Got an apologetic email back from Berkeley this morning, saying that unfortunately the department didn't get the travel funds they expected and hence will be unable to reimburse my airfare. Right. Also my car stereo was stolen two days ago and my cheap-ass video card is crapping out after a couple minutes of the computer being turned on, and hey presto! the text is barely legible.
I guess this is why I have to go write some more. Last night I was asked over the phone what I wanted my writing to be, and I was as surprised as anyone when I responded, "Something that I can live off." It was barely two years ago that I was still thinking about forging in the smithy of my soul the uncreated conscience of my race, and all that; but since leaving the program I have sunk, by my own estimation, about $40,000 into these damn books, and it would be nice to see some return. Pragmatism doesn't take long to assert itself, not when you're trying to pay the rent.
