Writers Need Dogs: Karl Ove Knausgaard’s View on Creativity is Misguided

In 2018, Norwegian author Karl Ove Knausgaard wrote a surprisingly concise piece for The New Yorker on the pitfalls of dog ownership for writers. He argued that a dog might be the worst thing a writer could have, even overshadowing haemorrhoids or an Instagram account.

“Dogs have never interested me,” he admitted, recounting that he feared dogs during his childhood and only got one later in life due to his daughter’s insistence. He resented the dog’s presence, blaming it for his writer’s block, although he conceded, “I’m not blaming the dog”—before doing exactly that. Interestingly, a year later, he published the 688-page novel “The Morning Star,” seemingly recovering from his writer’s block.

I read Knausgaard’s piece one summer day in the park. My own dog lay sprawled in the shade, immovable. Like Knausgaard, I am a writer, though not nearly as accomplished. While he stands tall in the literary league, I’m at the bottom. Nonetheless, I love the solitude of writing but recognize how claustrophobic it can become.

Despite initial reluctance, I embraced dog ownership after my daughters pleaded for a pet. Unlike Knausgaard, I quickly welcomed the break from my hot laptop, finding not just distraction but fresh inspiration. The local dog park in southwest suburban London became a vivid source of life and stories.

Over the years, I encountered various colorful characters, from a stoned martial arts enthusiast to a motorised wheelchair user who shared tales of architecture and a pending divorce. Acts of compassion unfolded before my eyes, and I witnessed tender kindness that warmed my heart.

These interactions enriched my social circle and found their way into my new memoir, “People Who Like Dogs Like People Who Like Dogs.” Dogs, I believe, are natural at finding stimulation and taking us along for the ride.

In his New Yorker piece, Knausgaard mockingly claimed that no “good author” ever owned a dog, although he acknowledged Virginia Woolf did—but only lapdogs, which he humorously dismissed.

He overlooked how some of the most touching and popular books in recent years explore the dynamic between humans and animals, a subject that consistently engages us. Our efforts to communicate with our pets strengthen the bond, teaching us valuable lessons about humanity.

Even before writing my memoir, I was intrigued by such stories. Mary Gaitskill’s “Lost Cat” captivated me with its account of adopting a cat in Italy and bringing it to America, only for it to go missing. British journalist Kate Spicer’s “Lost Dog” detailed her frantic search for a lurcher that repeatedly bolts, providing an edge-of-your-seat narrative.

Eileen Battersby’s “Ordinary Dogs” remains one of the most touching midlife memoirs I’ve read, describing how two rescue dogs transformed her life. Bonnie Garmus’ debut novel, “Lessons In Chemistry,” even featured a talking dog.

American writer Sigrid Nunez shared that her 2018 novel “The Friend” became an award-winning bestseller largely because it involved a dog. Initially skeptical, she realized the canine-human bond deeply resonates with people, offering comfort and connection.

Animals teach us that the world doesn’t belong to us alone, and so through them our worlds become bigger

Helen Macdonald, memoirist

Helen Macdonald’s 2015 memoir “H is for Hawk” explored the profound connection with a goshawk while grieving a parent’s death. It followed a rich tradition of literature reflecting on the curative power of sharing life with animals, expanding our understanding of the world.

Macdonald emphasized that animals make us see the world through their eyes, an imaginative act that enriches our lives. Although initially a cat person, I found that my border terrier, Missy, broadened my horizons and introduced me to new friends.

Writing about my interactions with fellow dog owners felt natural because these experiences were so enriching. Perhaps this story has universal appeal, showing how bonding with animals can help bridge the gaps in a world often marked by loneliness.

Interestingly, Knausgaard resolved his writer’s block by giving his dog away. Mine, however, is here to stay. She’s earned her place.

‘People Who Like Dogs Like People Who Like Dogs’ by Nick Duerden is out now