Celeste Ng

Acclaimed novelist Celeste Ng, best known for her bestsellers "Everything I Never Told You" and "Little Fires Everywhere," dives into her captivating writing process with Adam Grant, a long-time friend. They discuss how she balances narrative with language's beauty and the transformative power of writing as a tool for understanding. Celeste shares the challenges of marrying personal experiences with her storytelling, while reflecting on how her latest book tackles themes of dystopia mirroring societal issues, emphasizing hope amidst chaos.

1. What to do when you’ve done everything you were supposed to do and ended up in a place you don’t want to be. 2. Why the question “What do you want?” is terrifying – and how to start answering it authentically for yourself.3. The power of imagining what does not yet exist in order to make space for new possibilities. 4. The gift of a “midlife crisis”5. What a mother’s job really is.About Celeste:Celeste Ng is the number one New York Times bestselling author of Everything I Never Told You and Little Fires Everywhere. Her third novel, Our Missing Hearts, is available now. Ng is the recipient of fellowships from the National Endowment for the Arts and the Guggenheim Foundation, and her work has been published in over thirty languages.TW: @pronounced_ingIG: @pronounced_ing To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Celeste Ng, acclaimed author of 'Little Fires Everywhere,' shares her insights on the multifaceted writing process and the profound stories that shape our identities. They delve into the emotional challenges of parenthood and the bittersweet nature of watching children grow. Ng reflects on her hometown of Shaker Heights, revealing how it influences narrative voice and personal identity. Additionally, the conversation highlights the joy and vulnerability of family connections, particularly during the complexities of life in recent times.

36 authors, including Margaret Atwood and John Grisham, collaborate on a novel called 'Fourteen Days'. The podcast explores whether the book successfully works as a novel or falls more under the category of unrelated stories. The speakers express mixed feelings towards the book but appreciate some of the stories. They also discuss the reluctance to revisit COVID-related stories and share their thoughts on publishing experiments, biopics, films, and the disappearance of snow days due to virtual schooling.

Celeste Ng, the bestselling author of *Everything I Never Told You* and *Little Fires Everywhere*, engages in a thought-provoking conversation about feeling stuck despite doing everything 'right.' She discusses the daunting question of 'What do you want?' and how to navigate midlife transitions while embracing the chaos. Ng also highlights the power of imagination in creating new realities, the complexity of motherhood, and the societal pressures women face regarding their desires. She encourages exploring change and finding fulfillment amid life's challenges.