Bad On Paper Podcast: Katie Kitamura on Writing Audition
Hosts: Becca Freeman & Olivia Muenter
Release Date: May 29, 2025
Introduction to Katie Kitamura and Audition
In the May 29, 2025 episode of Bad On Paper, hosts Becca Freeman and Olivia Muenter engage in a deep conversation with acclaimed author Katie Kitamura about her novel Audition. This episode serves as an extension of their book club discussion, offering listeners an insightful look into the creative process, thematic explorations, and personal reflections that shaped Kitamura's latest work.
The Genesis of Audition
Becca Freeman opens the discussion by delving into how Katie's ideas evolve into full-fledged novels.
[00:55] Katie Kitamura: "I tend to sit with an idea for many years before I actually sit down to start writing... if it's a good idea, if it's an idea that's going to sustain the writing of a book, it'll still be there."
Katie explains that Audition originated from a compelling headline: "a stranger told me he was my son." Despite initial uncertainty, this seed idea persisted, resurfacing after she completed her previous novel, Intimacies. Her approach underscores a patient and contemplative method to writing, allowing ideas to mature naturally over time.
Character Development: The Nameless Narrator
Olivia Muenter probes into the unique choice of having an unnamed narrator in Audition.
[02:23] Katie Kitamura: "I don't have a name for the characters. The thing I would say is that I am not a writer... I really don’t know that about my characters... I know a lot of writers do."
Katie reveals that she intentionally leaves her characters unnamed to focus less on backstory and more on their actions and reactions within the narrative. This choice emphasizes the internal experiences and decision-making processes of her characters rather than their personal histories.
Editing and Cutting “Darlings”
The conversation shifts to the challenges of editing, particularly Katie's experience with cutting substantial portions of her work.
[05:26] Katie Kitamura: "Nobody was ever like, why don't we have some backstory on this bookseller?... I have to cut it and then I'm done."
Katie recounts an instance where she wrote extensive backstory for a minor character, only to have to eliminate it to maintain the novel's focus. This experience highlights the delicate balance between creative expression and narrative economy, and the often-painful decisions authors must make to preserve their story's integrity.
Dual Realities in Audition
Becca Freeman seeks clarity on the novel’s structure, particularly the presence of two distinct parts.
[06:17] Katie Kitamura: "The two parts of the book are two different realities that sit side by side... it's about what it means to exist in the world as a woman, as an artist, as a mother."
Katie likens Audition to David Lynch’s Mulholland Drive and Lost Highway, where multiple realities coexist. This duality serves to explore complex themes such as identity, societal expectations, and the fragmented nature of personal experience, especially from a female perspective.
Exploring Female Experience and Speculation
Olivia Muenter relates the novel’s themes to the female experience, prompting Katie to elaborate.
[08:41] Katie Kitamura: "So much of my writing is about speculation where there's nothing happening. It's just the character thinking about what could happen."
Katie delves into how Audition mirrors the expansive and often speculative nature of women's thoughts and decisions. She discusses how societal expectations shape personal identities and the meticulous consideration women often give to the ramifications of their actions.
The Role of Intention in Art
A poignant moment arises when discussing a scene inspired by a true anecdote involving an actor with dementia.
[17:23] Katie Kitamura: "It's not in the public domain... I swapped the gender as well... But nobody thinks it's Bruce Willis."
Katie addresses the importance of intention versus interpretation in art. She emphasizes that while her intent shapes the creation, the reader’s experience ultimately defines the work’s meaning. This discussion reflects her belief that art transcends the creator’s original purpose, allowing for diverse and personal interpretations.
Social Media and Performance
The dialogue transitions to the impact of social media on self-presentation and performance.
[21:59] Katie Kitamura: "Social media has made [self-presentation] even more obvious... But performance is what allows us to exist in the world."
Katie explores how social media amplifies the inherent performative aspects of human interaction. She draws parallels between childhood role-play and adult self-presentation online, discussing both the benefits and pitfalls of a world where personal identity is constantly curated and displayed.
The Ambiguity of the Novel’s Ending
Becca Freeman probes into the seemingly bleak conclusion of Audition.
[25:25] Katie Kitamura: "To some extent, I think that's what a lot of life is... There are moments when you think this isn't real in some way, but then you carry on."
Katie acknowledges the novel’s ambiguous ending, reflecting on the complexities of maintaining roles and relationships despite moments of existential doubt. This mirrors real-life struggles with identity and the persistence of social expectations.
Teaching, Workshops, and Writing Evolution
Concluding the episode, Katie discusses how her teaching experiences influence her writing.
[26:56] Katie Kitamura: "Teaching has made me a much better editor of my own work... I've started sharing drafts much earlier with my editors."
Katie highlights the reciprocal relationship between teaching and writing. Leading workshops has honed her ability to critically evaluate her work, embrace vulnerability, and view writing as an open, collaborative process. She expresses admiration for her workshop participants, noting how their shared experiences enrich her own creative journey.
Final Reflections
As the conversation wraps up, Katie expresses gratitude for the opportunity to discuss Audition.
[29:53] Katie Kitamura: "Likewise. This has really been a joy. Thank you both so much."
The episode concludes on a heartfelt note, underscoring the enriching dialogue between the hosts and Katie Kitamura. Listeners gain not only a deeper understanding of Audition but also valuable insights into the nuanced art of writing and storytelling.
Notable Quotes:
- Katie Kitamura [00:55]: "If it's a good idea, if it's an idea that's going to sustain the writing of a book, it'll still be there."
- Katie Kitamura [02:23]: "I know a lot of writers do. If you ask them what is a character's favorite food when they were a child... I really don’t know that about my characters."
- Katie Kitamura [06:17]: "It's about what it means to exist in the world as a woman, as an artist, as a mother..."
- Katie Kitamura [14:21]: "I totally do not, which is why I think the book is written the way it is."
- Katie Kitamura [21:59]: "Social media has made [self-presentation] even more obvious... But performance is what allows us to exist in the world."
This episode of Bad On Paper offers a compelling exploration of Katie Kitamura's Audition, providing listeners with a rich tapestry of literary insights, personal anecdotes, and philosophical musings that deepen the appreciation of her work.