Factually! with Adam Conover
Susan Orlean Shares the Secrets of a Lifetime of Reporting
· Summarized
Key takeaways
- Storytelling thrives on curiosity and exploration; it reveals complex realities often hidden in plain sight.
- The joy of nonfiction writing lies in the detailed, personal approach that language allows, revealing insights that visual mediums may not convey.
- Writing a memoir can be revelatory, but it challenges the author to ensure authenticity while providing space for reader interpretation.
- The landscape for journalism has drastically changed, making it more challenging for new voices and perspectives to emerge in mainstream media.
- For aspiring writers, focusing on cultivating unique story ideas is essential for developing a successful writing career.
Summary
The Art of Storytelling
Adam and Susan delve into what makes storytelling so captivating, discussing how the best journalism reveals complex, hidden stories that draw readers in. Susan shares her philosophy about curiosity and the importance of exploring mundane topics to uncover fascinating narratives, invoking that moment of realization where something unexpectedly transforms into a compelling story.
The Craft of Nonfiction Writing
Susan discusses her approach to nonfiction, highlighting the power of language and detail in prose that allows for deeper exploration of subjects compared to documentary forms. She emphasizes the importance of being open-minded and curious when researching a topic, reflecting on her own journey of discovering fascinating stories about seemingly ordinary subjects.
Navigating Personal Narratives
The conversation shifts to Susan’s memoir, 'Joyride,' where she discusses the challenges and revelations of reflecting on her life. She emphasizes the importance of allowing readers to find their own interpretations of her experiences and the emotional honesty inherent in personal storytelling.
Changes in the Journalism Landscape
Susan talks about the evolving media landscape, lamenting the reduction in opportunities for long-form journalism and the impact this has on the craft. She shares her insights into how the journalism world has shifted, particularly regarding the business models behind media today and the struggle for writers to find paying venues for their work.
Finding Your Unique Voice as a Writer
Adam solicits advice for young writers, focusing on storytelling and the importance of pursuing unique ideas. Susan underscores cultivating original story ideas as the cornerstone of successful writing, encouraging aspiring writers to be passionate about their chosen subjects and to advocate for their stories rather than solely focusing on career ambitions.
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Show notes
Susan Orlean is one of the greatest living nonfiction writers. She has an uncanny ability to find stories in mundane, unexpected places, and approach them with such a level of authentic fascination that the reader can’t help but become fascinated too. This week, Adam sits with Susan to talk not just about her work, but the very idea of what a storyteller is. Find Susan’s new memoir, Joyride, at factuallypod.com/books
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