Writers I Admire But Would Avoid Meeting

It's a fascinating topic when we consider which writers we love and yet would avoid meeting due to their less appealing personal qualities. For instance, a romance author who consistently releases books with grammatical errors and a self-centered attitude could easily put me off. However, beloved authors like J.K. Rowling might make similar thoughts arise, given her celebrity status and the possibility of not living up to the media-created persona.

Ernest Hemingway, Charlie Willeford, and Norman Mailer: Alpha Male Bullies

Three writers who immediately come to mind are Ernest Hemingway, Charlie Willeford, and Norman Mailer. Hemingway is celebrated for his exceptional short stories and works like For Whom the Bell Tolls. Willeford created a character reminiscent of Miami detective television shows with his protagonist, and Norman Mailer's importance in literature is undeniable, especially in his works on warfare and peace activism. These authors, however, have chilling reputations of being bullies and proud of their machismo. Hemingway, in particular, has been described as a forceful and intimidating figure, while Mailer was known to treat people poorly and see himself as a sort of prophet.

Imagining an Encounter

The thought of meeting them is not appealing because I would be afraid of being intimidated by their talent or their manly bravado. Much like a Special Forces soldier would prepare for a bar fight, I imagine their presence could be equally daunting. It's not just their words that would scare me; it's their reputation and the way they would likely react to a fan. The idea of someone who is so alpha that they might not even have time for fans or fans' requests for autographs is quite intimidating.

Other Unenjoyable Writers

There are other authors who are difficult to encounter, such as Fyodor Dostoyevsky and Leo Tolstoy. Dostoyevsky was incredibly unpleasant and difficult to be around, much like the characters in his works, blending the worst parts of the Karamazov clan into one being. Tolstoy is another character who doesn't score well in the civility department, treating his wife and friends poorly and seeing himself as a prophet. Upon first reading Anna Karenina, the character Levin seemed to be a satirical representation of an annoying person.

The same goes for D.H. Lawrence, who was talented but had qualities that could make social interactions challenging. His sexual obsessions and rants, combined with his sense of high purpose, could be off-putting. Another interesting case is Edgar Allan Poe, whose many and serious problems might be too difficult to navigate.

Modern and Controversial Authors

More recent authors like T.S. Eliot and Gabriele D'Annunzio also come to mind. While I appreciate his poetry, T.S. Eliot was known for his controversial views, including his racism. D'Annunzio, on the other hand, led a provocative and failed effort during his life but had an influence on Italian fascism that is still noted. In both cases, the difficulties they faced as human beings could overshadow their literary achievements.

Final Thoughts

No one is perfect, and it highlights the importance of separating the person from the art. Many of these writers were immensely talented, but their personal lives added layers of complexity that make these encounters less than pleasant. While I can acknowledge their contributions to literature, the personal challenges and behaviors make me prefer to keep my distance.