Ep.13: COLM TÓIBÍN

Notes:

Summary

In this episode of Shop Talk with Writers, host Elena Lappin engages with acclaimed Irish novelist Colm Tóibín, discussing his latest work, Long Island, a sequel to Brooklyn. The conversation explores Tóibín's writing process, the significance of silence in dialogue, the evolution of recurring characters, and the interplay between personal experiences and historical contexts in his narratives. Tóibín reflects on the role of politics in personal stories and the complexities of human relationships, while also addressing the future of Irish literature and his current projects.

keywords

Colm Tóibín, Long Island, Brooklyn, Irish literature, writing process, silence in literature, character development, historical context, personal narratives, solitude in writing

takeaways

• Colm Tóibín's writing often reflects the complexities of human relationships.
• Silence plays a crucial role in Tóibín's narratives, allowing readers to fill in the gaps.
• The influence of film can reshape a writer's perspective on their characters.
• Tóibín emphasizes the importance of personal experience in crafting fiction.
• Recurring characters in Tóibín's work evolve over time, reflecting their journeys.
• Historical context enriches the narratives, providing depth to personal stories.
• Tóibín believes that the novel should focus on the human heart rather than political backdrops.
• The writing process involves both inspiration and meticulous editing.
• Tóibín's characters often experience solitude, which shapes their identities.
• The future of Irish literature is diverse, with each writer carving their own path.

titles

• Exploring the depths of Long Island and other titles by Colm Tóibín
• The Art of Silence in Literature

Sound Bites

• "He left silence."
• "You need to work blindly sometimes."
• '"John Banville is the genius among us"

Chapters

00:00

Introduction to Colm Tóibín and Long Island

02:34

The Impact of Brooklyn the film on writing Long Island

05:55

Silence and Dialogue in Writing

08:52

The Craft of Writing: Inspiration and Process

11:37

Recurring Characters and Their Evolution

14:47

Historical Context in Fiction

17:25

The Role of Politics in Personal Narratives

20:46

Writing About Real People and Events

23:24

The Complexity of Human Relationships

26:26

Exploring Solitude and Distance in Characters

29:37

The Influence of Personal Experience on Writing

32:17

The Future of Irish Literature

35:10

Current Projects and Future Aspirations

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.