Salvational or "a series of compulsions"?
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Salvational or "a series of compulsions"?
Bowen Dwelle in conversation with Sam Kahn of Castalia
This conversation is part of an ongoing series of conversations with fellow writers including several on Substack such as Michael Mohr, Lyle McKeany, and Sex at Dawn author Chris Ryan as well as others including master coaches Michael Lipson and Robert Ellis, ultra-ultra-runner Charlie Engle and legendary sci-fi author Kim Stanley Robinson.
Today’s conversation is between
, the writer behind , who also writes as part of the collective, and who writes, which includes his serialized memoir of the same name.Sam and I got together for a deep and wide-ranging conversation covering how we came to writing on Substack, the questions of why write? and is it hard?, figuring out how to tell the truth, the challenges of editing, using addiction as the “hinge” for writing, how life can seem like “a series of compulsions,” how writing can be “salvational,” as well as the power of community for writers. We also get to one of my favorite topics: masculinity and identity, which is as complicated—or as simple—as you want to make it. Either way, as Sam puts it, “it’s a valid topic.” Finally, the epistemological boundary between arguing a point of meaning vs. speaking from personal experience, reconnecting with our wild center, and, of course, what we’re working on next.
If you’re someone who values authentic, honest, deep, vulnerable conversations between working writers, we think you’ll get a lot out of this discussion.
Following the interview are links to some of our writing, some other writers of memoir on Substack, and some questions for you. We’d love to hear from you!
Our Conversation
Listen in the player at the top of the page, or watch the interview on video:
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Sam writes at
on literature, politics, and personal reflections.Bowen writes memoir and personal essay on topics including identity, masculinity, adventure, alcohol, addiction, depression, sports, not having children, and love, among other things.
Some of our writing
Bowen: Sex is Better Sober
Other writers we recommend on Substack
Just Enough to Get Me in Trouble The Bright Life Make Me Good SoilFurther Reading
📖 The Revolt of the Public, Martin Gurri
👁️ The Flowering Wand: Rewilding the Sacred Masculine,
📚 Bowen’s complete “for men” reading list.
Men’s Writing Group on Substack
Bowen hosts a monthly group for men on Substack writing memoir, autofiction, personal essay and other first-person informed work. This group already includes several strong writers Michael Mohr Latham Turner Joshua Doležal Lyle McKeany Dee Rambeau. Participation is by request and invitation. If you’re interested in joining us, please complete this questionnaire.
We’ve got some questions for you
Why do you write? Is there a subject or personal complex that serves as a hinge for your writing?
What are your own compulsions?
Is writing redemptive (or just another compulsion)?
How does Substack change the way we think about writing, art, and sharing ideas?
Did you enjoy this conversation?
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Salvational or "a series of compulsions"?
I've now watched the full hour and want to add that I appreciate the openness of the "conversation" (and the allusion to the flick), the kindness that you expressed toward each other, the interest in your each other and, thus, the connection. After all, "Only connect ..." the epigraph to E.M. Forster's _Howards End_ is my moniker, so to speak. One more comment: I do edit but believe firmly that editing is always a secondary task ... I could go on ... xo to you both. ~ Mary
Thank you so for the mention. I haven't yet listened to the full hour but will. I must say at this point in the conversation: Wish I were a man and could join your group. Sam, as he knows, rides high for me on Substack. And now I've found you.
Wondering also at 15 minutes in, particularly you, Bowen, because of your title, and Sam of course, if you've read Maurice Blanchot's _The Writing of the Disaster_ that I quote today? More once I finish the full conversation.