NPR's Book of the Day
In 'Beautiful Days,' Zach Williams ponders parenthood, reality and the uncanny
Jul 15, 2024
Author Zach Williams discusses how parenthood inspired the themes in 'Beautiful Days' and why he chose short stories over a novel. He reflects on the impact of personal experiences like the Trump administration and the pandemic on his writing, and shares the significance of uncertain endings in his stories.
08:41
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Quick takeaways
- Zach Williams' parenthood experiences fuel the anxiety and wonder theme in 'Beautiful Days'.
- Williams opts for short stories to explore the unpredictability and thematic depth over writing novels.
Deep dives
Zach Williams' Inspiration for Writing Short Stories
Zach Williams, in his debut short story collection 'Beautiful Days,' explores characters facing mundane and bizarre situations like parenting and modern society. Williams, once an English teacher, found renewed urgency to write stories inspired by his experiences as a new parent. His collection reflects a mix of joy, beauty, anxiety, and profound emotions of early parenthood, captured through stories that highlight the complexities of modern life.
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