Author Stacey D’Erasmo discusses the various forms of intimacy in writing and literature, exploring emotional connections, aging, and the complexities of portraying intimacy in fiction without sentimentality. The podcast delves into nuanced aspects of intimacy, unexpected connections in personal experiences, and reflections on regrets, offering thought-provoking insights on acts of intimacy in writing and reading.
Intimacy in writing goes beyond romance, exploring various emotional connections between characters and readers.
Aging women in the arts challenge beauty standards, embracing authenticity and shamelessness to enhance creativity.
Deep dives
Exploring Intimacy in Writing Craft and Author-Reader Connections
The podcast delves into the concept of intimacy within writing craft, discussing how the connection between characters and the reader can evoke a profound sense of kinship and closeness. Authors like Rachel Cusk, Tasia Cole, and Ocean Vuong are highlighted for their ability to create deep connections that transcend mere storytelling. The discussion emphasizes the importance of feeling an intimate connection with the story and the characters to truly resonate with the narrative.
The Art of Intimacy Beyond Romantic Notions
The episode explores the art of intimacy beyond conventional romantic or sexual contexts, portraying various forms of intimacy that can exist between characters and readers. Mentioned examples from novels like 'The Water Cure' and 'So Long See You Tomorrow' illustrate how intimacy can be portrayed through different lenses, including violence, regret, and guilt. The narrative highlights the significance of exploring diverse forms of intimacy in storytelling.
Challenging Conventional Notions of Aging and Creativity
The conversation shifts towards aging and creativity, examining how aging women in the arts challenge conventional standards of beauty and shame. The episode explores the idea that aging can enhance creativity by fostering a sense of shamelessness, allowing artists to express themselves authentically. Through examples of artists like Jodi Foster and characters in TV shows, the discussion celebrates the liberation that comes with embracing one's age and experiences.
Preserving Literary Legacies and Sharing Unfinished Works
The ethical dilemma of preserving and sharing unfinished or unpublished works of renowned writers, like Gabriel Garcia Marquez's 'Until August,' is discussed. The decision by Garcia Marquez's sons to publish his final novel despite his initial wish for its destruction sparks debates on legacy preservation and artistic integrity. The episode explores the complexities of posthumous releases and the balance between respecting an author's wishes and making their work accessible to a wider audience.
This week Write-minded reaches broadly into the topic of intimacy to explore its many permutations—not just romantic, but innocuous, violent, collective, and more. Guest Stacey D’Erasmo invites us to consider intimacy in writing, how we do it, how we feel it as readers, and also to consider acts of intimacy, like an older actress showing her authentic self as she ages. Intimacy is felt, and not always something we know how to put words around, so this conversation is a particular treat, thought-provoking and enticing.