The Life of a Writer

Martin Amis’ autobiographical novel explores the issue of what it means to be a writer and ultimately concludes writing is a vocation and way of living open to anyone, but writers are no more equipped for living life than any other human being. If an individual is willing to live the lifestyle and learn the craft, then he or she can become a writer. Writing is both an identity and a profession.

In terms of a writer’s identity, both the narrative and the “How-to” writing manual sections of the book describe the personality traits common among the best writers. In their earliest conversations, Saul and Martin describe how writers are susceptible to praise and dispraise. Saul states, “You fight it, and you don’t want to admit to it, but you’re never free of it” (10). He and Martin also discuss...