Fifteen Writers Break The Silence| Michele Filgate | Talks at Google

TL;DR

Michele Filgate discusses the powerful collection of stories in "Fifteen Writers Breaking The Silence" anthology about relationships with mothers.

Transcript

[MUSIC PLAYING] LESLEY KATZEN: Welcome, Michele. MICHELE FILGATE: Thank you, Lesley. LESLEY KATZEN: You're welcome. [APPLAUSE] So I want to say congratulations. MICHELE FILGATE: Thanks. LESLEY KATZEN: This is a phenomenal book. I didn't know really what to expect. I had read your Longreads essay, and I had gotten a couple of stories into the anthol... Read More

Key Insights

• 👶 Mother-child relationships are primal and intense, often rooted in a search for belonging and understanding.
• 🤗 The anthology features a variety of stories that explore the complexities of motherhood and the need for open communication.
• 👶 Secrets and vulnerabilities in mother-child relationships are highlighted, showcasing the flawed nature of parental figures.
• 🤳 Stories in the anthology evoke emotions and promote self-reflection and introspection on personal relationships.
• ❓ Michele Filgate encourages readers to share their own stories and continue conversations on challenging topics like motherhood.
• 🥺 Writing from a place of vulnerability and showcasing flaws in storytelling can lead to more authentic and relatable narratives.
• ❓ The anthology delves into the gray areas of motherhood, portraying mothers as multidimensional figures rather than idealized protectors.

Questions & Answers

Q: How did Michele Filgate choose the writers for the anthology?

Michele Filgate reached out to writers she admired to share their stories about what they can't talk about with their moms, aiming for a diverse representation of different mother-child relationships.

Q: Why did Michele Filgate choose to include stories about mothers keeping secrets in the anthology?

Mothers, like all humans, have secrets, and these stories highlight the complexities and vulnerabilities in mother-child relationships, adding depth to the anthology's narrative.

Q: How does the anthology depict mothers as flawed beings rather than idealized protectors?

The anthology aims to show mothers as multidimensional individuals who are imperfect, challenging the notion of perfect motherhood and emphasizing the importance of seeing them as human beings.

Q: What advice does Michele Filgate give on fostering better communication lines with one's daughters?

Michele suggests pushing past fear to have difficult conversations with children, writing down thoughts beforehand, and encouraging open communication to strengthen relationships with daughters.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Michele Filgate shares the background behind the anthology inspired by her Longreads essay on a decade-long journey of exploring relationships with mothers.

• The anthology features an array of writers sharing diverse stories about mothers and children, including humorous and uplifting pieces.

• The book delves into the complexities of mother-child relationships, allowing for important conversations and reflections.