Walkaway | Cory Doctorow | Talks at Google

TL;DR

Cory Doctorow talks about his novel "Walkaway," emphasizing the importance of optimism, disaster preparedness, and hope.

Transcript

[? HEATH ROE: ?] Hello, my name is Heath [? Roe, ?] I'm Research Operations Manager for the Insights Lab at Google, and I want to thank you for joining us today for Cory Doctorow. Cory Doctorow is a science fiction author, activist, journalist, and blogger, co-editor of Boing Boing and author of many books, including the nonfiction business book, "... Read More

Key Insights

• ❓ Optimism is not the belief that nothing will go wrong but rather the belief that systems can recover from disaster and be improved upon.
• 😀 Empathy and hope play crucial roles in facing difficult situations and building resilience.
• 💁 Writing for different media, such as in-universe artifacts, requires a specific understanding of the purpose and format of each asset.
• 🤑 Los Angeles, with its diverse population and rich history, serves as an intriguing backdrop for storytelling and offers unique creative opportunities.

Questions & Answers

Q: What is the main message behind "Walkaway"?

The main message of "Walkaway" is that systems should be designed to recover from disaster and that optimism is a belief in the potential for improvement. It is a hopeful take on disasters and human resilience.

Q: How did Cory Doctorow approach writing the in-universe artifacts for Disney's ghost-post asset?

Doctorow approached the writing of the ghost-post assets in a similar way to show writing, focusing on conveying information in a concise and engaging manner. He also worked with a project manager to ensure all the assets fit into the overarching story and canon.

Q: How has living in Los Angeles influenced Cory Doctorow's writing or storytelling?

Los Angeles, particularly the San Fernando Valley, has been a source of inspiration for Doctorow's writing. The city's diverse population, blend of different cultures, and rich history make it an interesting setting for his stories.

Q: What are Cory Doctorow's thoughts on the future of Los Angeles?

Doctorow admits that he doesn't know what the future holds for Los Angeles, but he finds the city's dynamics and the creative opportunities it offers fascinating. He also notes that resilience and community support are key to surviving and recovering from disasters in any city.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Cory Doctorow reads an excerpt from his novel "Walkaway" and discusses the concept behind the book.

• He explains that optimism is not the belief that nothing will go wrong, but rather the belief that systems can recover from disaster and be improved upon.

• Doctorow also highlights the importance of empathy and hope in facing difficult situations, drawing from his experience and observations of disasters.