This Writing Life

Episode 26 - Anna Smaill: Part 2

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In part two of This Writing Life's podcast with Anna Smaill, we negotiate photographers, noises in RIBA and publicists to discuss her soon-to-be Man Booker longlisted debut novel, The Chimes.

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We began by talking about the taunting idea of the 'genius' and the tragedy of falling short. After mocking This Writing Life's mobile phone, Smaill then moved on to:

  • the glories and downsides of genius

  • 'I should probably say, I never actually thought I was a genius'
  • did The Chimes address Smaill's own musical background?
  • from Young Adult to something else: the writing process of The Chimes
  • hearing the voice of her hero, Simon
  • what Simon and Smaill have in common
  • what was the challenge of writing fiction
  • 'That sense of mystery animated it throughout'
  • the (quasi-pseudo ) inspiration for 'Onestory', music as a form of social control
  • Vladimir Gavreau, Infrasound and sonic weaponary
  • music and control in Tokyo
  • chaos, order and the problems of being an individual

  • leaving home and Smaill's return to New Zealand
  • New Zealand and the Man Booker: Hulme and Catton
  • Eleanor Catton and controversy
  • the state of the arts in New Zealand
  • can a novel set in New Zealand break out internationally
  • living with a novelist - Smaill on her husband, the writer Carl Shuker
  • the future

    • Read Anna Smaill on her Man Booker nomination: here.

    ...more
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    This Writing LifeBy James Kidd
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