Nickolas Butler, award-winning author of novels like Shotgun Lovesongs, discusses the nuances of creativity and the internal battle between positivity and negativity. He reflects on the importance of generational connections and the simple joys often taken for granted. The conversation touches on parenting in a polarized world and the complexity of relationships, encouraging empathy and understanding. Butler also shares insights on gratitude practices, the transient nature of external success, and the significance of deep personal connections.
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question_answer ANECDOTE
Bad Wolf on the Porch
Nickolas Butler's 'bad wolf' involves creative fears and distractions.
COVID disrupted his writing routine and social interactions, hindering his productivity.
question_answer ANECDOTE
COVID's Impact
Butler's father was a 'prepper', but Butler found he missed social interaction during COVID.
His established cafe routine was disrupted, impacting his writing process.
insights INSIGHT
Comparison's Thief
Comparing our lives to others can diminish the joy in special moments.
Butler's novel Godspeed explores this theme through a character who struggles to appreciate a new house.
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Shotgun Lovesongs is a character-driven novel that delves into the lives of four childhood friends from Little Wing, Wisconsin, as they navigate adulthood and the complexities of their relationships. The story is told through multiple perspectives, weaving together themes of love, friendship, and the allure of home. The novel beautifully captures the essence of small-town America and the universal human experiences that bind people together.
Godspeed
Nickolas Butler
Godspeed is a thriller that follows Cole, Bart, and Teddy, three friends and business partners who take on a high-stakes construction project in Wyoming. The novel delves into themes of ambition, addiction, and the American Dream, set against the backdrop of a harsh winter and the pressures of meeting an impossible deadline. It explores the tensions between the wealthy and the working class, highlighting the complexities of human nature and the power of friendship.
Little Faith
Nickolas Butler
In 'Little Faith', Nickolas Butler explores the complexities of faith and family through the story of Lyle Hovde, a man living in rural Wisconsin. Lyle's life is disrupted when his daughter, Shiloh, becomes involved with a charismatic preacher who believes her son, Isaac, has healing powers. This involvement threatens Isaac's safety and forces Lyle to confront his own doubts about faith. The novel is set over the course of a year, mirroring the changing seasons and the emotional shifts within the family.
Nickolas Butler is the author of many novels, including the internationally best-selling and prize-winning Shotgun Lovesongs, which has been optioned for film development and has been translated into ten languages. Nickolas is the recipient of many literary prizes and commendations and has published articles, reviews, short stories, and poetry in publications such as: Ploughshares, Narrative, and The New York Times Book Review, to name a few.
Eric and Nickolas discuss a few of his novels as well as how we can learn to embrace the important elements of life.
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Nickolas Butler and I Discuss How to Embrace the Important Elements of Life and…
The One You Feed 
