A friend of mine recently tried to invite Barbara Ehrenreich to speak at the college where he teaches and she demanded $25,000. This same friend reports that another writer demanded fresh cut flowers in his room. Yet another said he wouldn't answer questions or meet with students. All asked for fat five figure honorariums.
I asked a novelist to come to Syracuse to help us brainstorm about developing a creative writing program for young people with disabilities. "Call my agent," she said. We were standing about 14 inches from each other.
Something has happened in literary land--a predatory and mercenary cash cow entitlement scene has evolved and with it the erosion of genuine noblesse oblige.
I am not better than other people, but I'm not a highway robber. Not yet. Not yet.
It is called greed. The corporate mentality is killing writers and academia.
Posted by: wjpeace | April 29, 2012 at 09:36 AM
That's revolting.
Posted by: Elizabeth | April 30, 2012 at 01:15 AM
I'd be interested in hearing more about the writing workshop for young people with disabilities.
Posted by: Kristen | May 01, 2012 at 10:28 PM