Celeste Ng, New York Times bestselling author, explores complex family dynamics and themes of identity, race, and culture. Topics discussed include the power of repair, childhood interests and early passion for writing, exploring miniatures and writing, the creative process of crafting fiction, the power of fiction and counterfactual thinking, the challenges and rewards of writing success, and Ng's upcoming project on families, parents, children, and being Chinese American.
Read more
AI Summary
AI Chapters
Episode notes
auto_awesome
Podcast summary created with Snipd AI
Quick takeaways
Fiction has the power to challenge preconceived notions and make room for growth.
Leaving room for interpretation in stories allows readers to find personal meaning.
Close observation in creating miniatures and writing creates a deeper appreciation for the world.
Deep dives
The Power of Imagining for Change
In this podcast episode of Design Matters with Debbie Millman, novelist Celeste Ng discusses the power of fiction to create change. Ng highlights the importance of leaving the interpretation open to readers and how fiction can challenge our preconceived notions, making room for possibility and growth.
Exploring Identity and Racism in Writing
Ng reflects on her experiences growing up in racially diverse communities and how it influenced her writing. She shares how her hometown of Shaker Heights, Ohio, served as inspiration for her second book, "Little Fires Everywhere," and the responsible approach she took in portraying both the strengths and blind spots of her community.
The Journey of Becoming a Writer
Ng traces her path towards becoming a writer, from her early love of reading and writing during childhood to the decision to pursue an MFA in creative writing. She discusses the importance of experimentation and embracing the process of growth as a writer, acknowledging that not all early work will be exceptional.
The Power of Fiction and Hope
In this podcast episode, the speaker discusses the power of fiction and hope. They highlight how fiction allows us to imagine possibilities beyond our real world, creating space for change and inspiring us to make a difference. Through fiction, we can explore counterfactual scenarios and challenge the status quo. The speaker emphasizes the importance of leaving room for interpretation and personal connection in stories, allowing readers to bring their own experiences and find meaning. They also reflect on the joys and challenges of writing success, emphasizing the value of hearing from readers whose lives have been touched by their books.
The Art of Miniatures and Close Observation
Another topic explored in the podcast is the art of making miniatures and the value of close observation. The speaker shares their passion for creating miniatures and how it provides an opportunity to closely examine and appreciate the world around them. They compare the act of making miniatures to the process of writing, emphasizing the importance of paying attention to detail and finding ways to give shape and meaning to their creations. They talk about the satisfaction of looking closely at something and noticing the interesting and unique aspects that often go unnoticed. This practice of close observation also influences their writing process.
Celeste Ng—New York Times bestselling author of three novels, Everything I Never Told You, Little Fires Everywhere, and Our Missing Hearts—joins a live audience to talk about her illustrious career exploring complex family dynamics and themes of identity, race, and culture.
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