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Novelist as a Vocation

Tags: #writing #fiction #creativity #publishing #culture #self-reflection

Authors: Haruki Murakami

Overview

This book is a reflection on the craft of writing novels, based on my own experience as a novelist. I offer insights into my personal process, from finding inspiration to developing characters and navigating the publishing world. I discuss the importance of originality, discipline, and perseverance, emphasizing the physical and mental demands of writing. I also delve into the role of readers, the significance of literary prizes, and the unique challenges of establishing a presence in a foreign literary market. I believe anyone can write a novel if they are driven by a sincere desire to do so. It’s not about possessing extraordinary talent or adhering to rigid rules; it’s about tapping into your unique voice and trusting your creative instincts. By emphasizing the accessibility of the craft and the joy of the creative process, I hope to demystify novel writing and encourage aspiring writers to embrace their own stories, no matter how unconventional they may seem.

Book Outline

1. Foreword

This book is a collection of personal essays reflecting my thoughts and feelings about writing and being a novelist. Although written in 2015, before the pandemic and other major global events, the fundamental ideas about writing and the creative process remain relevant.

Key concept: “For a long time I’ve been wanting to say something about my writing novels, and being a novelist for so long…These essays…do not reflect those changes, or the individual changes I’ve experienced myself. They are simply my thoughts and feelings as of 2015.”

2. Are Novelists Broad-minded?

Unlike other fields that can be wary of outsiders, the world of novelists is surprisingly welcoming. While we are an egoistic and competitive bunch, we tend to be magnanimous towards those attempting to write novels for the first time, recognizing the unique challenges of the craft.

Key concept: “I think that may be one of the very few virtues novelists possess.”

3. When I Became a Novelist

My entry into the world of writing was unconventional. I had no formal training and won a new writers’ prize with my very first novel. This makes me believe that the barrier to entry for novel writing is lower than in other art forms. It’s not about possessing extraordinary talent; anyone can write a novel if they put their mind to it.

Key concept: “This may anger some people… I’m just trying to tell it like it really is. People can theorize all they want, but when you get right down to it, the novel’s form is extremely broad.”

4. On Literary Prizes

Literary prizes, though helpful for new writers, can create a disproportionate amount of attention and pressure. I personally feel ambivalent about prizes, having been shortlisted twice for the Akutagawa Prize and never winning. While winning would have helped my career, it wouldn’t have fundamentally changed my life or the course of history. It is the work that matters in the end, not the accolades.

Key concept: “If winning the Akutagawa Prize meant that the war in Iraq might not have happened…I’m sure I would feel terrible. Since that’s not the case…why on earth would anyone bother to write a book on the topic?”

5. On Originality

Originality is a complex concept, often misconstrued and difficult to define. I believe true originality requires a unique and recognizable style, the ability to evolve and adapt over time, and the power to resonate with audiences on a deep, psychological level. The most striking examples of originality are those that initially shocked or confused audiences but later gained widespread acceptance and recognition.

Key concept: “In my opinion, an artist must fulfill the following three basic requirements to be deemed ‘original’: 1. The artist must possess a clearly unique and individual style… 2. That style must have the power to update itself… 3. Over time, that characteristic style should become integrated within the psyche of its audience…”

6. So What Should I Write About?

For aspiring writers, the question often arises: what should I write about? I advise gathering diverse experiences and observations without rushing to judge or analyze. Resist the urge to form immediate conclusions, and instead, focus on absorbing and storing those details that intrigue you, those that defy easy explanation. Over time, these seemingly insignificant details can become the building blocks for compelling narratives.

Key concept: “Our best recourse is to clear out our information system by chucking all that is unnecessary into the garbage bin, allowing our mind to move freely again.”

7. Making Time Your Ally: On Writing a Novel

Writing a novel is a personal, solitary, and physically demanding process that requires stamina and discipline. I structure my writing routine like a long-distance run, with consistent daily writing followed by periods of rest and reflection. Rewriting is a crucial element, and I rely on feedback from a trusted reader (my wife) to identify and address areas needing improvement. It’s important to remember that the process of writing is as important as the finished product, and every novel, like a living organism, requires a balance of tightly constructed and loosely structured elements to breathe and achieve its full effect.

Key concept: “Novels are, by definition, longer works, which means the reader can be stifled if the screws are too tight.”

8. A Completely Personal and Physical Occupation

The solitary nature of novel writing requires a unique kind of mental toughness, distinct from physical strength or toughness in everyday life. This inner resilience allows us to delve into the depths of our subconscious, navigate the complexities of storytelling, and withstand the inevitable criticisms and setbacks that come with the territory. A healthy balance between physical and mental well-being is essential for sustaining this creative process over the long term.

Key concept: “This mental toughness I’m talking about isn’t actual toughness on the level of daily life. In real life, I’m just an ordinary person.”

9. Regarding Schools

School, though meant to be a place of learning and growth, often reflects and magnifies the limitations and anxieties of society. In an era marked by economic uncertainty and social fragmentation, education systems struggle to meet the needs of diverse individuals, leading to issues like bullying, truancy, and a decline in creativity. We need to create spaces for “individual recovery” within and outside schools, where young people can explore their unique talents and develop their full potential free from the pressures of standardized systems.

Key concept: “Like canaries in coal mines, children are the ones who are most sensitive to, and first to detect, the corrupt air.”

10. What Kind of Characters Should I Include?

While characters can sometimes be inspired by real people, in my experience, most emerge organically from the narrative itself. As I write, details and traits coalesce around certain characters, often in unexpected ways. It’s a fascinating process of discovery, akin to piecing together a jigsaw puzzle, with each character contributing to the larger picture.

Key concept: “In most cases, the characters who appear in my novels naturally emerge from the flow of the story.”

11. Who Do I Write For?

The question of who I write for is difficult to answer. While I don’t consciously target specific demographics, I write with the hope that my stories will resonate with readers across generations and cultures. Ultimately, the connection between writer and reader transcends superficial categories like age, gender, and nationality, rooted in a shared human experience that defies easy categorization.

Key concept: “As far as I know, most writers age along with their readers. But for me that doesn’t seem to be true.”

12. Going Abroad: A New Frontier

Stepping outside my comfort zone, both geographically and creatively, has been a defining aspect of my career. I actively sought to establish a presence in the US literary market, embracing the challenges of working with translators, agents, and publishers in a new cultural landscape. This willingness to push beyond familiar boundaries has, in my experience, been essential for sustaining creative growth and avoiding stagnation.

Key concept: “I think having that goal as a kind of slogan was a great thing. It’s important for those who deal with creativity to always want to push forward into new frontiers.”

Essential Questions

1. What constitutes true originality in artistic expression, and how does it relate to audience reception over time?

Murakami sees originality as a combination of a unique and evolving style that resonates deeply with the audience, transcending temporal limitations. He cites examples like The Beatles and Mahler, whose initial reception was mixed, but whose work later attained classic status. This lasting impact comes from the artist’s ability to tap into universal emotions and experiences, creating a sense of connection that defies immediate categorization or analysis.

2. How does Murakami approach the process of writing a novel, and what role do discipline, environment, and personal well-being play in his creative process?

Murakami argues that while some novelists thrive on external pressure, he finds it crucial to cultivate a peaceful and distraction-free environment to delve into the depths of his subconscious. This involves a disciplined routine of writing, physical exercise, and periods of rest and reflection. It is a deeply personal process that requires patience, perseverance, and a willingness to confront the chaotic depths of one’s imagination without succumbing to external pressures or expectations.

3. What advice does Murakami offer to aspiring novelists, and how does he challenge conventional notions about talent and the process of writing?

Murakami believes that anyone can write a novel if they have a genuine desire to do so. It’s not about having extraordinary talent or conforming to established literary norms. The key is to embrace your own unique voice, develop your craft through practice, and trust your instincts. He encourages aspiring writers to experiment with different styles and narrative techniques, emphasizing the importance of finding a rhythm and method that feels natural and personally fulfilling.

4. Who does Murakami envision as his ideal reader, and how does this understanding influence his approach to writing and dealing with criticism?

Murakami values the feedback of trusted readers but prioritizes his own enjoyment and satisfaction in the writing process. He avoids writing for a specific audience or chasing accolades, trusting that if he finds the work personally fulfilling, it will resonate with others. He recognizes that criticism is inevitable but emphasizes the importance of maintaining a strong sense of self and staying true to one’s creative vision.

5. How does Murakami explain the global reception of his work, and what insights does he offer into the relationship between literature, cultural shifts, and individual experience?

Murakami observes that his books tend to resonate most strongly in countries undergoing significant social and cultural shifts. He attributes this to the human need for new stories and metaphorical frameworks to process and adapt to changing realities. He suggests that his works may inadvertently provide a kind of global “cogwheel” that helps readers navigate and make sense of those uncertain times, reflecting the interconnectedness of social reality and the metaphorical world of stories.

Key Takeaways

Murakami stresses that true originality is not about chasing trends but about developing a unique and evolving personal style. This resonates in the AI world, where developers often strive for benchmarks and technical achievements. Murakami reminds us that the ‘soul’ of a creative product, whether a novel or a language model, lies in its distinct character and how it resonates emotionally with its audience.

Practical Application:

Imagine you are an AI product engineer designing a new language model. Instead of solely focusing on technical benchmarks, consider how the model’s ‘personality’ or communication style could be perceived by users. Will it feel ‘robotic’ and detached or ‘human’ and engaging? Does its language resonate emotionally? By focusing on the subtle nuances of language and communication, you can create a product that feels more ‘alive’ and connects with users on a deeper level.

2. Approach challenging projects with a marathon runner’s mentality—sustained effort, strategic pacing, and deliberate rest.

Murakami compares the process of writing a novel to running a marathon, requiring consistent effort, strategic pacing, and periods of rest. This approach can be applied to any complex, long-term project, especially in the fast-paced world of AI development. It highlights the importance of a sustainable work rhythm that balances intense focus with periods of reflection and rejuvenation to maintain creativity and prevent burnout.

Practical Application:

When leading a team working on a long-term, complex AI project, it’s essential to establish a sustainable rhythm and routine. Encourage regular breaks, brainstorming sessions, and individual reflection time alongside focused work periods. This allows the team to maintain a healthy balance, avoid burnout, and approach the project with renewed energy and fresh perspectives.

3. Embrace a more personalized and engaging approach to learning and development, moving away from standardized systems and rote memorization.

Murakami found school stifling due to its emphasis on rote memorization and standardized testing. He advocates for a more personalized approach to learning, where individuals can explore their unique interests and develop their full potential. This resonates with the potential of AI in education, where personalized learning paths and adaptive systems can cater to individual learning styles and needs, fostering curiosity and intrinsic motivation.

Practical Application:

Imagine you are developing a new AI-powered educational platform. Instead of focusing solely on delivering information and testing knowledge, consider how to cultivate curiosity and personalized learning paths. Could you integrate elements of gamification, storytelling, or personalized recommendations to make learning more engaging and relevant to individual interests? By focusing on intrinsic motivation, you can create a more effective learning experience.

4. Continually seek new challenges and push beyond your comfort zone to foster growth and prevent creative stagnation.

Murakami stresses the importance of constantly pushing creative boundaries and seeking new challenges. He found staying within a familiar system stifling and chose to venture into the unfamiliar territory of the US literary market to further his growth as a writer. This constant drive for exploration is essential in AI, a field that demands continual innovation and adaptation to new technologies and evolving user needs.

Practical Application:

In AI development, where constant innovation is crucial, it’s essential to embrace a growth mindset and venture beyond comfort zones. Encourage experimentation with new algorithms, explore diverse datasets, and challenge established paradigms. Be open to unexpected results and learn from both successes and failures. This constant pushing of boundaries will lead to breakthroughs and keep the creative energy flowing.

Suggested Deep Dive

Chapter: On Originality

This chapter offers a deep dive into Murakami’s understanding of originality. It would be valuable for AI engineers to explore this concept in the context of machine learning and creativity. How can we define originality in the output of AI systems? How can we foster creativity in machines while avoiding plagiarism or mere imitation?

Memorable Quotes

Foreword. 8

“For a long time I’ve been wanting to say something about my writing novels, and being a novelist for so long…These essays…do not reflect those changes, or the individual changes I’ve experienced myself. They are simply my thoughts and feelings as of 2015.”

When I Became a Novelist. 15

“In short, the world of the novelist is like a professional wrestling ring that welcomes anyone who feels like taking a crack at it.”

On Literary Prizes. 44

“At the risk of causing offense, I should state the obvious: the Akutagawa Prize is just another literary award presided over by the Bungei Shunju publishing house. Its purpose may not be strictly commercial, but it would be folly to pretend that Bungei Shunju’s bottom line is not involved.”

On Originality. 52

“Creativity…entails not only a “what,” a talent, but a “who”—strong personal characteristics, a strong identity, personal sensibility, a personal style, which flow into the talent…Creativity in this sense involves the power to originate, to break away from the existing ways of looking at things…”

A Completely Personal and Physical Occupation. 108

“I think chaos exists in everyone’s minds. Chaos is in my mind, and in yours as well. It’s not the sort of thing, though, that in daily life needs to be given form and openly shown to others.”

Comparative Analysis

“Novelist as a Vocation” provides a unique and personal perspective on the craft of writing, contrasting with more technical manuals like Stephen King’s “On Writing” or Anne Lamott’s “Bird by Bird.” While those books offer practical advice and structural guidance, Murakami focuses on the intangible aspects of writing—the importance of intuition, originality, and developing a personal relationship with the creative process. He shares intimate details about his own journey and creative rituals, emphasizing the importance of discipline and perseverance, similar to the stoicism advocated by Ryan Holiday in “The Obstacle is the Way.” However, Murakami’s emphasis on embracing personal experience and avoiding external pressures distinguishes his approach. His insights into the global reception of his work also offer a fascinating perspective on the evolving relationship between literature and cultural shifts, complementing Edward Said’s exploration of cultural influence in “Orientalism.”

Reflection

Murakami’s reflections on the craft of writing offer valuable insights into the creative process, but some aspects, particularly his views on originality and the role of schools, invite further scrutiny. His definition of originality, while insightful, relies heavily on examples from the past, and it could be argued that contemporary art forms, especially in the digital age, challenge traditional notions of originality and influence. Similarly, his critique of school systems, while valid in many respects, might overlook the potential of technology and personalized learning to address some of the issues he raises. Overall, “Novelist as a Vocation” is a compelling read, offering a unique blend of personal anecdotes and philosophical reflections. It reminds us that creativity is not a mystical gift but a practice, demanding discipline, perseverance, and a willingness to embrace the unknown. His insights into the importance of physical and mental well-being in sustaining the creative process are especially valuable in our increasingly fast-paced and demanding world. While some of his views may require a more nuanced understanding in a contemporary context, his core message about the power of individual expression and the enduring value of stories remains relevant.

Flashcards

What advice does Murakami give to aspiring novelists?

To embrace one’s unique voice, develop their craft through practice, trust their instincts, and find a rhythm and method that feels natural and personally fulfilling.

How does Murakami describe his novel-writing process?

He compares it to a long-distance run, requiring consistent daily writing, physical exercise, and periods of rest and reflection.

What is Murakami’s definition of true originality?

A unique, evolving style that deeply resonates with the audience, transcending temporal limitations.

What is crucial to Murakami’s rewriting process?

Feedback from a trusted reader (in his case, his wife), and multiple rewrites, each with its own purpose.

Who does Murakami write for?

An “imaginary reader” who is connected to him on a deeper level, beyond demographics or personal characteristics.

What kind of readers does Murakami value?

Readers who actively engage with his work, consider its deeper meanings, and even reread it over time. He calls them ‘high-quality readers.’

What is Murakami’s unusual perspective on the lifestyle of a novelist?

He advocates for a healthy lifestyle, emphasizing physical fitness and mental resilience. He believes physical strength supports the mental toughness necessary for writing.

Why does Murakami find translating from English helpful?

The act of translating provides him with a different kind of mental exercise and allows his creative side to rest.