i've been spending some time reading the magazine/journal poets and writers. there's an article about a writer who apparently is/was famous named Jay McInernay who wrote 'bright lights, big city.' I haven't heard of him. but there is much that i don't know about the literary world. i'm putting myself in the business of enjoying and learning about things connected to books and words and ideas. but what interested me about this writer is that, connected to his success and once playboy existence is his time in new york city. he lives in greenwich village. i wonder if he lives in one of those fabulous homes. i mean many of the houses in greenwich village are gorgeous. i always walk by in awe as i glance inside the floor to ceiling windows onto these beautiful spacious living rooms with lots of room to live.
this writer says that 'it makes him sad that Manhattan, the once edgy, diverse destination for generations of young artists and writers, has become an outpost for wealthy wall streeters.' this puts a finger on the many changes the city has undergone in the recent past decades, making it terribly expensive to live and be here. in connection he writes about the young, rich and fabulous that vacation on nearby islands like the hamptons and sag harbor. i think i might have to pick up a copy of his new collection of short stories. having grown up in nyc and with time, seeing all the rich and famous nouveau riche come in (i think old money has been here for a long time... but what do i know) i've always wondered who they are and what they do.
it's not that i'm so interested in them so much as learning about beautiful places close to nyc with maybe delicious food and wine... yum yum. maybe a travel guide will do, but then a juicy story in connection makes it all come alive... non?
photo of sag harbor by melinnis
4 comments:
It's so true about Manhattan - we need a new writer's community with creative PRICES as well as creative writing. No more starvation!
Jay was BIG in the 80's. He was the bright, young thing of the Madonna era. Bright Lights; Big City was a good book and worth reading. I think he starred on Gossip Girl recently. That was a shock to my image of him as a literary demi-god.
hey Sanity Fair, i must admit i do love the idea of a new community with creative prices and creative writers!
Belette, i was thinking to write you and see what you knew about him. i thought you might be able to clue me in. the article said he wasn't able to reach the level he did after bright lights;big city. they are calling this new collection of stories his 'second debut.' i'm curious, i'll have to check him out.
...must admit, i do like meself some gossip girl...
The same phenomenon is happening in downtown Paris. Money is often very far from creativity and inspiration. Of course we all need to make a living, but... Luckily new communities spring up regardless. You'd just wish they could also benefit from the magnificent, history and tradition breathing surroundings.
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