S2, Ep 2: Why Essays Matter, with Susan Olding

The Book I HAD to Write

About this Episode

In Canada, essayist Susan Olding is well-known as the author of smart, beautifully crafted essays on topics like parenting, illness, our changing relationship to reading & more. In this episode, Susan discusses her journey as an essayist, and her newest essay collection Big Reader. She also discusses the power of writing essays, the challenges of writer's block, the power of re-reading classics as an adult, and the use of experimental forms in storytelling.

Key Takeaways:

Susan emphasizes the importance of making connections in essay writing, whether through traditional or experimental forms.

Susan talks about how self-doubt and perfectionism can contribute to writer's block, but that finding a way through is crucial to developing one's own writing

Susan describes finding inspiration in the essay tradition that blends criticism and autobiography or memoir

She discusses how rereading literary classics she loved when younger, like Anna Karenina, can lead to new insights and perspectives

She discusses experimental forms in essays and how they offer fresh perspectives and help writers explore challenging topics.

Discussed:

Banff Literary Journalism Program

Brenda Miller on Braided Essays & playing with form

Buy the Book

Big Reader: Essays is available from Bookshop | Barnes & Noble | Amazon | Indigo (Canada)

Credits

This episode was edited and produced by Chérie Newman at Magpie Audio Productions. Theme music is "The Stone Mansion" by BlueDot Productions.

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit bookiwanttowrite.substack.com