Megan Nolan, an acclaimed novelist and journalist known for her debut novel, 'Acts of Desperation,' joins fellow journalist Bella Mackie for a captivating conversation. They explore the psychological struggles in toxic relationships and the emotional depths of their writing. The duo candidly discuss themes of intimacy, self-identity, and the societal perceptions surrounding women seeking attention. Nolan reflects on the balance between creative integrity and personal sacrifices while navigating the evolving landscape of female complexity in literature.
56:41
forum Ask episode
web_stories AI Snips
view_agenda Chapters
menu_book Books
auto_awesome Transcript
info_circle Episode notes
question_answer ANECDOTE
Isolated Writing Process
Megan Nolan isolated herself in Greece to write her first novel, living on a small grant with no internet.
She sent a USB of Gilmore Girls to combat the loneliness and listened to Miles Davis for inspiration.
insights INSIGHT
Unlikeable Characters
Both characters in "Acts of Desperation" initially appear unlikeable.
However, Nolan portrays the female protagonist with kindness, avoiding harmful tropes and fostering reader connection.
insights INSIGHT
Toxic Relationships
Nolan's novel explores a toxic relationship without absolving the female protagonist of blame, a difficult balance.
This approach offers a more nuanced perspective than typical relationship narratives.
Get the Snipd Podcast app to discover more snips from this episode
Megan Nolan's "Acts of Desperation" is a novel that explores the complexities of a toxic relationship with unflinching honesty. The story follows the narrator's descent into a consuming and ultimately destructive romance. Nolan's writing is characterized by its raw emotionality and unflinching portrayal of difficult themes. The novel delves into the psychological aspects of unhealthy relationships, exploring the fine line between desire and misery. The narrator's experiences resonate with readers who have experienced similar dynamics. The novel's exploration of self-destruction and the search for meaning in the face of heartbreak is both poignant and unsettling.
Good morning, midnight
Jean Rhys
Good Morning, Midnight is a 1939 novel by Jean Rhys, following Sasha Jansen, a middle-aged English woman, as she navigates her past and present in Paris. The novel explores themes of loneliness, depression, and the societal pressures faced by women. It is known for its experimental design and poignant portrayal of human vulnerability.
The Empathy Exams
Leslie Jamison
In 'The Empathy Exams', Leslie Jamison examines the concept of empathy through a series of essays that delve into personal experiences and broader societal issues. The book begins with Jamison's role as a medical actor, where she presents scripted complaints to medical students to test their diagnostic and empathetic skills. The essays interweave her personal history with explorations of pain, connection, and understanding, touching on topics such as poverty tourism, incarceration, and female suffering. Jamison's writing is deeply reflective, using vivid imagery and philosophical examinations to navigate the complex and often fraught terrain of empathy[1][3][4].
How to Kill Your Family
Bella Mackie
In 'How to Kill Your Family', Grace Bernard seeks revenge against her absentee millionaire father by systematically killing his family members. Narrated from her prison cell, where she is wrongly convicted of a murder she did not commit, the novel explores themes of class, family, and societal commentary. The book is noted for its witty and subversive tone, though opinions on its effectiveness vary.
Jog On
Isabella Mackie
Bella Mackie
In 'Jog On', Bella Mackie shares her personal journey of using running to combat deep-seated anxiety and depression. The book is a mix of memoir and self-help, offering a humorous yet honest account of how running transformed her life without requiring her to give up her favorite indulgences. It includes stories, research, and tips on how exercise can be a powerful tool for mental well-being.
Megan Nolan’s debut novel, Acts of Desperation, was hailed as a masterpiece by the literary world when it was published in 2021. Searingly honest and darkly amusing, it tells the story of an obsessive relationship. Written in glimmering prose, it charts a young woman’s elation as she falls in love and the obsession, anxiety and self-doubt that ensue. Nolan is also an acclaimed journalist and essayist whose writing appears in The New Statesman, The Guardian and The New York Times. She's joined by fellow journalist and author of the dark satire, How To Kill Your Family, Bella Mackie, to discuss her work.
Intelligence Squared 
