'The Interview': Sally Rooney Thinks Career Growth Is Overrated
Sep 21, 2024
auto_awesome
Sally Rooney, a star novelist known for her insightful storytelling, shares her thoughts on the balance between creative expression and public life. She discusses the emotional complexities of crafting authentic characters while navigating the expectations of fame. Rooney reflects on her youth, the struggle between her public persona and private self, and the pressures from media scrutiny, especially regarding adaptations of her work. Ultimately, she emphasizes finding joy in the creative process and the significance of art amidst global challenges.
Sally Rooney highlights the emotional challenges authors face during book releases, balancing promotion with internal expectations and external anxieties.
In her novel 'Intermezzo', Rooney explores male perspectives while maintaining her focus on narrative authenticity, rather than exploring masculinity intentionally.
Deep dives
The Stress of Publishing
Publishing a new book can be a stressful experience for authors, as highlighted by the pressures Sally Rooney faces. The time before a book is released is filled with anticipation and anxiety, especially when discussions about the work occur prior to its public release. Rooney expresses that this period feels challenging because she feels she has contributed everything she needed to say within the book itself, leaving her with little to discuss externally. This unique situation generates discomfort as she navigates the delicate balance of promoting her work while awaiting public reception.
Portrayal of Male Protagonists
In her new novel, 'Intermezzo', Rooney explores themes through male characters—Peter and Ivan—contrasting her previous works that often centered around female perspectives. She admits that while Ivan's voice emerged later in the writing process, her initial focus was on Margaret, the female character. Rooney clarifies that her writing isn't a conscious exploration of masculinity; she follows the narrative wherever it leads. This intentional ambiguity enables her to portray rich, multidimensional characters while maintaining an authentic narrative flow.
Politics in Fiction
Rooney acknowledges the relationship between her political views and her fiction, arguing that while her work is politically committed, it's not overtly didactic. She discusses her engagement with social issues such as the abortion debate and the war in Gaza, feeling a sense of obligation to speak out when she believes she has something valuable to contribute. However, she separates her political commentary from her fiction, emphasizing that readers may not necessarily view her novels as a direct reflection of her personal beliefs. This distinction allows her art to exist autonomously, separate from her public persona.
Youth and Public Perception
As a young woman in the literary spotlight, Rooney grapples with the tension between her visibility and her genuine engagement with art. She reflects on how society often interprets young women in the public eye, frequently as celebrities rather than intellectual contributors. This stereotyping complicates her role, as she seeks to assert herself while recognizing the privilege of her success. Despite these challenges, she remains focused on her work, which she feels allows for personal revelation and a deeper connection with her characters.
The star novelist discusses her public persona, the discourse around her work and why reinvention isn’t her goal.Unlock full access to New York Times podcasts and explore everything
from politics to pop culture. Subscribe today at nytimes.com/podcasts or
on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.
Get the Snipd podcast app
Unlock the knowledge in podcasts with the podcast player of the future.
AI-powered podcast player
Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features
Discover highlights
Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode
Save any moment
Hear something you like? Tap your headphones to save it with AI-generated key takeaways
Share & Export
Send highlights to Twitter, WhatsApp or export them to Notion, Readwise & more
AI-powered podcast player
Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features
Discover highlights
Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode