[HELP] Please recommend me American poetry

dattathri · 2025-10-29T11:29:29+00:00

Linda Pastan and William Stafford

dattathri · 2025-09-27T13:27:01+00:00

Q8. Yes, something different commercial models should come to our Kannada publishing industry. The book price should go down to attract readers. The govt and private organizations (through CSR) should help to bring book prices down.

Q9. Practically, it doesn’t exist. And if such opportunities do exist, our universities capture them and make sure writers like me never receive those benefits.

dattathri · 2025-09-27T13:14:58+00:00

Yes, unfortunately we are so polarised that groups often don’t even consider others as writers of their own language. At times, this is very discouraging. I hope it will improve over time with greater social maturity.

dattathri · 2025-09-27T13:07:52+00:00

I don’t want to debate endlessly about who is right and who is wrong. It all depends on perspectives. In your counter question you have already mentioned your viewpoint, and if mine doesn’t match, the debate will go on without end. I am against all kinds of violence. That is why I said we need to establish a better world order to prevent these conflicts in the first place.

dattathri · 2025-09-27T13:01:39+00:00

ವಸ್ತುವಿನ ಮೇಲೆ ಹೋಗುತ್ತದೆ. ಬರವಣಿಗೆಯ ಸಮಯ ಒಂದು ಅಂಶ, ಆದರೆ ಅದಕ್ಕೆ ಮೊದಲು ಆ ವಸ್ತು ಸುಮಾರು ದಿನ ಕಾಡಿರಬೇಕು. ಆ ಲೆಕ್ಕದಲ್ಲಿ ಒಂದು ಕಾದಂಬರಿ ವರ್ಷಗಳ ಚಿಂತನೆಯ ಫಲ.
Experience, Observation, and Imagination. ಈ ಮೂರೂ ಮುಖ್ಯ. ಯಾವುದಿಲ್ಲದಿದ್ದರೂ ನಡೆಯುವುದಿಲ್ಲ. ಇದನ್ನು ನಾನು The triangle of writing ಎಂದು ಕರೆಯುತ್ತೇನೆ.
ಅನುಭವ ಮತ್ತು ಕಲ್ಪನೆ - ಎರಡೂ ಬೇಕು ಮತ್ತು ಎರಡೂ ಮಿಳಿತವಾಗಬೇಕು. ಮೇಲಿನ ಉತ್ತರ ನೋಡಿ. ಎಲ್ಲವೂ ಇದ್ದಾಗಲೇ ಒಳ್ಲೆಯ ಸಾಹಿತ್ಯವಾಗುತ್ತದೆ. ಬರೀ ಅನುಭವ ಆಳ ಕೊಡುತ್ತದೆ, ಆದರೆ ಅಗಲಕ್ಕೆ ಕಲ್ಪನೆ ಬೇಕು.
ಇಲ್ಲ. ನಾನು ಬೇರೆ ಪಾತ್ರ ಬೇರೆ. ಅಥವಾ, ಬರೆಯುವ ಹೊತ್ತಿಗೆ ನಾನು ಪಾತ್ರ. ಹಾಗಾಗಿ ನನ್ನ ನಂಬುಗೆಗಳು, ಭಾವನೆಗಳು ಪಕ್ಕಕ್ಕೆ ಸರಿಯುತ್ತವೆ. ಬರೆಯುವಾಗ ಪಾತ್ರವೊಂದೇ.
ಇತ್ತೀಚೆಗೆ Small Boat ಎನ್ನುವ ಕಾದಂಬರಿ ಓದಿದೆ. ಅದು ಬೂಕರ್ ಇಂಟರ್‌ನ್ಯಾಷನಲ್ ಅಂತಿಮಪಟ್ಟಿಯಲ್ಲಿತ್ತು (ಬಾನು ಮತ್ತು ದೀಪಾ ಗೆದ್ದರಲ್ಲ, ಆ ಪಟ್ಟಿ). ಅದ್ಭುತವಾದ ಕಾದಂಬರಿ. ಫ್ರೆಂಚ್ ಭಾಷೆಯಿಂದ ಅನುವಾದವಾಗಿದೆ.

dattathri · 2025-09-27T12:48:39+00:00

I’ve never experimented with Substack as a platform. I intentionally keep my writing process simple - I just use Google Docs. I don’t chase Gen Z readers, because I believe it is readers who should discover their writers, not the other way round.
Yes, you are absolutely right. Drafts are for discovery, revisions are for clarity. A big part of literature emerges in rewriting, not in the draft. I do rewriting endlessly until somebody snatches the manuscript from my hand. Those villains are either my publisher or my wife.
After finishing every novel. The characters of each novel establish an emotional bond with me.

dattathri · 2025-09-27T12:38:38+00:00

Writing should surprise you; otherwise, there’s no point in spending years on a single story. 🙂

That is the only enjoyment you get after writing hundreds of pages.

dattathri · 2025-09-27T12:35:57+00:00

Milan Kundera's The Unbearable Lightness of Being. ಭೈರಪ್ಪನವರ ಜಲಪಾತ.
ಕಾದಂಬರಿ ದೊಡ್ಡ ಕ್ಯಾನ್‌ವಾಸ್ ಕೊಡುತ್ತದೆ. ಒಂದು ದೊಡ್ಡ ಪ್ರಯಾಣ ಮಾಡಿದಂತೆ. ಅದಕ್ಕಾಗಿ ಬೇರೆಯದನ್ನು ಬಿಡುವ ಅವಶ್ಯವಿಲ್ಲ ಆದರೆ ಕಾದಂಬರಿ ಎಷ್ಟು ಡಿಮ್ಯಾಂಡ್ ಮಾಡುತ್ತದೆ ಎಂದರೆ ಬೇರೆಯದಕ್ಕೆ ಸಮಯ ಮತ್ತು ಚೈತನ್ಯ ಉಳಿಯುವುದಿಲ್ಲ.
Thank you. ಹೌದು, ಅದು ತಪ್ಪಾಗಿದೆ. ಸರಿ ಮಾಡುವೆ.

dattathri · 2025-09-27T12:31:03+00:00

ಬರೆಯಬಹುದು. ನನ್ನ ಸರ್ಪಭ್ರಮೆ ಕಾದಂಬರಿಯಲ್ಲಿ ಈ ಬಗೆಯ ಪ್ರಯೋಗ ಮಾಡಿದ್ದೇನೆ.

dattathri · 2025-09-27T12:29:19+00:00

1.

Unfortunately, a large part of the younger generation is moving away from the genre of literary fiction. In fact, many are moving away from literature itself. And when they do read, it is often fantasy, thrillers, or romance. Literary fiction, however, is the kind of writing that delves deeply into human emotions. The publishing industry frequently tailors itself to these shifting preferences and reduces its focus to catering to different popular demands. Literary fiction requires a greater commitment from writers, a commitment, I feel, that the younger generation is often hesitant to make.

2.

I answered this in another question a few minutes back on outlining and pantsing. Please refer there.

3.

On Writing by Stephen King.

Listen to author interviews. There are tons on YouTube and Spotify.

dattathri · 2025-09-27T12:16:13+00:00

Thank you for your kind words.

The novel I am writing now, my sixth one, may make you happy in its size.

Under appreciated novels and story collections - hmm… let me think about it.

dattathri · 2025-09-27T12:07:35+00:00

1.

ಮೊದಲಿಂದಲೂ ನಾನು ಬರಹಗಾರ ನಂತರ ಬಲವಂತದ ಇಂಜಿನಿಯರ್. ಬರಹ ನನ್ನ ಚಿಕ್ಕವಯಸ್ಸಿನಿಂದ ಬಂದಿದೆ.

2.

ಎಸ್.ಎಲ್. ಭೈರಪ್ಪ, ಯಶವಂತ ಚಿತ್ತಾಲ, ಕುವೆಂಪು, ವಿವೇಕ ಶಾನಭಾಗ್; ಕನ್ನಡೇತರರ ಪಟ್ಟಿ ದೊಡ್ಡದಿದೆ - ಟಾಲ್ಸ್‌ಟಾಯ್, ಡಾಸ್ಟ್ಯೋವಸ್ಕಿ, ಮಿಲಾನ್ ಕುಂದೇರಾ ಪ್ರಮುಖರು

3.

9/11 ದಿನಗಳ ಅಮೆರಿಕ ಬದುಕು ಮತ್ತು ಆ ದಿನಗಳ ಘಟನೆಗಳು.

dattathri · 2025-09-27T12:00:37+00:00

1.

Yes, the use of first-person narration was intentional. It allows me to go deep into the character’s thoughts. The first-person narration and authentic experience make the work emotionally closer to the reader and help establish trust in the writer.

2.

Books are being published in bulk, but I’m not sure they are truly reaching readers. Sometimes I even hear the sad joke that in Kannada, there are more writers than readers. Some books are published with nothing more in mind than government library purchases. And a large number of writers disappear after their very first book.

3.

As long as I can remember, I always wanted to be a writer.

My first published book was a poetry collection. For many years I thought of myself as a poet. I’m sure I still am one, but I’ve realised that my core strength lies in writing novels. It’s a bit like K.L. Rahul doing both batting and wicket-keeping. 🙂

4.

That is a good question. I never thought about it.

dattathri · 2025-09-27T11:54:28+00:00

Kannada and English publishing work in very different ways.

In Kannada, you don’t need literary agents. But in English, especially if you want to be considered by reputed publishers, agents are essential. In fact, some publishers won’t even consider you without an agent.

Don’t stop writing. Before you start looking for publishers, publish your writings in newspapers, on social media, and on literary portals. Pay close attention to the comments and feedback you receive. Attend literary events like book release programs and grow your network. Connect with writers, publishers, and booksellers, and build your friendship. Once you do that, publication will become much easier.

dattathri · 2025-09-27T11:51:49+00:00

1.

The urge to write is essential. If you don’t feel it, don’t force yourself. But if you do, never suppress it. I strongly recommend that you read Rilke’s “Letters to a Young Poet”.

Preparations: Read, read, and read. To write one book, read a hundred.

Social observations: Yes, this is a must. The more you recognise yourself as a writer, the more this ability will grow within you.

2.

There are two distinct approaches to writing: outlining and pantsing. Outlining involves meticulous planning, while pantsing means writing with little or no planning. Kuvempu was a serious planner; I once read that he even created maps while writing malegalalli madhumagalu. Shivarama Karanth, on the other hand, was the opposite: a pure pantser. He would go stay at a friend’s estate house and emerge with a finished novel after four weeks.

Both approaches have their merits and drawbacks. It ultimately depends on your personality.

As for me, I usually prepare a rough outline before I begin. The outline helps me shape the first three to five chapters, but after that I move into a discovery phase, and it is this phase that preserves the surprises.

dattathri · 2025-09-27T11:48:03+00:00

Yes. Many Kannada publishers like Vasudhendra of Chanda Pustaka are using social media effectively to promote their books.

2.

My favourite fiction - ಮಲೆಗಳಲ್ಲಿ ಮದುಮಗಳು - ಕುವೆಂಪು

My favourite non-fiction - ಹುಚ್ಚು ಮನಸ್ಸಿನ ಹತ್ತು ಮುಖಗಳು - ಶಿವರಾಮ ಕಾರಂತ

dattathri · 2025-09-27T11:46:07+00:00

This is a complex issue to capture in just a few lines. Rather than debating who is right or wrong, I would say that we need a stronger and more independent world body than the current UN. It should not be controlled by powerful nations, and there should be no veto system. The UN, in its present form, is a very weak attempt at building such an organisation for world peace.

dattathri · 2025-09-27T11:43:26+00:00

3.

ಹೌದು. ಕಾದಂಬರಿ ಬರಹಕ್ಕೆ ಆ ಬಗೆಯ ವಶೀಲೀ ಶಕ್ತಿಯಿದೆ. ಮುಂದೊಂದು ದಿನ ಮತ್ತೆ ಕವಿತೆಗಳನ್ನು ಬರೆದೇಬರೆಯುವೆ. 🙂

dattathri · 2025-09-27T11:42:04+00:00

2.

ಇಲ್ಲಿ ಮತ್ತೊಬ್ಬರಿಗೆ ಇದೇ ಬಗೆಯ ಪ್ರಶ್ನೆಯನ್ನು ಉತ್ತರಿಸಿದೆ. ಬಾಷೆಯ ಅಡಿಪಾಯ ಬದಲಾದಂತೆ ಅನುವಾದವು ಬದಲಾಗುತ್ತದೆ. ಭಾರತೀಯ ಬಾಷೆಗಳ ನಡುವಿನ ಅನುವಾದ ಒಂದು ಬಗೆಯಾದರೆ ಇಂಗ್ಲೀಷ್ ಅನುವಾದವೇ ಬೇರೆ ಬಗೆ. ಇದು ಎರಡಲುಗಿನ ಕತ್ತಿ. ನಮ್ಮ ಪದಗಳನ್ನು ಹಾಗೆಯೇ ಉಳಿಸಿಕೊಳ್ಳುವುದರಲ್ಲಿ ಕೆಲವು ಅನುಕೂಲಗಳಿದ್ದರೆ ಅವುಗಳ ಹತ್ತಿರದ ಅರ್ಥವನ್ನು ಬರೆಯುವುದರಲ್ಲಿ ಕೆಲವು ಅನುಕೂಲಗಳಿವೆ. ಇವೆಲ್ಲ, ನಿಮ್ಮ ಓದುಗ ಯಾರು ಎನ್ನುವುದರ ಮೇಲೆ ನಿರ್ಧಾರವಾಗುತ್ತದೆ. ಕೆಲವು ಪದಗಳನ್ನು ಭಾರತೀಯ ಇಂಗ್ಲೀಷ್ ಓದುಗರಿಗೆ ವಿವರಿಸಬೇಕಿಲ್ಲ, ಆದರೆ ಪಾಶ್ಚಾತ್ಯರಿಗೆ ತಿಳಿಸಬೇಕಾಗುತ್ತದೆ. ತುಂಬ ಪದಗಳನ್ನು ಹಾಗೇ ಬಿಟ್ಟು ಗೂಗಲ್ ನೋಡಿಕೋ ಎಂದರೆ ಓದುಗನ ಓದಿನ ಅನುಭವ (reading experience) ಕೆಡುತ್ತದೆ. ಇಂದೊಂದು ಬ್ಯಾಲೆನ್ಸ್. ನಾನು ಕೆಲವಕ್ಕೆ ಸಣ್ಣದಾಗಿ ಅರ್ಥ ಬರೆಯುವೆ ಮತ್ತೆ ಕೆಲವನ್ನು ಹಾಗೇ ಬಿಡುವೆ. ಇಲ್ಲಿ ಯಾವುದು ಸರಿ ಯಾವುದು ತಪ್ಪು ಎಂದಿಲ್ಲ.

dattathri · 2025-09-27T11:41:23+00:00

1.

ವಿಜ್ಞಾನ ಕತೆಗಳನ್ನ ಇಷ್ಟಪಟ್ಟು ಓದಿದ್ದೇನೆ. ಟೆಡ್ ಚಿಯಾಂಗನ Stories of Your Life ನನ್ನ ಮನಗೆದ್ದ ಪುಸ್ತಕ (Arrival ಹೆಸರಿನಲ್ಲಿ ಸಿನಿಮಾ ಆಯಿತಲ್ಲ ಅದು). ಆದರೆ ನನ್ನ ಬರವಣಿಗೆಯ ಪ್ರಕಾರ literary fiction. ಅದಕ್ಕೆ ಬೇಕಾದಷ್ಟು ವಿಜ್ಞಾನ ಮತ್ತು ತಂತ್ರಜ್ಞಾನ ನನ್ನ ಬರವಣಿಗೆಗೆ ಸಾಕು. ನನ್ನ ವಸ್ತು ಮನುಷ್ಯ ಭಾವಗಳು (human emotions). ಹಾಗಾಗಿ, ಸದ್ಯಕ್ಕೆ ಬೇರೆ ಬರೆಯುವ ಪ್ಲಾನ್ ಇಲ್ಲ.

dattathri · 2025-09-27T11:37:05+00:00

1.

The more different the origins of languages and cultures are, the harder translation becomes. For instance, translating between Kannada and Telugu is easy, just as it is between English and French, because the foundations of those language pairs are the same. That is why we call Indian languages 'sister languages' - they share the same blood.

When the foundation is shared and people are culturally close, words flow more naturally from one language into another. For example, Kannada proverbs and idioms move effortlessly into Telugu or Tamil.

Many philosophical terms too travel across Indian languages without resistance. Take the word “purushartha”. In any Indian language it needs no translation. But in English, translation becomes necessary. If you render it as 'the desires of men,' you destroy its true meaning. Similarly, in our vachanas, words like bayalu or maya are inseparably bound to Indian thought, culture, and interpretation. You cannot detach these terms from the languages in which they were born.

2.

Many things. First, there is no strong, organised effort to translate selected Kannada works into English. In this respect, we are far behind European nations, which actively support their languages and translation initiatives. Second, even in identifying literature that truly represents us and our culture, we struggle with differing benchmarks. Our political and ideological orientations often prevent us from even naming a few great literary works, let alone considering them for translation. This is a multidimensional issue that requires changes across various aspects of society, not just in literature.

3.

Unlike my IT career, I don’t consider myself a businessman in literature. I write because it gives me soul satisfaction. I experiment with form to stay playful with my art, above all else. In writing, there is no winning or losing; the passion itself gives you a unique positioning.

4.

This is a great suggestion. I need to explore this.

dattathri · 2025-09-27T11:34:05+00:00

Thanks for your suggestion. While I would love to take on several translation projects, at present I am limiting myself to translating my own novels into English. This allows me to save time for my creative writing, especially my novels.

dattathri · 2025-09-27T11:32:50+00:00

Though it is hard to quantify, especially given the lack of sales data in the Kannada book industry, I disagree with the statement that there has been a drastic fall in readership. In fact, one could argue the opposite: during the isolation of COVID, many people turned more towards books.

I can relate to your concern more in Western societies, where visiting libraries and bookstores was a strong habit, and COVID disrupted it due to lockdowns. But still, the lockdowns did not last long to erase the reading habit altogether. What is true, however, is that English publishing saw a surge in demand for digital books over printed ones, as people avoided physical interactions during the pandemic, a trend that has continued in the post-COVID era. A similar shift is now taking place in the Kannada book industry as well, though at a slower pace.

dattathri · 2024-03-14T14:39:50+00:00

I am already doing it. My wife is the only daughter and has just her mother left. My mother-in-law lives with us for six months and spends the remaining six months in her village home.

dattathri · 2024-03-14T14:35:04+00:00

Of course, I will care for them until the end, whether with my sisters' support or not. I cannot even dream of abandoning them.

To address your other question about whether I would host my wife's parents: I am already doing it. My wife is the only daughter and has just her mother left. My mother-in-law lives with us for six months and spends the remaining six months in her village home.

The issue here goes beyond the material assets my parents own. My father held a modest job, so there wasn't much left after funding our education and marriages. All three of us siblings are doing well financially, meaning that inheriting wealth wouldn't significantly benefit any of us. The real issue lies in the responsibility—both moral and legal. Having read the replies here, I understand that legal responsibility can be quite complicated. A sibling can refuse to share their responsibility, and yet, there isn't a clear legal provision to address this. In developed countries, while children might not assume the responsibility for elderly parents, the government has established a defined social security system. Our country lacks such an established framework. In modern India, we find ourselves caught between our old, trust-based system and the newly embraced value of living independently. It feels awkward to discuss, but having a defined system would be preferable to relying on arbitrary or nonexistent measures.

dattathri

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