Sam Tallent, a rising talent in comedy, discusses his debut novel 'Running the Light' and the challenges of being a road comedian. He delves into the writing process, character development, and the impact of self-publishing. The podcast explores the complexities of comedy, vulnerability in writing, and the balance between authenticity and humor in the comedy world.
Sam Tallent's debut novel 'Running the Light' offers a raw perspective on the life of a road comic, showcasing unconventional success through strategic marketing and comedian endorsements.
Tallent's intense writing process and deep understanding of the comedian protagonist infuse humor, vulnerability, and depth into the novel, highlighting his skillful narrative navigation.
'Running the Light' delves into the complexities of capturing stand-up comedy in written form, providing a poignant portrayal of a comedian's struggles and successes, evoking empathy and resonance.
The podcast emphasizes the significance of community and support for artists and writers in navigating the challenges of the creative industry, highlighting the value of connections in artistic endeavors.
Personal growth, reflections on career choices, societal expectations, and character development in 'Running the Light' are key discourses, showcasing the complexities of transitioning between humor and sincerity.
Deep dives
The Crafting of Stories
Steve Almond's book, 'Truth is the Arrow, Mercy is the Bow,' is a DIY manual for writing based on his extensive writing career, encompassing highs and lows of the writing life. Almond's candid exploration of his personal experiences resonates as the Boston Globe praises the book for its honesty and Richard Russo hails it as one of the finest books on writing. The book stands out as a blend of humor and profound insights, offering valuable guidance to aspiring writers.
Unconventional Publishing Success
Sam Talant's journey as a self-published author showcases a unconventional path to success, selling thousands of copies of his novel, 'Running the Light,' directly from his garage and through online platforms. The book's narrative revolving around comedian Billy Ray Shafer offers a raw and captivating perspective on the life of a road comic. Talant's strategic approach of utilizing comedian endorsements, like Doug Stanhope and Marc Maron, and leveraging the reach of comedy podcasts elevated the book's visibility and sales.
Navigating the Writing Process
Sam Talant's writing process unfolds as an intense and immersive experience, dedicating long hours to craft 'Running the Light' within a year. The novel's authenticity stems from Talant's deep understanding of the comedian protagonist, drawing inspiration from real-life road comedians he encountered during his career. Talant's ability to infuse humor, vulnerability, and depth into the character of Billy Ray Shafer highlights his skillful navigation of comedic and contemplative narratives.
Challenges of Artistic Expression
Exploring the intersection of comedy and literature, 'Running the Light' delves into the challenges of capturing the essence of stand-up comedy in written form. Talant's portrayal of Billy Ray Shafer's comedic journey provides a poignant and cautionary tale on the perils and complexities of a comedian's life. The book's ability to evoke empathy and emotional resonance amidst the character's struggles underscores its unique narrative power and its significance within the comedy landscape.
Necessity of Community in the Digital Age
In today's digital and podcast-centric era, the podcast discusses the importance of community for artists and writers. The speaker mentions the struggles of getting their book accepted and the value of having a supportive community. It is emphasized that success often relies on more than just luck or merit alone, highlighting the uphill battle faced in the absence of a strong community. The episode underscores the significance of connections and support in creative endeavors.
Reflections on Writing and Publishing Struggles
The podcast delves into the challenges and realities of the writing and publishing industry. It touches on the theme of failure in publishing, where success is not guaranteed despite creating good work. The speaker shares personal experiences of navigating rejection and the unpredictable nature of the industry. There is a hopeful tone that good books can still find their audience, emphasizing perseverance amidst setbacks.
Personal Growth and Reflection on Career Choices
The episode explores personal growth and reflections on past career choices. The candid discussion includes experiences of being a professional comedian and the impact of the pandemic on the speaker's perspective. It highlights the balance between humor and sincerity in different settings, showcasing the challenges of transitioning between comedic and serious conversations. The conversation also delves into self-awareness, humility, and the evolving nature of personal perspectives over time.
Challenging the Perception of Artistic Pursuits
The podcast discusses the societal pressure to conform to traditional success metrics, particularly in artistic fields like comedy and writing. It emphasizes the struggle faced by individuals pursuing non-traditional career paths and the value of perseverance and self-belief in the face of societal expectations. The conversation explores the psychological impact of seeking validation outside conventional routes, highlighting the importance of intrinsic motivation and personal growth.
Character Development and Cinematic Adaptation
The episode delves into the creative process behind character development in the discussed novel 'Running the Light,' notably featuring comedian Norm MacDonald as a pivotal character. It analyzes the choice of incorporating an established comedian into the narrative and the deeper symbolic implications. The conversation touches on the potential cinematic adaptation of the book, casting considerations, and the author's perspective on the transition from literary success to potential film adaptation challenges.
Known for whip-quick wit and rollicking improvisations, Sam Tallent is one of the sharpest, most original rising talents in comedy today. For the last 10 years, he has performed at least 45 weekends annually across America, Canada and France. Called "the absurd voice of a surreal generation" by the Denver Post, Sam is beloved by fans of contemporary comedy. He was a New Face at the 2019 Just for Laughs Montreal Comedy Festival, he won his battle on Comedy Central's Roast Battle, hosted the Denver episode of VICELAND's Flophouse and appeared on the Chris Gerhard Show to impress a girl. His critically acclaimed debut novel Running the Light — heralded as the “definitive novel about stand up comedy” (Marc Maron, WTF) — was published in 2020 and his short fiction has been published on VICE.com and in BIRDY magazine. He lives in Colorado with his wife and his dog.
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Otherppl with Brad Listi is a weekly literary podcast featuring in-depth interviews with today's leading writers.
Launched in 2011. Books. Literature. Writing. Publishing. Authors. Screenwriters. Life. Death. Etc.
