First Draft: A Dialogue on Writing First Draft - Lori Ostlund
Jun 23, 2025
Lori Ostlund, an acclaimed author known for her thought-provoking works like Are You Happy?, engages in rich discussions about the intersection of personal truth and fiction. She delves into how unresolved family histories shape character identity and narratives. The talk highlights the emotional layers of storytelling, particularly in exploring trauma and class dynamics. Ostlund also emphasizes the significance of vulnerability in writing and the power of personal experiences to foster self-discovery, making the conversation a heartfelt journey into the craft of literature.
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Foster Parenting Changed Writing
- Lori Ostlund became a foster parent, which deeply changed her life and writing perspective.
- This experience led to a more hopeful tone in her novella "Just Another Family."
Finding Hope in Story Endings
- Lori struggled with the ending of "Just Another Family" until life experiences shaped her perspective.
- The story's pivotal shift came from amplifying a child's perceptive question and deepening intimacy between characters.
Personal Roots of "Just Another Family"
- "Just Another Family" draws from Lori's complex personal family dynamics without being outright autobiographical.
- The narrator is unreliably frustrated, reflecting unprocessed emotions Lori herself once experienced.
