Nobel Prize in Literature 2007, Doris Lessing

Transcript

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Summary

In this video, the speaker describes their journey of becoming a writer and the challenges they faced, including rejection from publishers. They also discuss their writing process and the balance between truth and fiction in their books. Additionally, they mention the backlash they received from extreme feminists and an incident in Sweden where an actress criticized their work.

Questions & Answers

Q: How did the speaker transition from working in a lawyer's office to becoming a writer?

The speaker quit their job and informed their boss about their decision to pursue writing. Their boss laughed, and they started writing short stories that initially didn't please publishers. However, they continued writing one story after another, leading them onto the path of becoming a writer.

Q: How did the speaker view their early books in terms of realism?

The speaker acknowledges that their early books were not realistic. They mention writing memos, survivor accounts, and briefings for defense, which were less based in reality and more fantastical. Although they were not realistic, these books represented an important stepping stone before they wrote their more renowned work, such as "Acosta."

Q: What were some challenges the speaker encountered while working on their book "Acosta"?

While reflecting on "Acosta," the speaker felt that the book was too long and needed refinement. They made significant cuts to the book's content, removing entire sections that they deemed unnecessary. Despite the challenges, the speaker believes that the final product had a beautiful structure, even though the readers may not have been aware of the extensive editing process.

Q: What is the balance between truth and fiction in the speaker's writing process?

The speaker admits that a significant portion of their writing is invented. While some elements are true, many are fabricated or influenced by their imagination. Over time, it becomes challenging to discern what is true and what isn't, leading to a blurred line between reality and fiction in their work.

Q: How did extreme feminists react to the speaker's work?

The speaker mentions receiving criticism from extreme feminists, who did not appreciate their writing. They recall an incident in Sweden where an actress approached them and expressed their dislike for the speaker's book. The actress claimed that the book was not theirs to write and dismissed it as exaggerated and hysterical rubbish.

Takeaways

In summary, the speaker's journey to becoming a writer involved quitting their job and persistently writing stories despite initial rejection. They reflect on the balance between realism and imagination in their work, as well as the challenges of editing and structuring their books. Furthermore, the speaker discusses the negative reception they received from extreme feminists. Overall, their experiences highlight the complexities and challenges faced by writers in the pursuit of their craft.