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Creation: On Art and Unbecoming

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"Creation is a stunning new collection by one of the most exciting living writers. Reading a Christopher Zeischegg book is like stepping into a dream in which anything can happen—his particular combination of sex, death, beauty, and horror often feels downright transcendent."
—Chelsea Hodson, author of Tonight I'm Someone Else

“A phantasmagoria of the violences comprising an artist’s life. The pursuit of clout a violence of hemorrhage, of taint, of rotting from chest outward. The pursuit of intimacy a violence of sculpting, of repair, of transforming one toward divinity. How the 'art world' violates the divinity of creation. You can let art kill you, let it skin you and sell your hide to the highest bidder (like you have a choice). Or you can take your flayed muscle and pile it into cathedral. Here, you may find another—a surrogate twin, skinned as you’ve been—and press your blood into theirs, intermingle your capillaries, and claim, 'Oh yes, I know you now. I always have. The rhythm of your true heart.' It may not be truth (in fact, you know deep down for certain it cannot be), but it’s enough of a lullaby to soothe your aches; a siren's call to rouse you to wake, to push you to your feet and move you about the world for at least another day."
—B.R. Yeager, author of Negative Space

​"Creation asks the bold questions that force us to understand the why and the how of what we create and that which we connect with. It is also a tremendously tender work showcasing Zeischegg's masterful command over his craft. Whether it's combing the depths of personal experience or charting the complexities of the true and false self, plunging into edifices of fiction and storytelling or examining the power and propulsiveness of friendship, Christopher Zeischegg writes from between realms, and his latest is a must-experience tome as vast as the entire spectrum of creativity itself."
—Michael J. Seidlinger, author of The Body Harvest and Anybody Home?

"Christopher Zeischegg’s new book is a fascinating combination of essay, memoir and fiction. It opens with a new novella, which starts at the logical point to pick up from Zeischegg’s previous book, the blank and raw LA noir that was The Magician. Dark, transactional affairs are informed by selfishness and self-survival.

"From then on, we are given a masterclass in dissection as the writer examines and pulls apart relationships of all kinds in all kinds of ways. We are shown the relationship between an artist and their work. We are made to think about the relationship between art and the viewer—we are all pulled in.

"One of the main focuses seems to be on the body. The bodies that we all have. How do we use these bodies? How are our bodies used? What happens when there is no pleasure left in the body that we have and what if there never was?

"Ultimately though, Creation casts its view on friendship. Using the artist Luka Fisher as a muse, a character, a subject of documentary, Zeischegg can consider the notion of platonic friendship—what it means to have a friendship without transaction, and how do you really know someone? It’s a powerful thing to be witness to, and it’s a moving thing.

"Creation is an excitingly original book made by one of our sharpest contemporary writers. It is a book with so much going on inside it that it is still with me now, after multiple reads. And each time the reader rethinks it, they can’t help but rethink themselves."
—Thomas Moore, author of Forever

304 pages, Paperback

Published January 21, 2024

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141 people want to read

About the author

Christopher Zeischegg

8 books98 followers

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5 stars
23 (67%)
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6 (17%)
3 stars
2 (5%)
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1 (2%)
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
Profile Image for David Peak.
Author 25 books277 followers
June 4, 2024
Christopher Zeischegg's Creation is a thoughtful, cohesive collection with pieces ranging from exploratory essays to commissioned articles to outrageously violent and disturbing auto fiction. There's the undeniable influence of Dennis Cooper, yes, but it's all filtered through Zeischegg's personal concerns, namely sex work, economic insecurity, artmaking, and sacrifice. It all feels very new and truly exciting. Every time I put it down I looked forward to picking it up again--and I was sad when it was over.
Profile Image for Benoit Lelièvre.
Author 6 books187 followers
January 28, 2024
This book is a reflection how I like my music: violent, pained, shambolic, coming apart at the seams. If Mikey Williams from Eyehategod ever read this, he might write a while album in the following weeks.

I get frisky around any sort of sex scene that is devoid of desire for reasons I'm sure you can imagine, so some of these essay/short stories/autofictions (it was hard to tell some of them apart), were quite confronting for me, but Christopher Zeischegg's raw honesty and vulnerability kept me going. There's an emotional truth to this book that is quite accessible and easy to empathize with. It's so easy for young adult to commodify themselves for decent pay right out of school. I did not do sex work (for the same reasons you can imagine), but I fucking sold myself for cheap to a call center for four years after finishing college, so I intuitively understood what Zeischegg was longing for, from the gutter.

I loved the essay Failed Startup, Hackrod (which was a real company, I checked) as I appreciated Zeischegg's DIY perspective on something that was so alien to him. It anchored my reading and made me want to step up my own game.

Not surprised this came out from Apocalypse Party. It's metal af.
Profile Image for joe.
154 reviews19 followers
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February 12, 2024
I’m not sure if this was the correct place to start with Christopher Zeischegg, as the book mentions his previous works on a number of occasions. Still felt enraptured by the majority of the book, and I don’t think it made too much of a difference to my overall enjoyment, I just feel guilty in a sense of disservice to the work’s true potential.

Loved the first chapter and could immediately spot the Dennis Cooper influences seeping out of the writing. Many themes to link the two together, but this felt heavily art oriented in comparison.

Auto-fiction can get a bad rep from the suits, that’s a given, but Zeischegg battles within himself here in a way that really justifies the auto-fictional direction. It’s clear that he can write a stellar story, and there’s little to take critical aim at in that regard, therefore it feels important to expand on the standard story that could be made. The purpose of Zeischegg’s writing doesn’t seem to be to plot out a gripping tale here, nor is it just to push boundaries without taking ownership of the language. It’s a tool being used to experiment with art, to build alternative realities that the author almost travelled down, and to get thoughts out into the open that otherwise would stay totally locked away.
Profile Image for Max Restaino.
83 reviews43 followers
February 1, 2024
A beautiful collection. Chris writes violence that makes my entire body tense, but the warmth and love in the essays about Luka Fisher paint this utterly brutal collection in a wonderfully lovely light.
Profile Image for Chanel Chapters.
2,163 reviews244 followers
Read
September 28, 2024
1 star

A snuff film in book form.
Drenched in depraved sex and death.
Made me lose my appetite.
Profile Image for Joseph Ritchie.
47 reviews9 followers
February 22, 2024
Creation is a selection of short fiction, essays and memoirs, all of which are anchored in some way to the mysterious presence of the artist Luka Fisher. It has been many years since a book has been able to instil panic in me based on the events that unfold, regardless of the intentions of the author. For instance, one piece gives us a protagonist seeking second hand sui-c-ide via a seedy online forum. After quickly finding a number of simaritans offering to fulfil his request, he will soon come to a horrifying (momentary?) realisation when it is far too late - I do not want to die.

"𝘞𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘢𝘮 𝘐 𝘴𝘶𝘱𝘱𝘰𝘴𝘦𝘥 𝘵𝘰 𝘥𝘰?" 𝒕𝒉𝒐𝒖𝒈𝒉𝒕 ████, 𝒘𝒉𝒐 𝒔𝒉𝒐𝒐𝒌 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒄𝒓𝒊𝒆𝒅 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒘𝒓𝒆𝒕𝒄𝒉𝒆𝒅.

It's easy to compare Chris' work to Dennis Cooper (not just based on his very own George Miles found in Luka) or call it 'Transgressive', a word that is quickly becoming foul tasting the more it's being pinned against works of cheap shocks and splatterpunk, but I genuinely believe this author stands alone with his own vicious voice.

______________________________

I cannot recommend this book enough for fans of the nerve crushingly unreliable characters found in 𝗥𝘆𝘂 𝗠𝘂𝗿𝗮𝗸𝗮𝗺𝗶, the subtle horror found in the contemporary and mundane settings of 𝗝𝗼𝗲𝗹 𝗟𝗮𝗻𝗲, 𝗖𝗹𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗕𝗮𝗿𝗸𝗲𝗿(sounds stupid. i can't really explain this one without ruining 'The Author') and 𝗝𝗲𝗿𝘇𝘆 𝗞𝗼𝘀𝗶𝗻𝘀𝗸𝗶 for joining a protagonist on a journey through hell on earth. These are in no way confirmed influences, they are simply the flavours i tasted in this violent and beautiful collection of stories.
Profile Image for N. Poe.
22 reviews12 followers
September 12, 2025
If you're gonna play one note, at least strike a chord.
Profile Image for Chad Fjerstad.
Author 4 books4 followers
May 10, 2024
Ever since I read Chris Zeischegg's second novel, The Wolves That Live In Skin And Space, I have considered him one of my favorite authors. Now, on his 5th book, he continues his streak. Not a single one of his offerings has disappointed. While the further fiction-leaning WTLISAS and his last book, The Magician, hold the crown as my two favorite of his works, CREATION is another wholly engaging collection of pieces which fits in snuggly with his most celebrated release, BODY TO JOB. While BODY TO JOB was presented as a memoir with delves into fiction here and there, I recall it reading a bit more like a collection of short stories.

Here, in Zeischegg's first official collection of shorter pieces, it is impressive how much cohesion there is amidst the previously unrelated pieces. It is noted late in this book that Zeischegg has grown tired of his own style of writing, that which generally consists of him writing himself as a relatively worthless male prostitute who generally meets the harshest of conclusions in the end. That segment not only displays the type of meta writing he does and the type of meta experience you will have as a reader consuming Zeischegg's works, but it also explains how that cohesion amongst these short stories happened so organically. When something happens so organically, I take that as a sign that this is something that person was meant to do. I believe Zeischegg was meant to write.

Of course, like much transgressive fiction, if graphic sex, violence, or general misanthropia bother you, then you should definitely steer clear of these books. All 5 of Zeischegg's books feature a heavy dose of Dennis Cooper-tinted sex, violence, and sexual violence on a level that makes most horror media feel like Barney. But for me, I read because in hopes of having a jaw-dropping experience, and Zeischegg not only reliably provides that every single time, but he also manages to conjure unpredictable twists and turns, and fiercely singular concepts weaved into all the perverse, gory madness. His sense of honesty, and very unique sense of nuanced humor that is immensely dry and immensely dark, give him an unmatched voice.

If you are appreciative of gut-wrenching, provocative, and/or genuinely terrifying media, then I strongly recommend you give Christopher Zeischegg's works a committed try. While I think Creation works best as an aftermath to his 3 strongest offerings (Wolves, Body To Job, and The Magician), it feels like a perfect swan song to what he basically states is the end of a particular era for him as an author. While I will miss this specific brand of devastating storytelling, all the greatest artists must grow over time. I am excited to see what the future holds for Zeischegg as a writer. Wherever the story goes, I know it will be incredible...
Profile Image for Christian.
90 reviews9 followers
Read
July 3, 2025
2.5 ⭐️

I’m sorry Creation: On Art and Unbecoming, it’s not you, it’s me. It’s obvious that you show some real talent- I think your prose style is smooth, your characters relatable, your themes and subject matter incredibly gripping- but most of your pieces left me feeling empty. Something in you was lost on me, and that’s okay- everyone is different. And just for the record, I quite enjoyed On the Moral Imperative to Commodify our Sexual Suffering, Light, and The Author.
I wish you all the best.
Profile Image for Michael.
755 reviews54 followers
March 30, 2024
This was my first book by Christopher Zeischegg. I heard amazing stuff about his book The Magician. I really enjoyed this collection. The stories are very unique, and Christopher has a beautifully tragic writing prose that flowed so well.
Profile Image for jobelle.
11 reviews
July 14, 2024
this book opened my third eye i think. deep introspection, sex, and body horror mixed in with exploring what it means to be an artist, what it means to be a friend, and attempting to move past self destructive patterns/being unsure of where that will take you. heart sm
Profile Image for Emily.
41 reviews4 followers
July 9, 2024
I was completely addicted to Creation by Christopher Zeischegg from the first few pages. This book felt dangerous which left me intoxicated. I am definitely excited to read more of his work.
Profile Image for MR. OMAR KING.
11 reviews5 followers
September 8, 2024
*I shared this on my instagram post and I thought it would be appropriate to share it here and perhaps expand on it little more.

So here it is*



I have to say that I was naive and just ignorant about @chriszeischegg ; I had no idea he used to be an adult film performer. Knock on wood, right?

It was dumb of me not putting the two together. It just didn’t cross my mind that he used to do those things back then. At the time, the only thing I knew about him was that he wrote ‘The Magician’, that book I saw folks on here rave about, and that was it. I assumed Danny Wylde was his pen name. I thought he was an indie writer.

Before I met him in person on March 8th, Friday; an associate pulled their cell phone, showed me a clip of him bare naked with some lady having sexual intercourse. I pushed the phone away out of respect for myself and to Chris. I don’t know him personally, and I’m seeing this feller naked already. What the hell?!?! To me it’s disrespectful. I don’t want to watch someone doing it while I’m eating a sandwich. 🤣🤣. Say what you will, call me a prune, but I have to draw the line somewhere.

You can imagine the awkwardness and sheer horror and ignorance and nerves I went through, I was really nervous when I met him and his wife in person on March 8th for his book release party for ‘Creation’.

I was with @ssteventorress and @sebastian_albarran at the last projects building and I met @lukafisher (artist/subject of creation) and nice lady of the name of Maggie (his wife) and Chris; nervously smiling and I blurted out “DANNY WYLDE?!” I couldn’t pronounce his actual name, and the other one was easy to say.

I reckon he gave me a hug and that was really nice of him to do that. He was happy that I was there. I’m glad I showed up to support. I had a nice time there.

Even though he is a writer and used to do pornos, some folks get the impression that he might be a jerk or douche bag or joosh nugget (as I like to call someone who is prick), he’s actually genuinely nice person. I'm happy to call him my friend.

What a night that was!

Golly, I had a good time at @last_projects attending the party and seeing Luka Fisher’s art pieces.
There were Images of men and women in different position, naked, expressing each other and pleasing each other in a physical and emotional and seductive manner. Some pieces were violent and some were a little out there, interesting work. 👍.

I went to the back room with Sebastian and ordered a cup of wine. I was going to pay, but the drink was on him. Thank you, Sebastian. I owe you one. It was tasty, but didn’t really affect me cognitively, I was straight forward and paying attention to my surroundings like a trooper.

Steven, Sebastian, and I both went outside to take a breather, I sat on a chair by the window and they stood opposite me chatting about the experience and how awesome it is. I agreed with them. This is something far what I am used to. I never expected to be at place like last projects and to chat with different people. It is the little things that makes a person feel like they’re on cloud nine. I am shooting for the stars!

At any rate, this book—it has been quite a journey—reading for two months straight.

Started from March 8th to May 4th.

Jeez Louise, what a page turner this was. For a book like this I find it surprising that is the only book that has kept my attention, page by page; I don’t know what to say about this book other than engaging (although that would be an understatement and a de-service to this book)… when it comes to the unsavory writing in the book, it is not an easy read for sure, but Chris has done a great job on that. 👍

I took this book wherever I traveled to.

I took this book to school, to the park, to the kitchen, and to work.

I hid that book in my locker, waiting for me to take my 15 minute break and crack it open and read a chapter or two.

Accidentally, I’d stained curry sauce on the edge of the book, (I wish good reads had a feature where can I import images so I can show you all the stained edge) with my dirty ass fingers, eating and reading, during my 30 minute luncheon.

I went through the good and the bad and the funny times with this book

Best thing I read for two months straight!
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews

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