Memoir Nation

Zahid Rafiq, a writer from Kashmir and author of "The World With Its Mouth Open," delves into the art of unsatisfying endings. He argues that unresolved conclusions can provoke deeper thought rather than simply frustrate readers. The discussion weaves through the nuances of storytelling, touching on the importance of authentic emotions and cohesive narratives. Rafiq also shares insights from his journalism background, emphasizing character development and the complexities of the writing process, encouraging writers to embrace chaos and surprise.

Faith Adiele, an acclaimed author and educator, joins the discussion on hybrid writing and the rise of chapbooks. She shares insights on her experimental books that weave personal narratives with broader themes, captivating listeners with the challenges and freedoms of hybrid memoirs. The conversation dives into innovative narrative strategies, including the use of lists, to enhance storytelling. Adiele also touches on the significance of reclaiming silenced voices, making this a thought-provoking and inspiring session for writers looking to break traditional molds.

Jeannine Ouellette, author of the lyric memoir "The Part That Burns" and the popular Substack "Writing in the Dark," shares her insights on enhancing the writing experience. She stresses the importance of attention, playfulness, and surprise in storytelling. Ouellette encourages writers to embrace spontaneity, grounding their narratives in vivid details to create deeper connections. The discussion also covers how community engagement through platforms like Substack can elevate a writer's journey while fostering a playful and transformative creative process.

This week’s Write-minded delves into our cultural and literary relationship with drugs, examining the role drugs play in creativity and among creatives. We also look at novels and memoirs that center drugs and alcohol, and talk to author Emily Witt about her own foray into this territory with her latest memoir, Health and Safety. Join us for this inquiry into the intersections between drugs and art. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week’s episode is a deep conversation that covers love, embracing contradiction, and guest Carvell Wallace’s journey to and through memoir. This is an enlightening interview for anyone who’s ever contemplated paradox, or how to tackle big, tangly ideas in your writing. Writing a memoir is an ambitious act of the heart, and we honor that journey this week in all its complexity and bigness. On Substackin’, we’re pleased to be sharing some of our favorite memoir writers’ Substacks, and hope you’ll take a look. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Elizabeth Rosner, a best-selling novelist and poet, joins to discuss the transformative practice of listening in our writing and daily lives. She explores its significance in parent-child dynamics, emphasizing the need for deep, meaningful communication. The conversation dives into 'third-ear listening' and its connection to memory and trauma. Rosner shares insights from her multilingual upbringing that shaped her as a listener and writer. Through metaphors like 'wound wood,' they highlight resilience in creativity and the importance of learning from rejection.

Barbara Ridley, author of the novel Unswerving, dives into the vital need for authentic representation of marginalized characters, particularly those who are disabled and LGBTQ+. She shares her experiences facing critiques for her protagonist's identity and discusses the importance of sensitivity reads. The conversation covers the challenges of navigating fiction and reality while promoting a book without traditional backing. Ultimately, Ridley advocates for the empathy fostered by centering stories that often go untold, enriching the literary landscape.

It could be said of this week’s guest that she, like the title of this week’s show, is fascinating and daunting. And that this is a pull toward the things we’re interested in, that we want to dive more deeply into, is the subject of this week’s show. Edwidge Danticat is a powerhouse in the literary world who’s written about immigration and poverty, exile and political upheaval, and so much more. There’s much to learn from the wisdom of a writer like Danticat who has been well and widely published for three decades, and who offers up insights across form—from memoir, to fiction, to essay. Tune in to hear from a literary force of nature. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

As Write-minded is wont to do, we bring you another tell-it-like-it-is reality bites episode about book publishing. And while the news isn’t all good, it’s also not all bad—and guest Michael Castleman is living, breathing proof that it’s worth it, as long as you’re ready to do the work and understand what you’re getting yourself into. Join us on this journey from the Gutenberg Press to modern-day publishing. Whether you’re a reader, writer, author, or industry person, you’re bound to learn something new from this week’s show.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week’s Write-minded is a thoughtful conversation about where writers’ values meet public persona and the writing life. Guest Maggie Tokuda-Hall treats us to her thinking about career, ambition, and why she writes what subjects and characters she writes, and why she doesn’t write for adults. We get into the important topic of what’s at stake when writers speak up and out—touching upon the tensions that exist between standing up for what you believe in and a literary world that doesn’t always make those choices easy. Substackin’ this week takes a look at Brooke’s post about genre and category, “Your Story Is More Important Than Your Category.” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices