We discuss the life and times of John Kennedy Toole (1937-1969), the influential author behind the classic novel, A Confederacy of Dunces. We're joined by independent writer Dan Baltic, who teaches us some of the lessons he has learned from Toole's life and career. Dive into the captivating world of A Confederacy of Dunces, as we discuss the book's main character, Ignatius J Riley; learn how Toole's persistence (or lack thereof) serves as a cautionary tale for contemporary independent writers; as well as the parallels between Toole's struggles and Dan's rise as an independent author on the internet. Dan shares his experience building an audience on Twitter, publishing his first novel, and the lessons he's learned himself. We try to unlock the strategies and goals of dissident writers, and how independent authors like Dan are able to produce great work outside of institutions and gatekeepers. We discuss the pros and cons of traditional publishing deals, vs. the world of independent publishing, and much more. Chapters: (0:03:46) - Toole's "A Confederacy of Dunces" (0:15:45) - John Kennedy Tool's Life and Work (0:29:40) - Persistence and Patience for Writers (0:33:21) - Navigating the Confusion of Independent Publishing (0:43:02) - Building a Twitter Audience for Success (0:48:34) - Unlocking Twitter for Independent Writers (1:02:17) - Success for Independent Writers (1:13:09) - Lessons for Starting a Project Dan Baltic: Twitter - https://twitter.com/baltic_dan NUTCRANKR - https://terrorhousepress.com/product/nutcrankr/ Other Life ✦ Subscribe to the coolest free newsletter in the world and I'll send you all of my private book highlights. https://otherlife.co ✦ Join the Other Life community (free) https://otherlife.co/join IndieThinkers.org ✦ If you're working on independent projects, join the next cohort of https://IndieThinkers.org ... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_j-D4yJyht4

Asher Penn is the founder and editor of Sex Magazine, now in its 10th year. We talk about the magazine business, how to persist on countercultural projects for the long haul, what's cool and what's not, how to spot underground talent, the enduring value of print, what Asher learned from interviewing William Gibson, and much more. This was recorded at Urbit Assembly 2022. ✦ Buy Sex Magazine at https://sexmag.bigcartel.com Other Life ✦ Subscribe to the coolest newsletter in the world https://OtherLife.co ✦ Get a free Urbit ship at https://imperceptible.computer IndieThinkers.org ✦ If you're working on independent work, join the next cohort of https://IndieThinkers.org ... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=abvxTs08DFg

The full course opens this month! But first we are hosting a free private seminar on Sunday, previewing all the main points of the course. Come and discuss, ask questions, etc. Sign up here: http://bit.ly/2NTR1Ah Johannes Niederhauser Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCDsQqlrzoc-K32DE-Wh-roA Twitter: https://twitter.com/johannesachill Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/classicalphilosophy Other Life You can join my free Discord server by requesting an invite here: https://theotherlifenow.com/join/ I'm now publishing a free weekly newsletter highlighting the best stuff coming out each week from the weird, wide world of independent intellectuals on the internet. https://theotherlifenow.com/newsletter/ Big thanks to my patrons who help me keep the lights on! https://patreon.com/jmrphy ... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1kB9lnH811A

➡️ To join my Discord server, request an invitation at https://theotherlifenow.com/join/ More below??? ➡️ I publish a free weekly newsletter about independent intellectuals on the internet. https://theotherlifenow.com/newsletter/ ➡️ Big thanks to my patrons who help me keep the lights on. Consider becoming one! https://patreon.com/jmrphy ... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8K7nn2khopo