• Listen to Ursula K. Le Guin on Celebrity Culture and Fiction vs. Fact

    The Iconic Author Takes a Phone Call From Paul Holdengraber

    In this episode of A Phone Call From Paul, Paul Holdengraber talks to legendary writer Ursula K. Le Guin about the blurring of fact and fiction, the problem with celebrities, and the anxiety of influence.

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    Ursula K. Le Guin on writing for pleasure…
    I feel rather guilty about this prose, because it’s a story I edited. It is a continuation of my last three fantasies, my gifts, voices, and powers… I always wanted to get into the background of that place, the western shore. I feel guilty because I think I’m writing it totally for my own entertainment and pleasure!

    Ursula K. Le Guin on celebrity…
    I don’t quite know how to put this, but we keep confusing achievement with celebrity. I am very uncomfortable with celebrity. I really hate it.

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