Matt Patterson is writing an eight-part series on conservatives in literary America. He starts with the story of a typical filmmaker who is soaked in liberal ideas in film school and effectively forgets any conservative ideas he may have had.

Next, he interviews Michael Blowhard: “Honestly I’d advise anyone, rightie or lefty, to avoid a life in the arts, at least the arts as conventionally understood: literary-fiction, gallery art, etc. It’s likely to be a very hard one. I’m very serious about that. Money is scarce, success may never arrive, frustration and disappointment are inevitable, breakdowns and suicides aren’t uncommon. And in a country as full of money, space, and opportunity as the U.S., why opt for the hard way?”

In his third column, he analyzes Mr. Blowhard’s statements a bit: “Does one really have to be an author or artist to have a tough time in life? There are lots of waitresses and dock workers and miners who have it tough. Money is scarce for many people, in and out of the arts. Success, the definition of which varies from person to person, may never arrive for anyone, regardless of chosen profession.”

And finally to date, Matt talks about new movements.