Lisa Borst News Today

But hearing the originator in person, with all that is missing as well as the new qualities of continuity, age, rust, wear, and wearing away—it’s moving, almost to the point of awe, or holiness. All the more so the better you know the recorded originals. The compensations or losses are the point. Plus the fact of the continuity of the person—that they are still here, performing for you.

Carver was still going, stylishly and bravely. Her unusual combination of tenacity and clear talent made me curious. (Also, I am always on the lookout for aspirational Lisas.) What did it look like, I wondered, to keep writing into middle age as though the older structures of DIY publishing were still intact or viable? To what extent can you just decide to continue refusing to sell out, even as rents go up everywhere and safety nets disappear? What kinds of writing does that produce?