The Book Case: Curtis Sittenfeld Tells Great Stories – Episode Summary

Release Date: March 13, 2025

Episode Overview

In this engaging episode of The Book Case, hosts Kate Gibson and Charlie Gibson delve into the world of short stories with acclaimed author Curtis Sittenfeld. Their conversation centers around Sittenfeld's latest short story collection, "Show Don't Tell," exploring the nuances of crafting compelling short narratives and the unique place short story collections hold in the literary landscape. The episode also features an insightful segment with Dawn Connor, co-owner of The Plot Twist Book Bar, a specialized romance bookstore in Denton, Texas.

Celebrating Short Stories with Curtis Sittenfeld

The Importance of Short Story Collections

Curtis Sittenfeld initiates the discussion by highlighting the often-overlooked significance of short stories in literature. She emphasizes that short story collections rarely make it to the New York Times bestseller list and advocates for bookstores to establish dedicated sections for short stories, recognizing them as a distinct genre deserving of their own spotlight.

Curtis Sittenfeld [02:24]: "Short stories are a particular genre and they require a particular talent to write well. When they're written well, they are jewels."

"Show Don't Tell" – A Jewel of Short Stories

Sittenfeld introduces her second short story collection, "Show Don't Tell," which features twelve meticulously crafted stories. Both Kate and Charlie express their admiration for the collection, noting the absence of any lackluster narratives and praising the depth and diversity of themes addressed.

Kate [02:50]: "Show Don't Tell doesn't have a clunker among them. I really enjoyed every single one."

In-Depth Conversation with Curtis Sittenfeld

Writing Process and Story Structure

The conversation delves into Sittenfeld's approach to writing short stories versus novels. She outlines her mission to deliver entertaining stories while embedding deeper questions and themes that leave readers contemplating the characters' lives beyond the story's conclusion.

Curtis Sittenfeld [07:05]: "I typically do know that I'm writing a short story because a novel for me feels like a huge topic... a short story feels much more like a fleeting moment."

She discusses her outlining process, noting that her outlines for short stories are concise, often limited to a single line per scene, allowing for spontaneity and depth within brevity.

Curtis Sittenfeld [08:25]: "If a scene is half a page or 10 pages, it still probably gets one line. What is the essential thing that happens or changes in that scene?"

Themes and Character Development

Kate and Charlie explore the recurring themes in "Show Don't Tell," such as personal identity, racial dynamics, and the roads not taken in life. Sittenfeld shares insights into her characters' internal struggles and the delicate balance between providing closure and leaving room for reader imagination.

Charlotte Gibson [16:21]: "Why do I live in this place and not that place? Why do I have this job and not that job?"

She emphasizes the importance of ambiguous endings that prompt readers to ponder the characters' futures and the consequences of their choices.

Curtis Sittenfeld [19:05]: "I feel like my job is to ask questions rather than to answer questions. To create a structure that invites reflection."

Editing and Refinement

The discussion touches on Sittenfeld's editing process, particularly how she strives to make her short stories as concise as possible without sacrificing depth. She advocates for reading aloud and removing unnecessary elements to enhance the story's impact.

Curtis Sittenfeld [17:22]: "I definitely read aloud to myself... I write longer, and then later I remove it."

Rapid Fire Questions

In a lighthearted segment, Kate and Charlie pose rapid-fire questions to Sittenfeld, uncovering her reading preferences and personal habits. Sittenfeld shares her admiration for Jamel Brinkley's "A Lucky Man," discusses her current read—"The Story of a Limb and the Boy Who Grew from It" by Greg Marshall—and reveals her unconventional use of envelopes as bookmarks.

Curtis Sittenfeld [23:15]: "I never listen to the audio of fiction, but I like listening to nonfiction. Especially when it's read by the author."

Spotlight on The Plot Twist Book Bar

Transitioning from literature to the business of books, the hosts introduce Dawn Connor, co-owner of The Plot Twist Book Bar, a pioneering romance bookstore in Denton, Texas. Dawn shares the inspiring story behind the bookstore's inception, emphasizing the community and empowerment found within the romance genre.

Grand Opening Success

Dawn recounts the grand opening of The Plot Twist Book Bar, where unexpected cold weather did little to deter an overwhelming turnout. With lines extending several blocks for ten hours, the store welcomed 784 patrons on its first day, a testament to the passionate romance-reading community.

Dawn Connor [33:15]: "We had people waiting up to five hours in line... seven hundred eighty-four people in our door on the first day."

Redefining Romance Literature

The bookstore challenges traditional stereotypes of romance novels by offering a diverse range of sub-genres and focusing on character-driven narratives that emphasize personal growth and self-empowerment alongside romantic themes.

Dawn Connor [35:12]: "Romance is also about romanticizing yourself and that sort of thing. We love that aspect that a lot of our writers bring to the story."

Unique Features: The Book Bar

A standout feature of The Plot Twist Book Bar is its themed mocktails, inspired by books, characters, and tropes. Although they are awaiting licensing to serve alcoholic beverages, the creative drink offerings add a unique, immersive experience for patrons.

Dawn Connor [36:25]: "This month's drink is called Cross My Heart, based off of our book of the month. It's a very bright pink, sweet and tangy drink."

Closing Remarks

The episode concludes with heartfelt endorsements for both Curtis Sittenfeld's "Show Don't Tell" and Dawn Connor's The Plot Twist Book Bar. Kate and Charlie commend the authors and entrepreneurs for their contributions to the literary community, encouraging listeners to explore these new offerings.

Kate Gibson [26:10]: "The book is Show Don't Tell by Curtis Sittenfeld. Thank you so much for sitting with us."

Curtis Sittenfeld [37:26]: "We hope you have great success as a father daughter who does a podcast."

Key Takeaways

• Short Stories Deserve Recognition: Curtis Sittenfeld advocates for the literary community to recognize short story collections as a distinct and valuable genre.

• "Show Don't Tell": Sittenfeld's collection showcases twelve compelling stories that delve into themes of identity, personal growth, and societal issues without being tethered to a single overarching narrative.

• Writing Process: Emphasis on concise outlining, character-driven narratives, and creating ambiguous endings that invite reader reflection.

• The Plot Twist Book Bar: A groundbreaking romance bookstore that celebrates the diversity and depth of romance literature, offering a community space where patrons can freely explore their passions.

• Community and Empowerment: Both the podcast and the bookstore highlight the importance of fostering supportive literary communities that celebrate diverse voices and stories.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Curtis Sittenfeld [02:24]: "Short stories are a particular genre and they require a particular talent to write well. When they're written well, they are jewels."

• Kate Gibson [02:50]: "Show Don't Tell doesn't have a clunker among them. I really enjoyed every single one."

• Curtis Sittenfeld [07:05]: "I typically do know that I'm writing a short story because a novel for me feels like a huge topic... a short story feels much more like a fleeting moment."

• Curtis Sittenfeld [19:05]: "I feel like my job is to ask questions rather than to answer questions. To create a structure that invites reflection."

• Dawn Connor [33:15]: "We had people waiting up to five hours in line... seven hundred eighty-four people in our door on the first day."

• Dawn Connor [35:12]: "Romance is also about romanticizing yourself and that sort of thing. We love that aspect that a lot of our writers bring to the story."

Final Thoughts

This episode of The Book Case masterfully intertwines discussions on the art of short storytelling with real-world applications in the literary business, exemplified by Curtis Sittenfeld and Dawn Connor. By celebrating both the creation and the distribution of diverse narratives, Kate and Charlie Gibson offer listeners a comprehensive look into the vibrant and multifaceted world of books.

For more details on the books discussed, visit the episode description links.