In a lively discussion, George Saunders, the Booker Prize-winning author known for his unique storytelling talent and popular Substack, shares his insights on the craft of writing. He explores the delicate dance between creativity and structure, emphasizing the importance of authentic character development. Saunders also reflects on the role of personal experiences in storytelling, drawing inspiration from Lincoln's grief. He candidly addresses challenges like writer's block and the often tricky balance between audience expectations and genuine expression in creative work.
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Trust Your Writing Instincts
Trust your instincts about story and characters more than market pressure.
Researching real people’s experiences can reveal deep character and plot insights.
insights INSIGHT
Discover Story Through Prose
Saunders writes prose to discover the story, not to strictly follow outlines.
Story emerges from language and emotional impact rather than detailed pre-planning.
insights INSIGHT
Power of Patterned Storytelling
Pattern stories create reader expectations that must be fulfilled.
Early story details set up these patterns and organically guide the narrative.
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Tolstoy's *Master and Man* is a novella that delves into the themes of redemption and self-discovery. It follows the story of a wealthy landowner, Brekhunov, who embarks on a perilous journey during a blizzard. Initially self-absorbed, Brekhunov undergoes a profound transformation as he confronts his mortality and the suffering of his servant. Through an act of self-sacrifice, he finds meaning and compassion, ultimately dying a peaceful death. The novella's exploration of spiritual awakening and the importance of human connection resonates with readers even today. The story's simplicity and powerful message make it a compelling read, highlighting Tolstoy's mastery of storytelling.
The moon is down
John Steinbeck
The Moon Is Down by John Steinbeck tells the story of a small coastal town invaded by an unnamed enemy force, likely modeled after Nazi Germany. The novel explores the themes of resistance, resilience, and the power of democracy in the face of authoritarianism. It was written to inspire resistance movements during World War II and has been widely acclaimed for its portrayal of the human spirit under occupation.
Lincoln in the Bardo
Yannick Garcia Porres
George Saunders
Javier Calvo Perales
The novel is set in 1862 during the American Civil War and revolves around the death of Willie Lincoln, the 11-year-old son of President Abraham Lincoln. After Willie's death from typhoid fever, his spirit finds itself in a limbo known as the bardo, a concept borrowed from Tibetan Buddhism. Here, he encounters a diverse group of ghosts who are also trapped between the world of the living and the afterlife. The story delves into themes of grief, both personal and national, as Lincoln grapples with the loss of his son amidst the broader context of the Civil War. The novel is characterized by its unique narrative style, which includes a multitude of voices and historical quotes, and its exploration of the human experience of suffering and love[1][2][4].
George Saunders is a writer of novels, short stories, and non-fiction, whose work has amassed a collection of awards, including The Booker Prize for his debut novel, Lincoln in the Bardo. His essay collection A Swim in a Pond in the Rain, which focuses on the storytelling prowess of four Russian masters, was not only a bestseller, but invited passionate responses from his readers, who are as obsessed with story math as we are. George is the ultimate story junkie, as evidenced by his wildly popular Substack, Story Club, which features his musings about the mechanics, mystery, and magic of great storytelling.
CHECK OUT GEORGE'S SUBSTACK: https://georgesaunders.substack.com/