Writing in the Conjuncture w/ Dayna Tortorici and Lisa Borst
Oct 7, 2024
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Dayna Tortorici, co-editor of n+1 magazine, and Lisa Borst, also a co-editor, dive into their new anthology, The Intellectual Situation. They reflect on the anthology’s diverse essays from 2004-2024, exploring how writing captures the essence of recent political struggles. The duo discusses the emotional weight of narratives during pivotal moments, like the pandemic and social movements. They emphasize the intertwining of personal stories and activism, shedding light on the future of intellectual spaces and the importance of uplifting emerging voices.
The anthology 'The Intellectual Situation' captures a decade of political struggles through eclectic writing, illustrating the intertwining of personal narrative and broader societal issues.
Editors Dayna Tortorici and Lisa Borst reflect on their collaborative process, using tools like spreadsheets to curate pieces that balance personal significance with thematic relevance.
As N Plus One evolves, the editors emphasize the necessity of adaptability in publishing, blending rigorous writing with accessibility to engage a diverse audience.
Deep dives
Introduction to N Plus One and Its Influence
N Plus One is a prominent literary magazine founded in 2004, known for its eclectic mix of essays, fiction, criticism, and memoirs. The new anthology, titled 'The Intellectual Situation,' showcases selected works from the second decade of the magazine, curated by editors Lisa Borst and Dana Tortorici. The anthology not only highlights individual contributions but also reflects a wider cultural and political landscape, enriching the reader's understanding of contemporary issues. The magazine has become influential in shaping discussions around health, politics, and social movements, drawing connections between personal experiences and larger societal trends.
Key Themes in the Anthology
The anthology features a broad range of writing that captures the complexity of political life over the last decade. It includes powerful personal essays that use first-person narratives to explore broader social phenomena, such as essays addressing the political turmoil surrounding the 2016 elections. In particular, the editors emphasize works that provide intimate reflections alongside critical insights, helping readers understand the emotional weight of political activism and social change. This unique combination creates a rich tapestry of perspectives that resonate across various activist movements, inviting readers to reflect on their own experiences within the political landscape.
The Process of Curating the Collection
The editorial process behind assembling the anthology was collaborative and introspective, involving discussions among the co-editors regarding what pieces best represented the decade's defining moments. They utilized a spreadsheet to categorize potential essays, balancing personal significance with broader thematic relevance. The editors faced challenges in deciding which pieces to include, often referencing 'tentpole' works that were seminal in shaping the magazine's voice during this period. Ultimately, the anthology was crafted to not only highlight standout essays but to also capture the reader's experience of reliving the significant cultural shifts that occurred over the last ten years.
The Role of Personal Experience in Political Writing
A recurring thread within the anthology is the intertwining of personal narrative and political discourse, which serves to ground the theoretical in everyday experience. Many essays showcase how individual identities and struggles can reflect larger societal issues, emphasizing the importance of emotional engagement alongside intellectual rigor. This approach challenges the traditional view of political writing, advocating for a more nuanced understanding of how personal experiences inform one's political beliefs. The editors underscore that recognizing the emotional stakes of political activism is crucial in fostering solidarity among diverse movements and individuals.
Future Directions for N Plus One and Intellectual Discourse
As N Plus One approaches its third decade, the editors reflect on its evolving role within the broader intellectual landscape, especially amid the decline of traditional publishing institutions. They emphasize the importance of adaptability, advocating for a blend of rigorous writing and accessibility to engage a wider audience. This adaptability positions N Plus One as a crucial platform for emerging voices and conversations around leftist politics, ensuring its relevance in contemporary discourse. By maintaining a focus on quality content and fostering inclusivity, N Plus One aims to continue providing meaningful analysis and insight in a rapidly changing world.
Dayna Tortorici and Lisa Borst discuss The Intellectual Situation, a new anthology of writing from the literary magazine n+1. The anthology brings together writing from the period of 20014-2024, including contributions from people such as Gabriel Winant, Alyssa Battistoni, Tabi Haslet, Nikil Saval, and many others. In this conversation Lisa and Dayna discuss putting the collection together, how it feels to read back essays written during different political struggles from the last decade, and how they think about the relationship between writing and organising.
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Soundtrack by Mark Pilkington
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www.redmedicine.substack.com/
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