Memoir Nation

What will other people think? What will be the consequences of sharing my truth? These are among some of the questions that hold memoirists back, and their realities post-publication can cause “vulnerability hangovers.” Exposure, fear of fallout, concern for people we love—memoir doesn’t make it easy. With very recent experience informing her, this week’s guest, Susan Kiyo Ito, generously wades into the territory of these themes. If you’re grappling with exposure pre- or post-publication, you won’t want to miss this show. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We’re living through a golden age of memoir, and guest Jennifer Leigh Selig’s Deep Memoir is a new contribution to the “how-to” space for memoirists who want to explore the how and the why of memoir writing. This episode will help listeners consider their own “why” when it comes to that age-old question of why to keep at it, and also to celebrate a genre that’s finally getting its due. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Author Claire Jiménez discusses the challenges of writing about grief, incorporating humor and historical contexts into her new book about a child's disappearance. The hosts share their own experiences with grief and the importance of authenticity in writing. They explore the evolution of a story from a short piece to a novel and touch on societal pressures around mourning.

Elwin Cotman, an established writer, discusses breaking traditional form boundaries in his new story collection. Grant announces his departure from NaNoWriMo. They explore poetry's influence on prose and fantasy writing, ethical concerns in AI companies using authors' works without permission.

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.

Former editor of the San Francisco Chronicle’s book review section, John McMurtrie, discusses the transition of book reviews to online outlets like Amazon and Goodreads. He shares insights on breaking into book reviewing, the key elements of a great book, and the impact of the internet on traditional review methods.

Naomi Kanakia, trans author, discusses social responsibility in fiction writing, questioning the impact on readers. The episode explores her experience in YA literature, balancing realism and optimism. Kanakia delves into the challenges of representation in publishing and the importance of empathy in storytelling.

Strap on your seatbelts ’cause we’re going for a ride—into the wild world of book publishing. Guest Kathleen Schmidt is a leading voice in publishing. Her popular Substack, Publishing Confidential, is a go-to source for tell-it-like-it-is realities about the industry and what authors can and should expect. We talk shop this week, touching upon author platform, Barnes & Noble, and why advances make no sense. This is a not-to-be-missed episode for anyone who’s ever published or wants to be published. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Author Tomas Moniz discusses the influence of friendship on writing, his new book about male friendship, and the importance of community in the writing world. The podcast explores the impact of friendships on creative pursuits, the dynamics of friendships in TV shows, the influence of zine writing on fiction, and the trend of flash fiction in indie publishing.

This week’s Write-minded show examines the nuanced and deep exploration at the heart of guest Lissa Soep’s new book, Other People’s Words. A consideration of the ways others’ voices echo in our own, her book and this episode shows us a kaleidoscope of how we conjure and recycle and tap into the words of others. There’s much to unpack here, too, from how we inner monologue in a way that is really dialogue to honoring the collective legacies we carry and give voice to. It’s easy to get philosophical with this week’s theme and guest, and we do, covering everything from death and loss, to letters written and kept, and even AI. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices