Subtle Maneuvers

Subtle Maneuvers

Share this post

Subtle Maneuvers
Subtle Maneuvers
Alice Notley on getting things to come easily

Alice Notley on getting things to come easily

Here’s the secret, if you can bear it

Mason Currey's avatar
Mason Currey
Mar 20, 2023
∙ Paid
98

Share this post

Subtle Maneuvers
Subtle Maneuvers
Alice Notley on getting things to come easily
41
1
Share

Welcome to the latest issue of Subtle Maneuvers, my fortnightly newsletter on wriggling through a creative life. If today’s issue resonates with you, please consider becoming a paying subscriber for $5/month or $30/year. This newsletter wouldn’t be possible without reader support.


Alice Notley (b. 1945)

Last issue, I wrote about the late American poet Bernadette Mayer’s “famous” writing prompts, but there was an additional bit of Mayer material I wasn’t able to squeeze into the newsletter that I’m still thinking about. It’s from a 2020 interview with Mayer, and it’s on a subject dear to my heart: how to make writing not feel torturous, if such a thing is even possible. Here’s what Mayer said:

This post is for paid subscribers

Already a paid subscriber? Sign in
© 2025 Mason Currey
Privacy ∙ Terms ∙ Collection notice
Start writingGet the app
Substack is the home for great culture

Share