For Now

Eileen Myles' third Why I Write volume is a self-portrait that explores the social, political, and aesthetic conditions that shape their work. It offers an intimate glimpse into creativity's immediacy, recounting their early years as an awakening writer, existential struggles, storied moments with neighbors, friends, and lovers, and the textures and identities of cities and the country. Myles believes that the "optic quality" of time enables writing in the first place, allowing the writer to love the world as it presently is and lend love a linguistic permanence amid social and political systems that threaten to eradicate it.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 96 pages
Publication date: 02 November 2021
Publisher: Yale University Press

In this captivating third installment of their renowned "Why I Write" series, Eileen Myles delves deep into the intricate interplay of social, political, and aesthetic factors that shape their remarkable literary creations. Critics have hailed it as a "sharply etched, unvarnished self-portrait," showcasing Myles' unparalleled ability to capture the essence of their experiences with raw honesty and poetic precision.

Through a series of vivid vignettes, Myles takes readers on a journey through the realms of Hell, guiding them with a hip Virgil-like wit and an unwavering commitment to writing in the throes of the moment. Their unconventional syntax, jazzy rhythms, and total disregard for linear rationality are hallmarks of their signature style, reflecting a profound dedication to the art of presence in time.

In this raucous meditation, Myles offers an intimate glimpse into the immediacy of creativity. They recount their early years as an awakening writer, navigating existential struggles with landlords, sharing storied moments with neighbors, friends, and lovers, and exploring the textures and identities of cities and the country that reveal the very nature of writing as a presence in history.

For Myles, the "optic quality" of time is what enables writing to flourish—an attention, a devotion, and an excess that fuels their artistic expression. It is this chronologized vision that allows them to love the world as it is, infusing their words with a linguistic permanence that resists the forces of social and political systems that seek to erode it.

With irreverence, generosity, and always insightful commentary, "For Now" serves as a candid record of the creative process from one of our most beloved artists. It is a testament to their unwavering commitment to honesty, vulnerability, and the power of language to transcend time and capture the essence of human experience.

In conclusion, Eileen Myles' "Why I Write" series continues to expand the boundaries of literary exploration, offering readers a profound and intimate glimpse into the mind and heart of a remarkable writer. With each installment, Myles challenges our perceptions of reality, encourages us to embrace the fullness of our lives, and reminds us of the enduring power of creativity to shape our world.

Weight: 104g
Dimension: 120 x 177 x 10 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780300261417