SHOP TALK WITH WRITERS

Elena Lappin

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Elena Lappin in conversation with leading authors about the stories behind their books. Email: shoptalk.writers@gmail.com Instagram: @shoptalkwithwriters Newsletter: /s/shop-talk-with-writers-newsletter Connect with us here or on our website https://shows.acast.com./shop-talk-with-writers Thank you for listening! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

FEB 26

Ep.23: FRANCIS SPUFFORD

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 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.

55 min
JAN 31

Ep.22: JULIAN BORGER

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 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.

58 min
JAN 16

Ep.21: MOIRA BUFFINI (Part 2)

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 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.

44 min
JAN 11

Ep.20: MOIRA BUFFINI (PART 1)

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 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.

49 min
12/13/2025

Ep.19: GARY GULMAN

Summary In this conversation with host Elena Lappin, Gary Gulman discusses his memoir 'Misfit', reflecting on his journey as a writer and comedian. He shares insights into the writing process, the importance of storytelling, and the influence of teachers and mentors in his life. The discussion also explores the adaptation of his memoir into a stand-up show, the challenges of writing about personal experiences, and his aspirations for future writing projects. Keywords memoir, storytelling, comedy, writing process, adaptation, character voices, teachers, personal growth, future aspirations, Gary Gulman Takeaways Gary's storytelling ability was recognized by a professor early on. Writing projects in school were a refuge for Gary. Humour can be a coping mechanism for deeper emotions. The process of adapting a memoir into a stand-up show is complex. Character voices in writing can bring realism to the narrative. Teachers can have a profound impact on a student's life. Writing requires discipline and practice to improve. The memoir reflects a blend of vulnerability and humour. Gary's relationship with his mother influenced his writing. Future writing aspirations include exploring fiction. Titles The Art of Storytelling with Gary Gulman Misfit: A Journey Through Comedy and Writing Chapters 00:00 The Journey to Storytelling 05:40 Exploring Misfit: A Memoir 10:47 The Art of Adaptation: From Page to Stage 16:50 Character Voices and Realism in Writing 22:50 The Impact of Teachers and Mentors 32:20 Writing Process and Personal Reflections 38:15 Future Aspirations: Novels and Beyond 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.

46 min
11/26/2025

Ep.18: ANN MORGAN

Show Notes/Summary In this episode, host Elena Lappin welcomes novelist and international book blogger Ann Morgan to discuss her thought-provoking new book, Relearning to Read: Adventures in Not Knowing. The conversation delves into the transformative power of reading and the importance of humility and openness when encountering unfamiliar narratives. Morgan shares her personal journey of unlearning traditional reading habits shaped by academic expectations and the liberating experience of engaging with literature from diverse cultures. Through anecdotes from her time volunteering with the Samaritans and her encounters with extraordinary individuals, she illustrates the profound connection between reading and understanding others' stories. This episode invites listeners to embrace the adventure of reading with curiosity and an open mind. Keywords Shop Talk With Writers, Ann Morgan, Relearning To Read, Adventures In Not Knowing, International Literature, Samaritans, Emotional Support, Reading Experience, Curiosity In Reading, Children's Literature, Graphic Novels, Literary Analysis, Writing Process, Cultural Perspectives, Literary Traditions, Book Blogging, Cross-Cultural Reading, Humility In Reading, Reader-Writer Collaboration, Creative Writing Takeaways Reading requires humility and openness to different perspectives. Volunteering can reshape one's understanding of narratives. Children's reading habits reflect a natural acceptance of stories. Relearning to read involves embracing childlike wonder. Education can impose restrictive reading frameworks. Gender dynamics affect academic performance in reading and writing. Creative interpretation is essential in understanding literature. Digital reading influences reader engagement and collaboration. Curiosity fosters deeper connections with diverse cultures. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to the Podcast and Guest 01:16 Exploring the Concept of Reading 03:45 The Impact of Volunteering on Reading Perspectives 06:04 Childhood Experiences and Early Writing 09:04 The Influence of Children’s Reading Habits 10:58 Relearning to Read with Childlike Wonder 12:17 The Role of Education in Shaping Reading 15:13 Gender Dynamics in Academic Reading and Writing 19:03 The Art of Creative Interpretation in Reading 22:23 Openness in Reading and Understanding Different Cultures 27:03 Reading from Diverse Global Perspectives 30:04 The Writer's Freedom and Boldness in Storytelling 31:36 The Collaborative Nature of Reading and Writing 34:57 The Influence of Digital Reading on Reader Experience 38:34 The Universality of Literature and Reader Engagement 44:54 Personal Stories and Connections Through Literature 50:32 Curiosity and Learning from Others 52:13 Current Projects and Future Endeavors Keywords understanding, validation, academic success, personal growth, reading, cultural openness Takeaways Reading international literature was an incredibly formative experience.In school and academia, I became very fixated on this idea of needing to be right.It laid the groundwork for some pretty troubling reading.Understanding everything became a personal obsession.Academic success can lead to troubling patterns in thinking.The pressure to excel can hinder genuine learning.Struggles in one subject can overshadow strengths in another.Personal growth is often tied to our academic experiences.Reading is an adventure in learning what we don't know 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.

59 min
10/31/2025

Ep.17: BEN MARKOVITS

Summary Host Elena Lappin interviews acclaimed novelist Ben Markovits about his Booker-shortlisted novel THE REST OF OUR LIVES. Tom's wife Amy had an affair many years ago, and now that their youngest daughter is leaving home, Tom is supposedly ready to end his marriage. But will he? Markovits talks about the complexities of navigating middle age, focusing on the narrowing options individuals face as they grow older. It explores the idea of self-experimentation and the potential for personal growth, while also addressing the emotional challenges of leaving behind a previous life. The discussion highlights the tension between the desire for change and the reality of established life paths. Keywords middle age, life choices, parenthood, self-experimentation, happiness, personal growth, life course, change, identity, marriage, infidelity Takeaways One of the problems with middle age is the illusion of choices. As you get older, the options narrow significantly. People often struggle with the idea of their life course being set. Self-experimentation can lead to unexpected happiness. You can do almost anything to yourself and still find joy. The heart of Tom's predicament lies in his sense of possibility. Embracing change is essential for personal growth. Betraying the past can be a part of moving forward. Middle age brings a unique set of challenges and opportunities. Understanding one's capacity for change is crucial. Sound bites "The options narrow as you get older." "It might not even make you unhappy." "Experimentation can lead to happiness." 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.

56 min
10/16/2025

Ep. 16: CHARLOTTE MENDELSON

Keywords Charlotte Mendelson, Wife, lesbian marriage, relationships, narcissism, family dynamics, literature, emotional complexity, storytelling, character development, contemporary fiction Episode Summary In this episode of Shop Talk with Writers, bestselling novelist Charlotte Mendelson discusses her latest novel, WIFE, which intricately explores the dynamics of a lesbian marriage between Zoe and Penny. Through a reading from the book, Mendelson delves into the complexities of their relationship, the themes of desire, control, and the impact of narcissism. The conversation also touches on the inspiration behind the novel, the portrayal of lesbian relationships in literature, and the challenges of writing about intimate subjects. Mendelson's sharp wit and insightful observations provide a rich exploration of personal and family relationships, making this episode a compelling listen for fans of contemporary literature. Takeaways Charlotte Mendelson's 'Wife' explores the intricacies of a lesbian marriage. The novel is structured around two timelines: a 20-year relationship and its final day. Zoe, the protagonist, embodies a nurturing spirit contrasted with Penny's assertiveness. Mendelson aims to depict the complexities of desire and control in relationships. The book addresses the theme of narcissism and its impact on personal relationships. Mendelson's writing reflects her experiences and observations of family dynamics. The portrayal of lesbian relationships in literature is evolving, yet still faces stereotypes. Mendelson emphasizes the importance of authenticity in storytelling. The challenges of writing about intimate subjects are significant for authors. Gardening serves as a metaphor for personal growth and emotional complexity in Mendelson's work. Titles Unpacking 'Wife': A Deep Dive into Relationships Charlotte Mendelson on Love, Loss, and Literature Chapters 00:00 Exploring 'Wife': A Reading from the Novel 05:48 Character Dynamics: Zoe and Penny's Relationship 20:12 The Complexity of Desire and Control 29:22 Narcissism in Relationships: A Deeper Look 43:54 The Inspiration Behind 'Wife' and Its Themes 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.

58 min

Elena Lappin in conversation with leading authors about the stories behind their books. Email: shoptalk.writers@gmail.com Instagram: @shoptalkwithwriters Newsletter: /s/shop-talk-with-writers-newsletter Connect with us here or on our website https://shows.acast.com./shop-talk-with-writers Thank you for listening! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Creator

Elena Lappin
Years Active

2024 - 2026
Episodes

23
Rating

Clean
Copyright

© Elena Lappin
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SHOP TALK WITH WRITERS

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