George Saunders

George Saunders, an acclaimed novelist celebrated for works like Lincoln in the Bardo, shares his insights on the complexities of kindness and the benefits of meditation. He discusses character motivations in his novel Vigil, revealing how literature fosters empathy and challenges moral perceptions. Saunders reflects on his journey from Ayn Rand to a deeper compassion, and he candidly addresses the burdens of being labeled as 'kind.' His thoughts on death and the impact of capitalism offer a profound view on success and self-awareness.

George Saunders, acclaimed author and teacher known for inventive short stories and the Booker Prize–winning Lincoln in the Bardo. He talks about discovering ideas through writing, using small seed images to let stories grow, treating editing as ongoing creation, improvisation and rhythm in prose, spiritual practice influencing empathy, and teaching craft through close listening.

George Saunders, an award-winning author and creative writing teacher, shares his eclectic path from roofer to literary giant. He discusses the importance of rough drafts and feedback in honing one's craft. The conversation dives into how kindness fuels creativity and the significance of aligning personal values with professional endeavors. Saunders also reflects on the art of crafting compelling endings and the challenges posed by AI in storytelling, stressing the enduring power of the human touch in writing.

George Saunders, award-winning novelist and storyteller behind Lincoln in the Bardo, discusses his new novel Vigil and why he keeps writing about ghosts. He explores warm metacognition, handling stuckness with curiosity, the lavish practice of empathy toward difficult people, and how art and mortality shape creative stretch and tenderness.

George Saunders, author of the acclaimed novel 'Lincoln in the Bardo' and the recent 'Liberation Day,' discusses the concept of 'holy befuddlement' as a remedy for rigid thinking. He dives into how reducing dogmatism can help us be less self-righteous. The conversation covers managing expectations, the impact of meditation on creativity, and the importance of moral ambiguity in storytelling. Saunders highlights that even small acts of kindness can ignite change and emphasizes the complexities of forgiveness and empathy in both life and art.

In a lively discussion, George Saunders, the Booker Prize-winning author known for his unique storytelling talent and popular Substack, shares his insights on the craft of writing. He explores the delicate dance between creativity and structure, emphasizing the importance of authentic character development. Saunders also reflects on the role of personal experiences in storytelling, drawing inspiration from Lincoln's grief. He candidly addresses challenges like writer's block and the often tricky balance between audience expectations and genuine expression in creative work.

George Saunders, an award-winning author celebrated for his short stories and the bestselling Lincoln in the Bardo, shares insights from his unconventional path to writing success. He discusses the importance of kindness in storytelling and how accepting feedback can elevate rough drafts. Saunders delves into navigating uncertainty in writing, emphasizing the value of constructive criticism. He also explores the significance of endings in narratives and the challenges of addressing uncomfortable ideas, all while considering AI's limitations in capturing human experience.

Join George Saunders, celebrated author of *Lincoln in the Bardo*, as he delves into the creative process intertwined with kindness and Buddhism. He shares insights on writing as a meditative practice and the emotional journey of drafting. The conversation touches on the troubling impact of social media on identity and communication, alongside reflections on political discourse and economic disparity. Saunders emphasizes the importance of vulnerability in creativity and the search for deeper understanding in our ordinary lives.

George Saunders joins Deborah Treisman to read and discuss “So Late in the Day,” by Claire Keegan, which was published in The New Yorker in 2022. Saunders is the author of the novel “Lincoln in the Bardo,” and five story collections, including “Tenth of December” and “Liberation Day,” which came out last year. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

George Saunders, award-winning novelist known for empathetic, moral fiction, talks about his new novel Vigil. He explores a narrator forced to justify terrible choices. He discusses accountability versus compassion, Minneapolis protests as a model of firm compassion, and how writing and Buddhist practice help find clarity amid political chaos.