PETER SOTOS ON CREATION AND COMPULSION

Transgressive author and pornographic madman Peter Sotos has written some of the greatest....well, I don't really know what the fuck to call it, in decades. His work is truly challenging using every conceivable definition of the word. Although his recent work is, I feel, better than his earlier writings, I would suggest you start with his old fanzine Pure if you want to get a genuine taste of what this man is about.

He also has some very interesting ideas about the nature of creativity, specifically as it applies to him. I suspect, however, that his quote could apply to a great many artists whose work is the product of obsession, dark or otherwise:

"I don't write just to have a book with my name on it. I write because I'm compelled by the intensity, as well as the lack, in the material at hand. I think there's a huge difference in the way I write now and what I'm better known for writing, but I see absolutely no reason to look for a subject to write about or find something I can somehow turn into a book or whatnot. I don't look for new projects or ways to impress or surprise others. I'm not interested in craft. If I'm told I write well, I know that it comes from a passion with the subject. The subject propels the writing and the constant thought. I don't have a need to create something. I have a need to create this."