Selected Shorts
Bonus: A Conversation with Elizabeth Strout
Apr 4, 2024
In a captivating chat, acclaimed author Elizabeth Strout shares insights from her story 'Home,' focusing on the intricate family dynamics she constructs. She discusses the challenges of caregiving and aging through Annie Appleby's journey. Strout highlights the emotional truths in her characters’ lives, particularly in the themes of trauma and memory loss. She reflects on the comfort fiction brings during tough times and revels in the joy of hearing her stories read aloud, illustrating the profound connection between writers and their characters.
10:31
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Quick takeaways
- Elizabeth Strout emphasizes the organic evolution of characters, particularly Annie Appleby, highlighting the joy in their interconnectedness that unfolds during writing.
- Memory serves as a profound theme in the narrative, exploring its emotional impact and the complexities of remembrance and forgetfulness in familial relationships.
Deep dives
The Development of Characters and Stories
The author discusses the organic evolution of her characters and their interconnectedness, particularly focusing on Annie Appleby. Initially, there was no intention to create a broader ecosystem, but as the writing process unfolded, numerous connections naturally surfaced. This discovery brought joy and depth to her storytelling, as she navigated the complexities of Annie's relationships and responsibilities. The author enjoyed exploring the dynamics of Annie's life and how external influences shaped her character, particularly through her mother's situation and familial obligations.
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