Unveiling The Lion Women of Tehran with Marjan Kamali
In this episode of Elena Meets the Author, I sit down with the incredible Marjan Kamali to discuss her bestselling novel The Lion Women of Tehran. 🌍✨The novel follows the intertwined lives of two childhood friends, Homa and Ellie, as they grow from girls in 1950s Tehran into women navigating the complexities of adulthood. We dive into the inspiration behind this captivating story, the rich depiction of Iranian culture, and the unique challenges of writing historical fiction. Marjan shares some evocative excerpts from her book and reveals how her own childhood friendships and family history have shaped the narrative. Together, we explore themes of friendship, the fragility of freedom, and the timeless nature of storytelling. 📖💫Listen now! 🔗 [Link to episode]#ElenaMeetsTheAuthor #TheLionWomenOfTehran #MarjanKamali #HistoricalFiction #AuthorInterview #BookLovers #Storytelling #Friendship #Iran #WomensRights #NewEpisode #Podcast #BookstagramEpisode Breakdown:00:00 – Meet the Author: Marjan Kamali03:03 – The Story Behind The Lion Women of Tehran04:37 – Exploring Themes of Friendship and Betrayal05:33 – The Historical Context of Women's Rights in Iran14:07 – The Writing Process and Developing Characters30:22 – Imagination's Role in the Writing Journey30:50 – When Characters Take Control of the Story31:41 – Drawing from Emotional Wells and Writing Trauma32:38 – Method Acting: Bringing Characters to Life33:25 – Writing Challenging and Emotional Scenes36:17 – The Heart of The Lion Women of Tehran37:06 – The Many Faces of a Lioness40:36 – Navigating Difficult Scenes and Character Growth45:49 – The Importance of Friendship and Freedom50:20 – The Joy of Reading and Discovering New Stories51:59 – Marjan Kamali’s Upcoming Projects53:18 – Final Thoughts and Farewell This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit elenabowes.substack.com
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EP. 29 - Exploring Dora Maar: Beyond Picasso's Weeping Woman with Louisa Treger
In this week’s episode of Elena Meets the Author, I’m joined by the brilliant Louisa Treger to talk about her captivating new novel The Paris Muse, which delves into the life of Dora Maar, Picasso’s muse behind the iconic Weeping Woman.We dive into Dora’s incredible journey beyond her relationship with Picasso, exploring her life as a surrealist photographer, poet, and political activist. From the influence she had on Picasso’s art to her redemption and artistic revival, this episode is a deep dive into art, love, and the complexities of history.Click here to buy The Paris Muse and support the show. Episode Breakdown:* 00:00 – Introduction to the Podcast* 00:16 – Introducing Louisa Treger and The Paris Muse* 00:42 – Dora Maar: Picasso's Muse and More* 01:55 – Louisa's Inspiration from Dora's Photography* 04:37 – Reading from the Prologue* 08:15 – Dora Maar's Early Life* 11:19 – Dora's Relationship with Picasso* 18:56 – The Influence of Dora on Picasso's Art* 21:44 – Discussing the Novel's Setting and Characters* 22:25 – Writing About the South of France* 24:26 – Picasso and Dora's Relationship During Wartime* 26:00 – Dora's Inner Monologues and Personal Connection* 29:41 – Picasso's Dark Side and Its Impact* 32:09 – Dora's Redemption and Artistic Revival* 35:59 – The Author's Inspiration and Future Projects* 38:01 – Conclusion and Final Thoughts This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit elenabowes.substack.com
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EP.28 - Unveiling Historical Fiction: An Interview with Allegra Goodman
In this episode of Elena Meets the Author, I speak with the brilliant author Allegra Goodman about her historical novel Isola. This captivating conversation delves into the story's inspiration, centered on Marguerite de la Rocque de Roberval, a French noblewoman marooned on an island in the Gulf of St in 1542. Goodman shares her writing process, research adventures, and the themes of solitude and resilience. She also discusses the joys and challenges of writing historical fiction, the significance of voice in storytelling, and her own journey with the novel. You will gain insights into Goodman's multifaceted approach to writing and her passion for exploring human endurance and transformation.Click here to buy Isola and support the show at no extra cost! 00:00 Introduction to the Podcast00:16 Introducing Allegra Goodman and Her Novel 'Isola'00:42 Synopsis of 'Isla'02:34 Marguerite's Struggle for Survival03:13 Interview with Allegra Goodman Begins03:20 The Inspiration Behind 'Isola'06:53 Finding Marguerite's Voice09:46 Reading the First Page of 'Isola'13:51 Themes of Solitude and Survival16:41 Writing in Isolation20:20 Exploring the Concept of Freedom22:24 Exploring Writing Styles and Language24:19 The Audible Experience24:58 Best Writing Advice and Genre Exploration26:52 Reading Habits and Instagram Insights29:42 Morning Routines and Creative Processes31:18 Themes and Inspirations Behind the Book33:15 Personal Reflections and Writing Pace39:14 Upcoming Projects and Family Anecdotes This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit elenabowes.substack.com
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EP.27 House Swaps and Hilarity: An Interview with Amy Poeppel
In this episode of Elena Meets the Author, I interview the wonderful novelist Amy Poeppel about her latest book, Far and Away, a comedic tale of two families from Dallas and Berlin embarking on a chaotic house swap. Amy shares the inspiration behind her book, drawn from her own experiences living in these cities, and we dive into the complexities of writing a multi-layered story. She discusses the humorous misunderstandings and cultural clashes her characters face and gives insights into her unique writing process, including her preference for using a whiteboard over outlining. We wrap up with a conversation about how Amy's characters discover the true meaning of home and community.Links to books mentioned:Please buy through these links to directly support the podcast for free! Amy Poeppel - Far and AwayAmy’s book recommendations: The Correspondence The Road to Tender HeartsRed Island House Check out my favorite rolling top 10 books, updated regularly! Watch Amy’s trailer here 00:00 Introduction to the Podcast00:39 Meet the Author: Amy Poeppel02:13 The Inspiration Behind the Novel05:00 Humorous Miscommunications11:03 Writing Process and Challenges15:24 Character Development and Research25:49 Exploring the Vermeer Scandal26:12 Writing Process and Research28:49 Teenage Dialogue and Miscommunication30:14 Character Development and Themes32:51 Challenges and Joys of Writing37:18 The Importance of Community39:17 Starting a Writing Career Later in Life45:59 Upcoming Projects and Inspirations49:43 Book Recommendations52:14 Conclusion and Final Thoughts This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit elenabowes.substack.com
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EP.26 - Demystifying the Magic with Yael Van Der Wouden
In this episode of Elena Meets the Author, I interview Dutch author Yael Van Der Wouden about her debut novel, 'The Safekeep', which was shortlisted for the Booker Prize. We delve into the novel's complex themes, including post-war Dutch society, familial relationships, and the nuances of loathing and desire. Yael shares insights into her writing process, the inspiration behind her work, and her experiences growing up Jewish in the Netherlands. The episode concludes with a discussion on building suspense and the art of writing erotica, offering listeners a comprehensive look at the making of a modern classic. Don't miss Yael reading an excerpt from her book and hinting at her upcoming novel.00:00 Introduction to the Podcast00:15 Meet the Author: Yael Van Der Wouden00:56 Synopsis of 'The Safekeep'01:22 Isabelle's Life and Family Dynamics02:35 Interview with Yael: Writing Process and Inspirations05:36 Yael's Childhood and Cultural Experiences09:39 Themes and Historical Context in 'The Safe Keep'15:55 Isabelle's Relationship with Her Brothers18:42 Reading an Excerpt from 'The Safekeep'20:59 Exploring Loathing and Desire22:38 Crafting Suspense in Writing25:25 Erotica and Tension29:26 Cinematic Influences in Writing31:07 The Three-Part Structure34:56 Character Development and Morality39:21 Author's Intent and Reader Takeaways42:10 Upcoming Projects and Conclusion This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit elenabowes.substack.com
Welcome to Elena Meets the Author, the Podcast that brings you intimate conversations with authors about the art and craft of storytelling. Whether you’re a passionate reader, a curious creator, or simply love diving into the minds of creative thinkers, this podcast offers a behind-the-scenes look at how stories come to life.
Each episode features an in-depth interview with an author as they share their unique journey, the challenges they’ve faced, and the inspiration behind their work. From uncovering the spark of an idea to navigating the ups and downs of the creative process, we explore the human side of writing. My goal is to inspire and connect listeners with the magic of storytelling while celebrating the diversity of voices shaping today’s literary landscape.
This podcast is especially for people who enjoy exploring creativity, personal growth, and the stories that move us. But the insights and inspiration we uncover are universal, offering something for anyone who appreciates the power of words.
Tune in for thoughtful conversations that will leave you feeling inspired, connected, and ready to embrace your own creative journey.
New episodes released biweekly!
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