TED Radio Hour: New Year, New Habits – How to Start Writing with Author Kelly Corrigan
Podcast Information:
- Title: TED Radio Hour
- Host: Manoush Zomorodi (Note: The transcript mentions Minouche as the host, likely a transcription error for Manoush)
- Episode Title: New Year, New Habits: How to Start Writing with Author Kelly Corrigan
- Release Date: December 25, 2024
- Description: Exploring the biggest questions of our time with the help of the world's greatest thinkers. Host Manoush Zomorodi inspires us to learn more about the world, our communities, and most importantly, ourselves.
Introduction
In the December 25, 2024 episode of TED Radio Hour, host Manoush Zomorodi engages in a heartfelt conversation with bestselling author Kelly Corrigan. The episode, titled "New Year, New Habits: How to Start Writing," delves into Corrigan's journey as a writer, her approach to capturing the mundane moments of life with extraordinary insight, and the process behind her acclaimed memoir, Tell Me More. This summary encapsulates the key discussions, insights, and advice shared during the episode, enriched with notable quotes and timestamps for reference.
Kelly Corrigan’s Writing Philosophy
Developing a Writing Habit
Kelly Corrigan emphasizes the importance of establishing a daily writing routine. She suggests that consistency is key to nurturing one's writing practice.
Kelly Corrigan [06:24]: "I think it's a daily habit. I think there's a lot of value in reading while you're writing. I think it's helpful to have a little writing group or, like, an accountability partner."
Incorporating Reading into Writing
Corrigan highlights the symbiotic relationship between reading and writing, advocating for writers to engage in regular reading to enhance their own writing skills.
Kelly Corrigan [06:24]: "I think there's a lot of value in reading while you're writing."
The Inspiration Behind Tell Me More
Personal Motivation and Emotional Connection
Corrigan shares the deeply personal motivation behind her memoir, Tell Me More, which chronicles her final days with her father. Her desire to capture these moments stems from a place of love and the wish to preserve her father's legacy.
Kelly Corrigan [06:24]: "I think having a fantasy about who you would give this book to or these pages to, or this document to can be very motivating."
Anecdote of Her Father's Reaction
She recounts a poignant moment when her father received a copy of her book, illustrating the emotional impact of her work.
Kelly Corrigan [07:XX]: "I had tears in my eyes. He's like, lovey, what is it? ... he just put, like, his fist to his heart and was like, mm, lovey."
Achieving Bestseller Success
Unexpected Recognition
Corrigan reflects on the surprising success of her memoir, which resonated with a wide audience despite being a deeply personal and ordinary story.
Kelly Corrigan [08:52]: "If this newest cancer was going to kill him, he had made good on life's most exquisite promise. He loved and was loved in equal measure."
Navigating the Bestseller List
She discusses the dynamics of the nonfiction bestseller list, noting how her work stood out among stories typically dominated by high-profile figures and dramatic narratives.
Kelly Corrigan [09:33]: "This was like such a happy story. It was a love story, basically. And it worked and people wanted it."
The Power of Detail in Storytelling
Making the Mundane Extraordinary
Corrigan underscores the significance of detailed descriptions in writing, which bring scenes to life and engage readers on a deeper level.
Kelly Corrigan [10:19]: "The detail that makes it come alive. So don't say, like, I had a drink, say I had a soda. ... you went from, like, having a drink to being somewhere to being this one place in space and time."
Practical Writing Tips
She offers actionable advice for writers to enhance their storytelling by focusing on specific details that create vivid imagery.
Kelly Corrigan [10:18]: "Like, I had a grape Fanta and the condensation was making my whole hand wet."
Overcoming Writing Challenges
The Reality of Writing as a Solitary Endeavor
Corrigan candidly discusses the solitary nature of writing and how it doesn't align with her inherently social personality. She shares how writing became a medium to process grief, making the experience more manageable.
Kelly Corrigan [12:13]: "I'm compelled to communicate. I'm compelled to make sense. I'm compelled to compare notes. But it doesn't have to be in writing."
Embracing Solitude for Personal Growth
She highlights how writing, despite its solitary aspects, served as a therapeutic tool during her mother's passing, allowing her to navigate her emotions through the creative process.
Kelly Corrigan [12:17]: "I cry a lot when I'm writing and that's probably a good thing. I mean, it's probably helps move things along inside me."
Conclusion: Embracing New Writing Habits
In this episode, Kelly Corrigan provides invaluable insights into cultivating a writing practice, the importance of detail in storytelling, and the profound impact of writing as a means of personal expression and healing. Her journey underscores that writing does not require innate talent but rather dedication, consistency, and a willingness to delve into the ordinary to uncover the extraordinary. As listeners embark on their own writing journeys, Corrigan's experiences offer guidance and inspiration to start anew with meaningful habits that enrich both their craft and personal lives.
Notable Quotes with Timestamps:
- [06:24] "I think it's a daily habit... having a fantasy about who you would give this book to can be very motivating." – Kelly Corrigan
- [07:XX] "He put, like, his fist to his heart and was like, mm, lovey." – Kelly Corrigan
- [08:52] "He loved and was loved in equal measure." – Kelly Corrigan
- [09:33] "This was like such a happy story. It was a love story, basically. And it worked and people wanted it." – Kelly Corrigan
- [10:19] "The detail that makes it come alive... you went from having a drink to being somewhere to being this one place in space and time." – Kelly Corrigan
- [12:13] "I'm compelled to communicate... But it doesn't have to be in writing." – Kelly Corrigan
- [12:17] "I cry a lot when I'm writing... it helps move things along inside me." – Kelly Corrigan
Final Thoughts
Kelly Corrigan's candid discussion on the TED Radio Hour offers a blueprint for aspiring writers seeking to develop their habits and refine their craft. Her emphasis on consistency, attention to detail, and the personal motivations that drive her storytelling provide actionable strategies for anyone looking to start or enhance their writing journey in the new year.