In this episode of Sick Sad Lit, host Jen Eastwood sits down with acclaimed author Sarah Rose Etter to unpack the emotional and political weight of writing in a collapsing world. They explore how magical realism and dark fiction serve as tools for survival and resistance under late-stage capitalism, and how attention spans, burnout, and economic precarity shape the creative process.

Through a raw and reflective conversation, Etter shares insights on the emotional labor of storytelling, the role of surrealism in literature, and what it means to write authentically amidst societal decay. Whether you're a writer navigating capitalism, a reader drawn to unflinching fiction, or a fan of Sarah Rose Etter’s work, this episode offers a powerful look at how literature endures—and resists—through crisis.

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Takeaways

• The emotional toll of writing is significant in a capitalist society.
• Attention spans are affected by technology and media consumption.
• Writing style can reflect the author's own attention span and experiences.
• Surrealism in literature can provide a lens for discussing political and social issues.
• The struggle for financial security is a common theme among writers.
• Empathy in storytelling is crucial for connecting with readers.
• The impact of urban poverty is a pressing issue in contemporary literature.
• The unpredictability of timing in literature can affect its relevance.
• Dark fiction serves as a form of resistance and reflection of societal issues.
• The process of writing often involves navigating personal and professional identities.

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