, Davis argues that it's more appropriate to use the term "difficult" instead of "abstract." She believes that a book doesn't have to be readable but acknowledges that the more difficult it is, the fewer readers it will attract. Examples such as James Joyce's progression from readable stories to the complex and challenging Finnegans Wake highlight how writers often start conservatively and gradually push the boundaries of traditional forms.
The Responsibility of Translators
As a translator of renowned works by authors like Proust and Blanchot, Lydia Davis discusses the translator's responsibility in preserving the essence of a book. She emphasizes the importance of compromise in translation and the challenge of finding the right balance between maintaining the integrity of the original and ensuring a natural and rhythmic flow in the translation. Davis spends extensive time revising her translations, ensuring that each sentence honors the contours and spirit of the original work. Translation, for her, is a continual process of rewriting until she achieves that desired harmony between sound, meaning, and essence.
Conclusion
Lydia Davis has established herself as a distinguished author and translator, known for her experimentation and unconventional writing style. Her works span various genres, from traditional narrative to prose poetry. Davis's writing habits have remained consistent over time, with a strong emphasis on revision and refining her work. While teaching has influenced her writing schedule, it has also enabled her to share her knowledge and experiences with her students. In her translations, Davis takes great care to preserve the essence of the original works while ensuring a fluid and natural adaptation. Her contributions to literature and translation have solidified her status as an influential figure in the literary world.