SHOP TALK WITH WRITERS

• Ep.18: ANN MORGAN

  Show Notes/SummaryAnn Morgan talks to host Elena Lappin about her new book RELEARNING TO READ: ADVENTURES IN NOT-KNOWING. The conversation explores the author's understanding of her own way to approach reading, based on humility and embracing what we don't know and, as readers, should be open to as a way of discovering the unfamiliar. She also discusses the liberating impact her reading of books from around the world had on her own writing. See her highly popular blog ayearofreadingtheworld.com.Ann Morgan is a British novelist, essayist, and book blogger. RELEARNING TO READ: ADVENTURES IN NOT KNOWING is published by Renard Press.Keywordsunderstanding, validation, academic success, personal growth, reading, cultural opennessTakeawaysReading international literature was an incredibly formative experience.In school and academia, I became very fixated on this idea of needing to be right.It laid the groundwork for some pretty troubling reading.Understanding everything became a personal obsession.Academic success can lead to troubling patterns in thinking.The pressure to excel can hinder genuine learning.Struggles in one subject can overshadow strengths in another.Personal growth is often tied to our academic experiences.Reading is an adventure in learning what we don't knowfollow/subscribe to elenalappin.substack.com to find out more about this author interview Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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• Ep.17: BEN MARKOVITS

  SummaryHost Elena Lappin interviews acclaimed novelist Ben Markovits about his Booker-shortlisted novel THE REST OF OUR LIVES. Tom's wife Amy had an affair many years ago, and now that their youngest daughter is leaving home, Tom is supposedly ready to end his marriage. But will he? Markovits talks about the complexities of navigating middle age, focusing on the narrowing options individuals face as they grow older. It explores the idea of self-experimentation and the potential for personal growth, while also addressing the emotional challenges of leaving behind a previous life. The discussion highlights the tension between the desire for change and the reality of established life paths.Keywordsmiddle age, life choices, parenthood, self-experimentation, happiness, personal growth, life course, change, identity, marriage, infidelityTakeawaysOne of the problems with middle age is the illusion of choices.As you get older, the options narrow significantly.People often struggle with the idea of their life course being set.Self-experimentation can lead to unexpected happiness.You can do almost anything to yourself and still find joy.The heart of Tom's predicament lies in his sense of possibility.Embracing change is essential for personal growth.Betraying the past can be a part of moving forward.Middle age brings a unique set of challenges and opportunities.Understanding one's capacity for change is crucial.Sound bites"The options narrow as you get older.""It might not even make you unhappy.""Experimentation can lead to happiness."follow/subscribe to elenalappin.substack.com to find out more about this author interview Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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• Ep. 16: CHARLOTTE MENDELSON

  KeywordsCharlotte Mendelson, Wife, lesbian marriage, relationships, narcissism, family dynamics, literature, emotional complexity, storytelling, character development, contemporary fictionEpisode SummaryIn this episode of Shop Talk with Writers, bestselling novelist Charlotte Mendelson discusses her latest novel, WIFE, which intricately explores the dynamics of a lesbian marriage between Zoe and Penny. Through a reading from the book, Mendelson delves into the complexities of their relationship, the themes of desire, control, and the impact of narcissism. The conversation also touches on the inspiration behind the novel, the portrayal of lesbian relationships in literature, and the challenges of writing about intimate subjects. Mendelson's sharp wit and insightful observations provide a rich exploration of personal and family relationships, making this episode a compelling listen for fans of contemporary literature.TakeawaysCharlotte Mendelson's 'Wife' explores the intricacies of a lesbian marriage.The novel is structured around two timelines: a 20-year relationship and its final day.Zoe, the protagonist, embodies a nurturing spirit contrasted with Penny's assertiveness.Mendelson aims to depict the complexities of desire and control in relationships.The book addresses the theme of narcissism and its impact on personal relationships.Mendelson's writing reflects her experiences and observations of family dynamics.The portrayal of lesbian relationships in literature is evolving, yet still faces stereotypes.Mendelson emphasizes the importance of authenticity in storytelling.The challenges of writing about intimate subjects are significant for authors.Gardening serves as a metaphor for personal growth and emotional complexity in Mendelson's work.TitlesUnpacking 'Wife': A Deep Dive into RelationshipsCharlotte Mendelson on Love, Loss, and LiteratureChapters00:00 Exploring 'Wife': A Reading from the Novel05:48 Character Dynamics: Zoe and Penny's Relationship20:12 The Complexity of Desire and Control29:22 Narcissism in Relationships: A Deeper Look43:54 The Inspiration Behind 'Wife' and Its Themesfollow/subscribe to elenalappin.substack.com to find out more about this author interview Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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• Ep. 15: ARMAND D'ANGOUR

  SummaryIn this episode of Shop Talk with Writers, host Elena Lapin engages with Armand Dungour, a professor of classics, to explore the themes of love as presented in Plato's Symposium. D'Angour discusses the historical context of the text, the various perspectives on love presented by its speakers, and the philosophical implications of Socrates' teachings. The conversation delves into the relevance of these ancient ideas in modern times, emphasizing the importance of understanding love's complexities and the influence of historical figures like Socrates and Diotima. D'Angour also shares insights into his own work and passion for making classical texts accessible to contemporary audiences.TakeawaysThe Symposium presents multiple viewpoints on love through its characters.Socrates' teachings on love are influenced by his relationship with Diotima.Love is portrayed as a harmonizing force in both personal and societal contexts.The dialogue emphasizes the importance of true love over mere physical attraction.Understanding love requires recognizing its complexities and nuances.Plato's work remains relevant in modern discussions about love and relationships.The concept of platonic love is rooted in Socratic philosophy.Armand D'Angour aims to make classical texts accessible to modern readers.The historical context of the Symposium enriches its themes of love.Music and literature are intertwined in the exploration of ancient ideas. KeywordsPlato, Symposium, love, ancient texts, Socrates, Diotima, modern lovers, philosophy, classics, Armand D'AngourTitlesUnraveling Love: Insights from Plato's SymposiumSocrates and Diotima: The Philosophical Foundations of LoveSound bites"An ancient guide for modern lovers.""Love inspires creation.""What matters is who you love."Chapters00:00 Exploring the Concept of Love in Ancient Texts19:55 The Influence of Socrates and Diotima39:05 Diverse Perspectives on Love: The Symposium's Speakers47:45 Socrates and the Nature of True Love01:04:43 Bridging Ancient and Modern Understandings of Lovefollow/subscribe to elenalappin.substack.com to find out more about this author interview Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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• 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 Projectsfollow/subscribe to elenalappin.substack.com to find out more about this author interview Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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