Olga Tokarczuk, Nobel Prize in Literature 2018: Official interview | Summary and Q&A

Summary

In this video, the speaker discusses their early experiences with books, their fascination with fairy tales, their interest in psychology, and their love for writing. They also touch on the topic of characters and the writing process. Additionally, they talk about their favorite books, influential experiences, and their views on borders and movement. The speaker also shares their thoughts on activism and their plans for the future.

Questions & Answers

Q: How did the speaker's upbringing influence their love for books and writing?

The speaker grew up in a household where books were highly valued and discussed. They spent a lot of time with their father in the library, exploring the shelves and discovering the power of words. They were particularly drawn to fairy tales, which they still find poetic. This early exposure to books and storytelling ignited their passion for writing.

Q: What motivated the speaker to explore other countries and cultures in their writing?

The speaker's fascination with literature from a young age made them curious about other countries and cultures. They wanted to cross borders, both literal and metaphorical, and delve into different perspectives and experiences. This gave them a broader worldview and became a strong driving force in their writing.

Q: Why did the speaker choose to study psychology alongside their love for literature?

Although the speaker initially wanted to study literature, their mother encouraged them to explore psychology as well. This decision turned out to be instrumental in their writing career. They learned that every individual is a source of endless stories, and their training as a psychotherapist helped them to truly listen to people. This ability to deeply understand others has become an essential aspect of their writing.

Q: What was the most influential experience that impacted the speaker's work?

Moving to the countryside after living in big cities was a significant moment for the speaker. It allowed them to reconnect with nature and find a sense of inner silence and concentration that greatly enhanced their writing. This experience shaped their writing style and provided the necessary environment for deep introspection and creativity.

Q: How does the process of creating characters unfold for the speaker?

The speaker describes the process of creating characters as an intriguing journey. At first, it seems like they are inventing the characters to fit their story, but they soon realize that these characters already exist somewhere else. The characters start as vague shapes, but as the writing progresses, the speaker can hear their conversations and understand their personalities. This deep, almost mystical connection between the author and their characters brings the writing to life.

Q: What are the different dimensions of writing that the speaker finds engaging?

Writing encompasses a multitude of dimensions for the speaker. It involves conducting research, inventing stories, discussing ideas with others, making notes, and ultimately sculpting the entire narrative. This multi-faceted process keeps the speaker engaged and prevents monotony. They find joy and fulfillment in exploring these various dimensions.

Q: What challenges does the speaker face as a writer?

The speaker identifies two challenges they encounter as a writer. The first is maintaining a disciplined writing routine and managing their time effectively. This requires maintaining a regular schedule and dedicating enough time to writing. The second challenge is creating stories that resonate with readers across various demographics. The speaker acknowledges that there is no one-size-fits-all book, and the target audience plays a crucial role in determining the success of a book.

Q: Who are some influential writers for the speaker, and what kind of writing tradition do they belong to?

The speaker feels a strong affiliation to the Central European writing tradition. They specifically mention Bruno Schultz as a Polish writer who had a profound impact on them. Schultz's innovative use of the Polish language and parabolic writing style resonated with the speaker. They also mention authors such as Franz Kafka from Central Europe and Russian realist writers who have influenced their writing journey.

Q: Is the speaker planning to address climate change and environmental issues in their writing?

The speaker acknowledges the urgency of climate change and the need for action. They make it clear that while they are not an activist, they have a responsibility as a writer to address these important issues. They intend to provide general ideas and instructions on how to deal with the challenges posed by climate change through their writing. Their goal is to raise awareness and encourage readers to take action without being activist in a traditional sense.

Q: How has the speaker's perspective and approach to writing changed since the announcement of being awarded the Nobel Prize?

The speaker feels a new sense of responsibility and motivation after receiving the Nobel Prize. They have always been active in their community, but now they realize they have an opportunity to do even more. They are in the process of planning the goals and activities of their foundation, which will focus on supporting writers and translators through residencies. They also aim to concentrate on ecological initiatives and animal rights within their local community.

Takeaways

In this video, the speaker reflects on the influence of their upbringing, their fascination with books and fairy tales, and their interest in psychology. They discuss the process of creating characters, the various dimensions of writing, and the challenges they face as a writer. The speaker also shares their favorite authors, their connection to Central European writing traditions, and their plans to address climate change through their work. Ultimately, they emphasize the importance of literature as a means of understanding and connecting with the world.