SHOP TALK WITH WRITERS

• Ep. 14: DANIEL KEHLMANN

  SummaryIn this episode of Shop Talk with Writers, bestselling German-Austrian author Daniel Kehlmann speaks to host Elena Lappin about his latest novel, The Director, which explores the life and work of Austrian director G.W. Pabst during the Nazi regime. Kehlmann delves into the complexities of being a director, the moral implications of artistic choices under totalitarianism, and the challenges of using real historical figures in fiction. He reflects on his cultural identity, the influence of iconic actresses like Louise Brooks, and the importance of the author's voice in storytelling. The conversation also touches on the tragic story of Jakob, a character in his novel, and the dark side of human nature in literature. THE DIRECTOR is published by riverrun, an imprint of Quercus (Hachette). Daniel Kehlmann is also the author of MEASURING THE WORLD, TYLL, and other novels.KeywordsDaniel Kehlmann, The Director, G.W. Pabst, historical fiction, totalitarianism, artistic compromise, cultural identity, novel writing, film direction, Louise Brooks,PG Woodehouse, Nazi regime, Hollywood, Austria. GermanyTakeawaysDaniel Kehlmann explores the complexities of being a director in film.The role of a director is to create a collaborative illusion of reality.Kehlmann's cultural background influences his writing and themes.Novelists often draw from real historical figures to create compelling narratives.The moral implications of artistic choices during totalitarian regimes are profound.Everyday life under totalitarianism can lead to complicity in small ways.Researching historical figures requires a balance of fact and creative interpretation.Louise Brooks serves as a significant influence in Kelman's narrative.The challenge of using real characters in fiction raises ethical questions.Kelman emphasizes the importance of the author's voice in storytelling.Sound bites"I create a version of reality that I think is probable.""I hope I would have done the right thing.""I'm everywhere in my novel. I'm in the atmosphere."Chapters00:00 Introduction to Daniel Kelman and His Work01:15 The Role of a Director in Film03:52 Personal Geography and Cultural Identity07:29 The Novelist's Approach to Themes10:14 Resurrecting Historical Figures in Fiction12:06 Exploring G.W. Pabst's Life and Choices15:05 The Complicity of Everyday Life Under Totalitarianism18:58 The Impact of Totalitarian Regimes on Artists21:57 Researching Historical Characters24:59 The Influence of Louise Brooks29:01 The Dilemma of Using Real Characters30:06 The Challenge of Fictionalizing History32:02 Imagining Lost Films and Artistic Freedom35:00 The Moral Complexity of Compromise38:42 The Nature of Compromise in Art41:59 The Role of Minor Characters43:43 Finding the Author's Voice in Fiction45:37 The Tragic Story of Jakob50:21 The Artistic Process of a Director54:47 The Author's Presence in the Narrative59:37 Inserting Humor and Wit into Serious Themes01:03:49 The Dark Side of Human Nature01:07:19 The Author's Writing Process and Future Projects Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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• Ep.13: COLM TÓIBÍN

  Notes:SummaryIn this episode of Shop Talk with Writers, host Elena Lappin engages with acclaimed Irish novelist Colm Tóibín, discussing his latest work, Long Island, a sequel to Brooklyn. The conversation explores Tóibín's writing process, the significance of silence in dialogue, the evolution of recurring characters, and the interplay between personal experiences and historical contexts in his narratives. Tóibín reflects on the role of politics in personal stories and the complexities of human relationships, while also addressing the future of Irish literature and his current projects.keywordsColm Tóibín, Long Island, Brooklyn, Irish literature, writing process, silence in literature, character development, historical context, personal narratives, solitude in writingtakeawaysColm Tóibín's writing often reflects the complexities of human relationships.Silence plays a crucial role in Tóibín's narratives, allowing readers to fill in the gaps.The influence of film can reshape a writer's perspective on their characters.Tóibín emphasizes the importance of personal experience in crafting fiction.Recurring characters in Tóibín's work evolve over time, reflecting their journeys.Historical context enriches the narratives, providing depth to personal stories.Tóibín believes that the novel should focus on the human heart rather than political backdrops.The writing process involves both inspiration and meticulous editing.Tóibín's characters often experience solitude, which shapes their identities.The future of Irish literature is diverse, with each writer carving their own path.titlesExploring the depths of Long Island and other titles by Colm TóibínThe Art of Silence in LiteratureSound Bites"He left silence.""You need to work blindly sometimes."'"John Banville is the genius among us"Chapters00:00Introduction to Colm Tóibín and Long Island02:34The Impact of Brooklyn the film on writing Long Island05:55Silence and Dialogue in Writing08:52The Craft of Writing: Inspiration and Process11:37Recurring Characters and Their Evolution14:47Historical Context in Fiction17:25The Role of Politics in Personal Narratives20:46Writing About Real People and Events23:24The Complexity of Human Relationships26:26Exploring Solitude and Distance in Characters29:37The Influence of Personal Experience on Writing32:17The Future of Irish Literature35:10Current Projects and Future Aspirations Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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• Ep. 12: SARAH MOSS

  KeywordsSarah Moss, Ripeness, identity, memory, immigration, belonging, family, writing, creativity, genetics, love, women’s lives, parents, balletSummaryIn this episode of Shop Talk with Writers, host Elena Lapin converses with bestselling author Sarah Moss about her new novel, Ripeness. The discussion delves into themes of identity, memory, and the immigrant experience, as well as the dual perspectives of the protagonist, Edith, who navigates her life as both a teenager in 1960s Italy and an elderly woman in contemporary Ireland. Moss reflects on the complexities of family relationships, the nature of writing, and the impact of history on personal identity.TakeawaysRipeness explores the theme of what it means to be a foreigner.The novel is structured around dual perspectives of the protagonist, Edith.Moss emphasizes the importance of memory in writing.Family dynamics play a crucial role in shaping identity.The book addresses the complexities of immigration and belonging.Moss reflects on the historical context of her characters' lives.The narrative intertwines personal stories with broader social issues.Moss discusses the challenges of writing about trauma and recovery.The concept of 'ripeness' relates to maturity and timing in life.Moss believes in the importance of caring about the world in writing.Novelist Sarah Moss joins host Elena Lappin to discuss her extraordinary new novel RIPENESS. It is a stunning work of fiction from the author of SUMMERWATER, GHOST WALL, and most recently, the memoir MY GOOD BRIGHT WOLF.Read more on Elena Lappin’s Substack elenalappin.substack.com'I am always writing fiction in the cracks of history.' said Moss.Other memorable quotes from this conversation:'This novel is an elegy for an era we just lost.''Moving to Ireland made me think about identity.'Sarah Moss lives in Dublin.RIPENESS is published by Picador. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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• Ep. 11: ANDRÉ ACIMAN

  In the latest episode of Shop Talk with Writers, host Elena Lapin engages in an illuminating conversation with the acclaimed novelist and memoirist André Aciman. Known for his deeply moving narratives and exploration of themes such as belonging, memory, and love, Aciman shares insights into his latest novella, Room on the Sea. (published by Faber). The episode opens with Aciman discussing his journey as a writer, from his early experiences in Egypt to his current life in New York City. He reflects on the complexities of identity and the impact of his multicultural background on his writing. Aciman's works often delve into the nuances of human relationships, and Room on the Sea is no exception. He describes the novella as a story that unfolds between two strangers who meet as prospective jurors, exploring the unexpected possibilities that arise from their connection.Listeners will be captivated by Aciman's eloquent storytelling and his ability to weave together personal anecdotes with literary analysis. He discusses the significance of memory in his work, drawing parallels to his own life experiences as an exile. The conversation also touches on the role of language and how his mother’s deafness shaped his relationship with words. Read more on this conversation (including a full transcript) on Elena Lappin's Substack elenalappin.substack.com.Thank you for listening.As the episode progresses, Aciman shares his thoughts on the romantic undertones of Room on the Sea, likening the dynamics between his characters to the classic love story of Wuthering Heights. The dialogue between the protagonists reveals their longing for connection amidst the constraints of their respective marriages, showcasing Aciman's talent for capturing the complexities of human emotion. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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• Ep. 10: CAROLINE O'DONOGHUE

  Caroline O’Donoghue is one of the most talented and original writers on the British literary scene. In 2018, I interviewed her for a different podcast, about her excellent debut novel Promising Young Women. I loved that novel’s deep seriousness, along with its provocative humour and cinematic pacing. She was a debut author unafraid to be both open and fragile.Since then, she has written two bestselling adult novels (SCENES OF A GRAPHIC NATURE and THE RACHEL INCIDENT), and the very popular YA fantasy series ALL OUR HIDDEN GIFTS. SKIPSHOCK is the first book in a new series which may also be categorised as YA and fantasy, but for me, it is just a wonderful, genre-bending read about two young people in a dystopian world controlled by the all-powerful currency of time. It feels as surreal and familiar as The Matrix.Caroline O’Donoghue is also a screenwriter and an award-winning podcaster (Sentimental Garbage). Meeting her again after seven years, I was curious to hear how she does all this with such a strong sense of purpose. She is fun, witty and charming, but what is most interesting is her sharp analysis of where her very original ideas come from, and how she refuses to be categorised - and misunderstood.Born in Cork, Ireland, Caroline O’Donoghue now lives in London. She has a unique take on the new wave of Irish literary talent, which she both admires and does not feel connected to. Of course I am an Irish writer, but I am also a London writer.Not unlike some of her fictional heroines, Caroline O’Donoghue defines her own path, with a great sense of freedom and a very adventurous imagination.I bet the next seven years. will be full of even more surprises.SHIPSHOCK is published by Walker Books. Get full access to PEN & PENCIL at elenalappin.substack.com/subscribe Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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