NPR's Book of the Day
Claire Keegan's new book of stories explores tension, drama and gender dynamics
Jan 22, 2024
Claire Keegan, a highly acclaimed Irish writer, discusses her new book of stories that explore tension, drama, and gender dynamics. The book revolves around failed marriage proposals, troubling affairs, and the finite nature of time. Keegan explores the difference between tension and drama in her stories and how characters navigate their decisions influenced by time. They also touch upon other stories involving a writer on residency and a married woman contemplating an affair, as well as the theme of mortality in literature.
08:09
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Quick takeaways
- Tension and drama in storytelling should be approached separately, with both elements present in good stories.
- The flawed behavior of male characters and complex decisions made by female characters are central to 'So Late in the Day'.
Deep dives
Difference Between Tension and Drama
Author Claire Keegan discusses the difference between tension and drama in her book 'So Late in the Day, Stories of Women and Men.' She explains that tension and drama are two different things, and while all good stories should have both, they should be approached separately. Keegan shares how one of her short stories began as an exercise she did with her creative writing students to explore this distinction. The conversation explores the characters' awareness of the finite nature of time and the uncertainty of life's end, discussing whether this counts as tension or drama.
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