The Twelfth House cover image

The Twelfth House

Mini Series | Killing the Starving Artist Archetype (2.5/3): The Writing Life: Balancing Day Jobs and Creative Pursuits

Dec 11, 2023
17:17
Snipd AI
Acclaimed author George Saunders discusses how his diverse career experiences shaped his storytelling approach. Topics include: valuable insights from non-writing jobs, how technical writing influences unique storytelling styles, the impact of personal experiences on narratives, the pivotal role of teaching in Saunders' creative process, and the ongoing, ever-evolving nature of the writing life.
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Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • Non-writing jobs offer valuable insights and perspectives that enrich creative work.
  • Technical writing constraints can be beneficial for fiction, shaping unique storytelling styles.

Deep dives

George Saunders' varied career path and its influence on his writing

George Saunders, known for his novels and short stories, had a diverse range of jobs before becoming a writer. From being a geophysical engineer mapping oil reserves to working as a technical writer, these experiences shaped his writing and provided insights into human behavior and corporate culture. Despite not being creatively fulfilling, his day jobs allowed him to support his family while continuing to write in his spare time. Saunders believes that even seemingly unrelated jobs can provide inspiration and contribute to one's development as a writer.

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