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12. Ep.25: SHARON GLESS
36:12||Season 2, Ep. 12Summary:Award-winning American actress Sharon Gless (Cagney&Lacey co-star) in conversation with host Elena Lappin about her powerful memoir APPARENTLY THERE WERE COMPLAINTS (Simon&Schuster)..Key topics:Sharon Gless’s childhood experiences and the impact of her parents’ divorceHow acting served as a form of self-preservation and identityThe motivation behind her memoir and its themes of honesty and humourDifferences between acting roles and writing about her own lifeThe significance of her role in pioneering TV roles for women in the 70s and 80sInsights into her process of developing characters and backstoriesThe importance of active listening, both in acting and lifePersonal reflections on feeling like an outsider and the power of self-acceptanceBehind-the-scenes stories from "Cagney and Lacey," including collaboration on scriptsHer experiences living and working in London and her love for the cityThe dynamic relationship with her co-star Tyne Daly and their off-screen bondThe influence of her grandmother and family on her life and careerHer thoughts on the evolution of television storytelling and female representationHer outlook on the future and embracing new roles and identitiesTimestamps: 00:00 - Intro and Sharon Gless’s childhood struggles 00:44 - The role of acting as emotional self-defense 02:12 - Reading from her autobiography "Apparently There Were Complaints" 02:38 - Making wishes during storms and unexpected life changes 03:07 - How a CBS meeting led to her memoir 04:07 - Challenges of writing and self-reflection 05:06 - Feelings of not belonging and the comfort of acting 05:35 - Her loyalty to acting as her lifelong love 06:34 - Her approach to character development and authenticity 07:02 - Memorable performances and moments of belonging 07:31 - Universal Studios memories and her career beginnings 09:58 - Influences from her childhood and important figures like Monique James 10:18 - The power of her chapter reading and audience reactions 10:59 - Comparing past TV storytelling with today’s content 11:30 - The honesty and rawness of classic TV stories 12:47 - The material and brilliance behind "Cagney and Lacey" 13:25 - Contributing to scripts and character development 14:17 - Playing Cagney’s struggle with alcoholism and her real-life journey 15:26 - Differences between acting and writing her personal experiences 17:29 - Childhood family dynamics and influential figures 19:14 - The emotional muscles she developed to survive early trauma 20:17 - The significance of feeling dead inside and acting as a safety mechanism 21:19 - Celebrating her portrayal of diverse characters across roles 22:34 - Her acting technique of backstory development 23:21 - Using imagination and research to embody characters 24:11 - Her stage work in London and productions in the West End 25:01 - Her love for London and its cultural resonance 26:11 - Fascinating women in her memoir, like her grandmother and Monique James 27:33 - Lessons learned from her mentor about listening and authentic expression 29:23 - The importance of connection and understanding others in storytelling 30:03 - Her brother Michael’s inspiring story and personal struggles 31:09 - Imagining a film about her family and life stories 31:30 - The on-screen and off-screen relationship with Tyne Daly 32:44 - Her love for her career and early studio life 33:39 - The unique idea of quotes on her book’s back cover 35:37 - Final gratitude and appreciation for her candid storytellingResources & Links:Apparently There Were Complaints by Sharon GlessSharon Gless - IMDbUniversal Studios Official SiteAudible - Apparently There Were ComplaintsstagramOfficial Website
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11. Ep: 24: MARGARET BUSBY
01:12:13||Season 2, Ep. 11Elena Lappin explores the remarkable life and work of Margaret Busby, in conversation with the pioneering publisher, editor, and author, through her personal stories, insights on publishing, and reflections on music and culture. A celebration of the publication of Margaret Busby's new book PART OF THE STORY: WRITINGS FROM HALF A CENURY (Hamish Hamilton).The episode is dedicated to Margaret Busby"s favourite music charity, TOMORROW's WARRIORS. keywordsMargaret Busby, publishing, black writers, literature, music, autobiography, Daughters of Africa, Tomorrow's Warriors, black culture, literary history key topicsMargaret Busby's early life and education in Ghana and EnglandFounding of Alison and Busby publishing housePublishing influential black writers and anthologiesReflections on her personal writings and memoirHer passion for music and support for Tomorrow's Warriors guest nameMargaret Busby key frameworksChronological organization of writingsPassing knowledge and passing it on action itemsExplore Margaret Busby's writings and anthologiesSupport Tomorrow's Warriors and similar initiativesReflect on the importance of passing on cultural knowledgeTitlesMargaret Busby: A Life in Publishing and MusicFrom Ghana to the World: The Margaret Busby Story sound bites"Not a day passes without my mother being in my thoughts.""Putting together this book was like my life’s work.""Music is serious; I believe it’s as serious as your life."Chapters00:00 Introduction and Margaret Busby's Background01:20 Her Publishing Career and Notable Authors02:20 Her Passion for Music and Tomorrow's Warriors03:10 Reading from 'Part of the Story' - Personal Reflections23:41 Assembling the Book: Challenges and Process26:49 Reflections on Publishing and Personal Life44:28 Key Writings and Influences in Her Career52:36 Titles and Themes of the Book Sections01:07:51 Why Margaret Writes and Publishes01:11:49 Legacy, Inspiration, and Closing Remarks resourcesTomorrow's Warriors - https://www.tomorrowswarriors.org/Daughters of Africa (Book) - https://www.amazon.com/s?k=Daughters+of+AfricaMargaret Busby on Twitter - https://twitter.com/MargaretBusby guest linksTwitter - https://twitter.com/MargaretBusbyOfficial Website - https://www.hamishhamilton.co.uk/authors/margaret-busby
10. Ep.23: FRANCIS SPUFFORD
54:42||Season 2, Ep. 10In this in-depth interview with host Elena Lappin, novelist and non-fiction writer Francis Spufford discusses his latest novel NONESUCH, set during the London Blitz, blending historical detail with supernatural elements. He explores London's layered history, character development, and the interplay of fact and fiction, offering insights into his creative process and thematic interests.KeywordsFrancis Spufford, Nonesuch, London Blitz, historical fiction, literary fiction, supernatural, city as character, novel writing, creative process, WWII London, fantasy in fiction, fascism, the occult, angels, bombing, war, family, love, early technologyKey topicsBlitz era London and its supernatural reinterpretationLondon as a character in fictionHistorical layers of London and their influence on storytellingGuest nameFrancis Spufford, NovelistNONESUCH is published by Faber sound bites"Play is very serious for a maker.""London is a character in this novel.""The Blitz is London's epic moment."Chapters00:00 Introduction and author background01:08 Setting the scene: London during the Blitz04:37 London's layered history and fictional streets09:40 The supernatural elements and historical occultism14:34 The role of London as a character in the novel19:30 Character development: Iris and her world23:12 Themes of darkness, evil, and supernatural forces27:21 Historical influences and literary inspirations36:47 Transition from nonfiction to fiction writing41:24 Playfulness and imagination in Spufford's writing44:34 The challenge of channeling C.S. Lewis50:24 Belief, faith, and the supernatural in storytelling53:46 Why Francis Spufford writes: storytelling as understanding resourcesNone Such by Francis Spufford - https://www.faber.co.uk/9780571366074-none-such.htmlFrancis Spufford's Official Website - https://francisspufford.comLondon Blitz History - https://www.bbc.co.uk/history/worldwars/wwtwo/blitz_01.shtml guest linksTwitter - https://twitter.com/FrancisBuffordWebsite - https://francisspufford.com
9. Ep.22: JULIAN BORGER
57:56||Season 2, Ep. 9SummaryIn this episode of Shop Talk with Writers, Guardian foreign correspondent Julian Borger tells host Elena Lappin about his book I SEEK A KIND PERSON: MY FATHER, SEVEN CHILDREN AND THE ADVERTS THAT HELPED THEM ESCAPE THE HOLOCAUST. He discusses his family's past and the stories of other children who were also refugees, highlighting the importance of understanding and remembering these narratives. The discussion also touches on the complexities of belonging and the legacy of trauma passed down through generations.The episode also features the charity SHELTERBOX, an organisation which provides help worldwide to communities in crisis via their book club, the ShelterBox Book Club. KeywordsJulian Borger, I Seek a Kind Person, Holocaust, children, survivors, refugee stories, family history, trauma, identity, belonging, memoir, investigative journalismTakeawaysJulian Borger's book is a personal exploration of his father's refugee experience.The emotional impact of discovering a family advert seeking a foster parent.The silence surrounding trauma in refugee families is a common experience.Borger's investigative journalism approach helped uncover hidden family histories.The importance of kindness in the context of refugee experiences.Understanding the dual identity of being a refugee and assimilating into a new culture.The book connects the stories of multiple refugee children from the same era.Borger reflects on the pressures his father faced as a refugee.The significance of remembering and honoring those lost in the Holocaust.The journey of writing the book transformed Borger's understanding of his family. TitlesUnveiling Family Secrets: Julian Borger's JourneyThe Hidden Stories of Refugees: A Conversation with Julian BorgerSound bites"The past is never dead, it's not even past.""I was running away from something.""I came to see the boy hidden inside the man."Chapters00:00 The Journey Begins: Discovering Family History07:01 Unpacking the Book: Themes and Inspirations13:49 The Silence of the Past: Understanding Trauma22:04 Connecting Stories: The Lives of Refugee Children30:14 The Impact of Secrecy: A Father's Legacy36:52 Reflections on Identity: Belonging and Displacement44:05 Transformative Discoveries: Understanding Family Dynamics50:56 Cultural Connections: The Influence of History on Art
7. Ep.21: MOIRA BUFFINI (Part 2)
43:38||Season 2, Ep. 7SummaryIn this episode of Shop Talk with Writers, host Elena Lapin engages in a deep conversation with novelist Moira Buffini about her works, particularly her novels 'Songlight' and 'Torchfire.' Buffini reflects on the themes of trust and division in her fictional town of North Haven, drawing parallels to her own experiences growing up in a divided society influenced by the historical context of Northern Ireland. She discusses the importance of exploring complex relationships, particularly between mothers and daughters, and how these dynamics are often underrepresented in literature. Buffini also addresses the challenges of categorizing her work within the YA genre, emphasizing the emotional truths and societal issues her characters navigate, including the implications of misogyny and the expectations placed on young women in a dystopian setting.KeywordsMoira Buffini, Songlight, Torchfire, dystopian fiction, YA literature, mother-daughter relationships, societal issues, writing process, speculative fiction, emotional truth, political fantasy, historical parallelsTakeawaysThere's nothing in these books that hasn't happened somewhere in the world.Mothers are extraordinary figures with both light and darkness in their relationships.Speculative fiction allows us to explore societal issues in a different light.The emotional truth in writing is what makes a story beautiful.Young women need to navigate difficult realities, and literature can help arm them.TitlesExploring Dystopia: Moira Buffini on 'Songlight' and 'Torchfire'The Emotional Truth in Dystopian Fiction with Moira BuffiniSound bites"I drew on my great love of history.""Why is the exploration of difficult relationships not acceptable?""Speculative fiction is a great way of distilling out the confusion."Chapters00:00 Introduction to Moira Buffini and Her Works02:09 Themes of Trust and Division in North Haven04:24 Mother-Daughter Relationships in Literature07:03 Navigating YA Genre and Emotional Truth10:50 Exploring Misogyny and Societal Expectations18:14 The Role of History in Buffini's Writing24:11 Speculative Fiction as a Reflection of Now30:06 The Freedom and Challenges of Writing Across Mediums34:08 Why Moira Buffini Writes
7. Ep.20: MOIRA BUFFINI (PART 1)
48:53||Season 2, Ep. 7Keywordsdystopian fiction, telepathy, Songlight, Torch Trilogy, character development, creative writing, Moira Buffini, storytelling, female empowerment, world-buildingSummaryIn this wide-ranging conversation, acclaimed novelist, playwright and screenwriter Moira Buffini discusses her dystopian trilogy, the Torch Trilogy, which explores themes of telepathy, connection, and the struggles of young women against oppressive regimes. The dialogue delves into Buffini's creative process, her transition from playwriting to novel writing, and the intricate character development that brings her world to life. The discussion also highlights the moral complexities of her characters, particularly the antagonists, and the overarching themes of communication and empowerment in her storytelling.TakeawaysThe world of Songlight is set thousands of years in the future.Buffini's writing is influenced by her background in playwriting.The trilogy explores themes of telepathy and connection.Character development is central to the storytelling process.Buffini aims to write stories that resonate with her heart.The intimacy of novel writing differs from playwriting.Buffini's characters are often named for their traits or roles.The antagonist, Zara Swan, is a complex character shaped by trauma.The trilogy emphasizes the power of young women standing together.Buffini believes in the importance of intuitive communication. TitlesExploring the Dystopian World of SonglightThe Creative Journey of Moira BuffiniSound bites"This is my heart song.""Song is a central human thing.""I keep going back to writing."Chapters00:00 Introduction to the Dystopian World of Songlight07:58 The Creative Process Behind the Torch Trilogy15:30 The Transition from Playwriting to Novel Writing21:05 Character Development and Perspectives30:54 Themes of Connection and Communication39:24 Complex Antagonists and Moral Ambiguity
6. Ep.19: GARY GULMAN
45:36||Season 2, Ep. 6SummaryIn this conversation with host Elena Lappin, Gary Gulman discusses his memoir 'Misfit', reflecting on his journey as a writer and comedian. He shares insights into the writing process, the importance of storytelling, and the influence of teachers and mentors in his life. The discussion also explores the adaptation of his memoir into a stand-up show, the challenges of writing about personal experiences, and his aspirations for future writing projects.Keywordsmemoir, storytelling, comedy, writing process, adaptation, character voices, teachers, personal growth, future aspirations, Gary GulmanTakeawaysGary's storytelling ability was recognized by a professor early on.Writing projects in school were a refuge for Gary.Humour can be a coping mechanism for deeper emotions.The process of adapting a memoir into a stand-up show is complex.Character voices in writing can bring realism to the narrative.Teachers can have a profound impact on a student's life.Writing requires discipline and practice to improve.The memoir reflects a blend of vulnerability and humour.Gary's relationship with his mother influenced his writing.Future writing aspirations include exploring fiction.TitlesThe Art of Storytelling with Gary GulmanMisfit: A Journey Through Comedy and WritingChapters00:00 The Journey to Storytelling05:40 Exploring Misfit: A Memoir10:47 The Art of Adaptation: From Page to Stage16:50 Character Voices and Realism in Writing22:50 The Impact of Teachers and Mentors32:20 Writing Process and Personal Reflections38:15 Future Aspirations: Novels and Beyond