Embrace failures to find your unique voice in writing and prioritize authenticity over imitation.
Serve the story's structure over showcasing individual voice to create engaging narratives that evoke emotional responses.
Deep dives
George Saunders on Writing and Overcoming Failure
George Saunders recounts his experience of writing his first book, 'Le Bota de Eduardo,' which ended in failure despite his high expectations. He reflects on the struggle of finding his unique voice and the shift to writing stories that resonate with him. This change brought a newfound sense of purpose and satisfaction in his writing as he embraced efficiency and authenticity in his storytelling. Saunders highlights the importance of serving the story over showcasing individual stylistic flourishes, leading to a more meaningful and impactful writing process.
Discovering Writing Through Personal Experience
Saunders recalls his journey into writing, initiated by a memorable third-grade teacher who introduced him to challenging literature. He emphasizes the influence of early exposure to stylistic experimentation in shaping his approach to language and storytelling. Saunders contrasts his unsuccessful novel attempt, 'Le Bota de Eduardo,' with the evolution of his voice marked by efficiency, sincerity, and a commitment to creating engaging and impactful narratives.
The Crafting of Voice and Narrative Structure
Saunders delves into the essence of voice in storytelling, highlighting the significance of serving the story's structure over showcasing individual authorial voice. He discusses the role of constructing a narrative space that intrigues and engages readers, aiming to evoke intense emotional responses through clever storytelling techniques. By prioritizing creating 'jangles' and conveying complexity without definitive explanations, Saunders navigates the delicate balance between serving the story's needs and audience engagement.
Lessons Learned and Growth in Writing
From introspective analysis to unexpected reader reactions, Saunders reflects on the unpredictable nature of storytelling outcomes. He emphasizes the importance of evolving as a writer, acknowledging the impact of failures and reader interpretations in shaping his growth and beliefs about his work. Saunders' journey from imitative writing to discovering his distinctive voice underscores the transformative power of authenticity, efficiency, and embracing personal narratives in crafting compelling and resonant stories.
After the surprise success of Liar’s Poker, publishers urged Michael Lewis to try his hand at fiction. It was a bad idea. But even award-winning fiction authors have struggled with failure. Michael speaks with Booker Prize-winning author George Saunders about the urge to imitate other writers, and what we all can learn from bad first drafts. We also hear why Saunders was identified early as a gifted student, while Michael Lewis was – emphatically – not.
You can order the new Liar’s Poker audiobook at Pushkin.fm/LiarsPoker.