SHOW NOTES

Host Elena Lappin in conversation with novelist Eden Mckenzie-Goddard about his debut novel SMALLIE - a powerful love story and a multigenerational tale of family, loss, and identity. The novel intertwines personal heritage with the political realities faced by Caribbean immigrants in Britain. In this episode, Eden McKenzie-Goddard shares insights into his writing process, the significance of the novel’s title, and the emotional depths of his characters’ journeys.

Copyright: Elena Lappin

Original theme music score copyright: Tom Pooley

• Navigating multi-generational stories that reflect the complexities of immigration and identity
• How language, music, and personal experiences shape McKenzie-Goddard's storytelling
• The role of empathy and emotional truth in portraying characters' inner worlds
• The significance of the Windrush scandal in shaping the novel’s political and social themes
• Writing in multiple first-person voices to deepen character development
• The creative process and how music influences the author's writing rhythm
• Challenges of balancing political themes with human stories
• Timestamps00:00 - Introduction to Eden Mackenzie Goddard and Smalley
• 01:33 - Eden reads from his novel, exploring themes of discomfort and language
• 05:54 - Discussing the book’s connection with the Windrush scandal and its multi-generational scope
• 08:48 - Film rights and themes of love and anger in the story
• 11:40 - Personal stories of long-distance love and migration
• 13:19 - The novel’s portrayal of unspoken responsibilities and internal conflicts
• 14:17 - Exploring multiple narrative voices and character depth in Smalley
• 17:35 - The importance of empathy in storytelling and understanding family pain
• 20:12 - The immigrant experience and feeling of abandonment within families
• 22:10 - Character complexity, especially Lucinda, and her struggles with language and identity
• 24:46 - The theme of rebellion and the search for freedom through Lucinda’s journey
• 26:08 - The impact of language and how it shapes self-perception and authenticity
• 33:00 - The theme of aloneness and isolation within immigrant narratives
• 36:05 - Addressing political issues through human stories, focusing on the Windrush scandal
• 42:16 - The evolution of the story and Mc-Kenzie-Goddard's creative process over years
• 44:14 - The creative milestone of writing the final scene and the story’s life force
• 46:00 - Vision of SMALLIE adapted to film, highlighting visual storytelling

• Resources & Links
• SMALLIE by Eden Mackenzie Goddard (search for latest links)
• Nancy Wilson - Guess Who I Saw Today
• Connect with Eden Mackenzie GoddardTwitter
• Instagram
• Official Website
• Additional NotesThe significance of language and identity in multicultural and immigrant experiences is central to Eden’s storytelling. His personal insights and musical influences enrich the narrative depth of SMALLIE.
• The episode emphasizes storytelling as a vehicle for empathy, highlighting individual human stories amidst political upheavals.

SHOP TALK WITH WRITERS is a unique conversation with each author, about the stories behind their books.

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Elena Lappin explores the remarkable life and work of Margaret Busby, in conversation with the pioneering publisher, editor, and author, through her personal stories, insights on publishing, and reflections on music and culture. A celebration of the publication of Margaret Busby's new book PART OF THE STORY: WRITINGS FROM HALF A CENURY (Hamish Hamilton).

The episode is dedicated to Margaret Busby"s favourite music charity, TOMORROW's WARRIORS.

keywords

Margaret Busby, publishing, black writers, literature, music, autobiography, Daughters of Africa, Tomorrow's Warriors, black culture, literary history

key topics

Margaret Busby's early life and education in Ghana and England

Founding of Alison and Busby publishing house

Publishing influential black writers and anthologies

Reflections on her personal writings and memoir

Her passion for music and support for Tomorrow's Warriors

guest name

Margaret Busby

key frameworks

Chronological organization of writings

Passing knowledge and passing it on

action items

Explore Margaret Busby's writings and anthologies

Support Tomorrow's Warriors and similar initiatives

Reflect on the importance of passing on cultural knowledge

Titles

Margaret Busby: A Life in Publishing and Music

From Ghana to the World: The Margaret Busby Story

sound bites

"Not a day passes without my mother being in my thoughts."

"Putting together this book was like my life’s work."

"Music is serious; I believe it’s as serious as your life."

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Margaret Busby's Background

01:20 Her Publishing Career and Notable Authors

02:20 Her Passion for Music and Tomorrow's Warriors

03:10 Reading from 'Part of the Story' - Personal Reflections

23:41 Assembling the Book: Challenges and Process

26:49 Reflections on Publishing and Personal Life

44:28 Key Writings and Influences in Her Career

52:36 Titles and Themes of the Book Sections

01:07:51 Why Margaret Writes and Publishes

01:11:49 Legacy, Inspiration, and Closing Remarks

resources

Tomorrow's Warriors - https://www.tomorrowswarriors.org/

Daughters of Africa (Book) - https://www.amazon.com/s?k=Daughters+of+Africa

Margaret Busby on Twitter - https://twitter.com/MargaretBusby

guest links

Twitter - https://twitter.com/MargaretBusby

Official Website - https://www.hamishhamilton.co.uk/authors/margaret-busby

SHOP TALK WITH WRITERS is a unique conversation with each author, about the stories behind their books.

Subscribe to our monthly newsletter to find out more about each episode, and to engage with our conversations with authors

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

In this in-depth interview with host Elena Lappin, novelist and non-fiction writer Francis Spufford discusses his latest novel NONESUCH, set during the London Blitz, blending historical detail with supernatural elements. He explores London's layered history, character development, and the interplay of fact and fiction, offering insights into his creative process and thematic interests.

Keywords

Francis Spufford, Nonesuch, London Blitz, historical fiction, literary fiction, supernatural, city as character, novel writing, creative process, WWII London, fantasy in fiction, fascism, the occult, angels, bombing, war, family, love, early technology

Key topics

Blitz era London and its supernatural reinterpretation

London as a character in fiction

Historical layers of London and their influence on storytelling

Guest name

Francis Spufford, Novelist

NONESUCH is published by Faber

sound bites

"Play is very serious for a maker."

"London is a character in this novel."

"The Blitz is London's epic moment."

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and author background

01:08 Setting the scene: London during the Blitz

04:37 London's layered history and fictional streets

09:40 The supernatural elements and historical occultism

14:34 The role of London as a character in the novel

19:30 Character development: Iris and her world

23:12 Themes of darkness, evil, and supernatural forces

27:21 Historical influences and literary inspirations

36:47 Transition from nonfiction to fiction writing

41:24 Playfulness and imagination in Spufford's writing

44:34 The challenge of channeling C.S. Lewis

50:24 Belief, faith, and the supernatural in storytelling

53:46 Why Francis Spufford writes: storytelling as understanding

resources

None Such by Francis Spufford - https://www.faber.co.uk/9780571366074-none-such.html

Francis Spufford's Official Website - https://francisspufford.com

London Blitz History - https://www.bbc.co.uk/history/worldwars/wwtwo/blitz_01.shtml

guest links

Twitter - https://twitter.com/FrancisBufford

Website - https://francisspufford.com

SHOP TALK WITH WRITERS is a unique conversation with each author, about the stories behind their books.

Subscribe to our monthly newsletter to find out more about each episode, and to engage with our conversations with authors

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

Summary

In this episode of Shop Talk with Writers, Guardian foreign correspondent Julian Borger tells host Elena Lappin about his book I SEEK A KIND PERSON: MY FATHER, SEVEN CHILDREN AND THE ADVERTS THAT HELPED THEM ESCAPE THE HOLOCAUST. He discusses his family's past and the stories of other children who were also refugees, highlighting the importance of understanding and remembering these narratives. The discussion also touches on the complexities of belonging and the legacy of trauma passed down through generations.

The episode also features the charity SHELTERBOX, an organisation which provides help worldwide to communities in crisis via their book club, the ShelterBox Book Club.

Keywords

Julian Borger, I Seek a Kind Person, Holocaust, children, survivors, refugee stories, family history, trauma, identity, belonging, memoir, investigative journalism

Takeaways

Julian Borger's book is a personal exploration of his father's refugee experience.

The emotional impact of discovering a family advert seeking a foster parent.

The silence surrounding trauma in refugee families is a common experience.

Borger's investigative journalism approach helped uncover hidden family histories.

The importance of kindness in the context of refugee experiences.

Understanding the dual identity of being a refugee and assimilating into a new culture.

The book connects the stories of multiple refugee children from the same era.

Borger reflects on the pressures his father faced as a refugee.

The significance of remembering and honoring those lost in the Holocaust.

The journey of writing the book transformed Borger's understanding of his family.

Titles

Unveiling Family Secrets: Julian Borger's Journey

The Hidden Stories of Refugees: A Conversation with Julian Borger

Sound bites

"The past is never dead, it's not even past."

"I was running away from something."

"I came to see the boy hidden inside the man."

Chapters

00:00 The Journey Begins: Discovering Family History

07:01 Unpacking the Book: Themes and Inspirations

13:49 The Silence of the Past: Understanding Trauma

22:04 Connecting Stories: The Lives of Refugee Children

30:14 The Impact of Secrecy: A Father's Legacy

36:52 Reflections on Identity: Belonging and Displacement

44:05 Transformative Discoveries: Understanding Family Dynamics

50:56 Cultural Connections: The Influence of History on Art

SHOP TALK WITH WRITERS is a unique conversation with each author, about the stories behind their books.

Subscribe to our monthly newsletter to find out more about each episode, and to engage with our conversations with authors

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

Summary

In this episode of Shop Talk with Writers, host Elena Lapin engages in a deep conversation with novelist Moira Buffini about her works, particularly her novels 'Songlight' and 'Torchfire.' Buffini reflects on the themes of trust and division in her fictional town of North Haven, drawing parallels to her own experiences growing up in a divided society influenced by the historical context of Northern Ireland. She discusses the importance of exploring complex relationships, particularly between mothers and daughters, and how these dynamics are often underrepresented in literature. Buffini also addresses the challenges of categorizing her work within the YA genre, emphasizing the emotional truths and societal issues her characters navigate, including the implications of misogyny and the expectations placed on young women in a dystopian setting.

Keywords

Moira Buffini, Songlight, Torchfire, dystopian fiction, YA literature, mother-daughter relationships, societal issues, writing process, speculative fiction, emotional truth, political fantasy, historical parallels

Takeaways

There's nothing in these books that hasn't happened somewhere in the world.

Mothers are extraordinary figures with both light and darkness in their relationships.

Speculative fiction allows us to explore societal issues in a different light.

The emotional truth in writing is what makes a story beautiful.

Young women need to navigate difficult realities, and literature can help arm them.

Titles

Exploring Dystopia: Moira Buffini on 'Songlight' and 'Torchfire'

The Emotional Truth in Dystopian Fiction with Moira Buffini

Sound bites

"I drew on my great love of history."

"Why is the exploration of difficult relationships not acceptable?"

"Speculative fiction is a great way of distilling out the confusion."

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Moira Buffini and Her Works

02:09 Themes of Trust and Division in North Haven

04:24 Mother-Daughter Relationships in Literature

07:03 Navigating YA Genre and Emotional Truth

10:50 Exploring Misogyny and Societal Expectations

18:14 The Role of History in Buffini's Writing

24:11 Speculative Fiction as a Reflection of Now

30:06 The Freedom and Challenges of Writing Across Mediums

34:08 Why Moira Buffini Writes

SHOP TALK WITH WRITERS is a unique conversation with each author, about the stories behind their books.

Subscribe to our monthly newsletter to find out more about each episode, and to engage with our conversations with authors

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

Keywords

dystopian fiction, telepathy, Songlight, Torch Trilogy, character development, creative writing, Moira Buffini, storytelling, female empowerment, world-building

Summary

In this wide-ranging conversation, acclaimed novelist, playwright and screenwriter Moira Buffini discusses her dystopian trilogy, the Torch Trilogy, which explores themes of telepathy, connection, and the struggles of young women against oppressive regimes. The dialogue delves into Buffini's creative process, her transition from playwriting to novel writing, and the intricate character development that brings her world to life. The discussion also highlights the moral complexities of her characters, particularly the antagonists, and the overarching themes of communication and empowerment in her storytelling.

Takeaways

The world of Songlight is set thousands of years in the future.

Buffini's writing is influenced by her background in playwriting.

The trilogy explores themes of telepathy and connection.

Character development is central to the storytelling process.

Buffini aims to write stories that resonate with her heart.

The intimacy of novel writing differs from playwriting.

Buffini's characters are often named for their traits or roles.

The antagonist, Zara Swan, is a complex character shaped by trauma.

The trilogy emphasizes the power of young women standing together.

Buffini believes in the importance of intuitive communication.

Titles

Exploring the Dystopian World of Songlight

The Creative Journey of Moira Buffini

Sound bites

"This is my heart song."

"Song is a central human thing."

"I keep going back to writing."

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to the Dystopian World of Songlight

07:58 The Creative Process Behind the Torch Trilogy

15:30 The Transition from Playwriting to Novel Writing

21:05 Character Development and Perspectives

30:54 Themes of Connection and Communication

39:24 Complex Antagonists and Moral Ambiguity

SHOP TALK WITH WRITERS is a unique conversation with each author, about the stories behind their books.

Subscribe to our monthly newsletter to find out more about each episode, and to engage with our conversations with authors

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