Asking writers to choose: Clive James and the tensions of multimodal authorship

Over the past decades, there has been a marked change in expectations on writers to maintain public profiles and participate marketing dissemination of their work wide range contexts. In contrast an enduring myth authors as solitary lives singular writing, many today engage with readers audiences across number media platforms. At same time, critical reception varied writing practices does not necessarily support they attempt do so. This article discusses career Australian author Clive James (1939–2019), whose practice was particularly nature, example writer adapting different emerging forms genres. While commonly praised for his artistic pursuits quantity publications, conflicted reveals nature concepts authorship that privilege authors’ separation specialisation ahead social engagement multimodality. I argue more sympathetic approach is one analyses supports multimodal terms reflect its aims unique contributions, so acknowledges ways which can benefit writers, both artistically practically.