In this episode, author and educator Andrea Simon talks with Wynne Leon about her novel 'Did You Live the Life You Wanted?' which explores themes of perspective, regret, and the meaning of life through the lens of female friendships and personal experiences.

The conversation delves into the differences in how men and women perceive their life choices, the challenges of writing about family, and the evolution of storytelling in the digital age. Andrea shares insights from her own life and the lives of others, emphasizing the importance of self-discovery and the impact of friendships on shaping our lives.

Takeaways

• The novel spans 50 years, highlighting female friendships.
• Writing about family requires sensitivity and respect.
• Men and women often have different perspectives on life choices.
• Older women may feel they had fewer options in their careers.
• Photography has evolved, changing how we capture moments.
• Female friendships provide essential support throughout life.
• Regret can lead to personal growth and new opportunities.
• Teaching later in life can be more fulfilling than expected.
• Understanding characters' motivations enhances storytelling.
• It's important to pursue personal desires as we age.

Links for this episode:

How to Share homeHow to Share Perspective transcript

Andrea Simon's website

Did You Have the Life You Wanted? on Barnes & Noble, and Amazon

From the host:

Wynne's book about her beloved father: Finding My Father’s Faith