The Book Case – Episode: We Get a Little Deeper with David K. Shipler

Release Date: May 1, 2025

In this compelling episode of The Book Case, hosts Kate and Charlie Gibson engage in an enriching dialogue with esteemed author and journalist David K. Shipler. Titled "We Get a Little Deeper with David K. Shipler," this episode delves into Shipler’s transition from nonfiction to fiction writing, his insights on journalism, and the intricate process behind his latest novel, "The Interpreter." Additionally, the episode features an inspiring segment with Olivia Pierce, co-owner of Bag Books, a unique mobile bookstore specializing in romance novels.

1. Transitioning from Nonfiction to Fiction

Kate and Charlie open the conversation by exploring David K. Shipler’s ambitious shift from a prolific nonfiction writer to crafting his first fiction novel at the age of 83. Shipler’s novel, "The Interpreter," is a fictionalized narrative inspired by his experiences during the Vietnam War, focusing on the pivotal role of interpreters in bridging cultural and linguistic gaps.

Notable Quote:
David K. Shipler [05:08]:
"Not explaining everything was a challenge because I'm a journalist or, you know, that's basically what I am. And I think a lot of journalists who turn to fiction fall into the pitfall of over explaining because good literature requires the reader to come partway toward the creator."

Shipler emphasizes the delicate balance between providing enough detail to engage readers without overloading them with information, a common hurdle for journalists venturing into fiction.

2. Crafting "The Interpreter"

The conversation shifts to the nuances of writing a novel that captures the complexities of war and the human condition. Shipler discusses his method of developing characters who are authentic and evolve naturally within the story, particularly highlighting American characters in Vietnam who exhibit subtle tensions and growth.

Notable Quote:
David K. Shipler [07:30]:
"The critical characteristic of a good reporter or a fiction writer, I've discovered, is the power to listen."

Listening, Shipler asserts, is fundamental not only in journalism but also in creating believable fictional characters who resonate with readers.

3. The Essence of Journalism Today

Kate and Charlie probe Shipler on the current state of journalism, noting its transformation in the digital age. Shipler acknowledges the decline of traditional media outlets but underscores the enduring importance of journalism in defining and defending truth.

Notable Quote:
Kate Gibson [04:08]:
"I think it's never been more important to define the truth and to defend it."

Shipler agrees, highlighting the pivotal role of journalists in an era where information is abundant yet often fragmented or biased.

4. The Role of Interpretation in Journalism

Shipler elaborates on how journalists inherently act as interpreters, selecting and presenting information through their unique lenses. He stresses the necessity for self-awareness and active listening to convey accurate and fair narratives.

Notable Quote:
David K. Shipler [07:30]:
"If you're curious, then obviously you learn something from every encounter, no matter how unpleasant."

This perspective ties back to his work in "The Interpreter," where the act of interpretation is central to both journalism and storytelling.

5. Rapid Fire Segment

In a lighter and more personal segment, Shipler answers a series of rapid-fire questions, offering listeners a glimpse into his preferences and philosophies.

Selected Quotes:

• [16:20]:
  "I get my news from the New York Times, the Washington Post, the PBS NewsHour and NPR, primarily with some forays into Politico and other online sources."

• [21:34]:
  "The number of newspapers has declined. Journalism has become less fair-minded than it was. We have many more political and biased news organizations than we did when I was reporting for the Times."

These responses highlight Shipler’s commitment to credible news sources and his concerns about the evolving landscape of journalism.

6. Interview with Olivia Pierce – Bag Books

The episode takes an inspiring turn as Olivia Pierce, co-owner of Bag Books, shares her innovative approach to bookselling. Bag Books operates a mobile bookstore specializing exclusively in romance novels, serving diverse communities in the Tri-Cities area of Washington state.

Notable Quote:
Olivia Pierce [26:55]:
"We are a mobile bookstore and we specialize in romance books only. So we have all types of different romance books. But there's so many different sub genres of romance that we try to make sure that we have a little bit of everything and that we highlight different independent authors."

Olivia discusses the challenges and rewards of running a mobile bookstore, emphasizing the importance of variety and supporting independent authors. Her unique business model underscores the dynamic ways in which literature continues to thrive and adapt.

7. Advice and Reflections

Shipler offers sage advice to budding journalists, advocating for perseverance despite the uncertain and challenging nature of the profession. He encourages young writers to uphold the integrity of journalism, even as the industry faces significant transformations.

Notable Quote:
David K. Shipler [23:58]:
"We listen to everybody, all sides."

Olivia complements this by sharing her experiences in entrepreneurship, emphasizing the necessity of community support and work-life balance.

8. Closing Remarks

The episode concludes with heartfelt acknowledgments to the production team and a moving coda from David K. Shipler, who reflects on the multifaceted nature of truth in both journalism and literature.

Final Quote:
David K. Shipler [36:00]:
"There are many levels of truth doesn't mean there are many truths plural, but there are many levels of truth and writing nonfiction gets at one level. It's very important. The facts have to be accurate, they have to be documented. But there are deeper and richer levels to truth which only literature can discover and provide. That would be my own discovery."

Key Takeaways:

• David K. Shipler’s Journey: Transitioning from nonfiction to fiction, Shipler leverages his journalistic skills to create a nuanced and authentic narrative in "The Interpreter."

• Importance of Listening: Whether in journalism or fiction writing, the ability to listen and interpret is crucial for conveying truthful and engaging stories.

• Evolving Journalism Landscape: Despite challenges, journalism remains vital in shaping public discourse and defending truth in the digital age.

• Innovative Bookselling: Olivia Pierce’s Bag Books exemplifies creative approaches to promoting literature, emphasizing specialization and community engagement.

This episode of The Book Case offers a deep dive into the intersections of journalism, fiction writing, and innovative bookselling, providing valuable insights for writers, journalists, and literature enthusiasts alike.