Summary of "Elif Shafak: Writing Amidst the Ruins" - The Moth Podcast

Introduction

In the compelling episode titled "Elif Shafak: Writing Amidst the Ruins" from The Moth Podcast, renowned Turkish author Elif Shafak shares a deeply personal and transformative experience that intertwines her passion for writing with a life-altering earthquake in Istanbul. Delivered live at the PEN World Voices Festival in April, Shafak's narrative offers profound insights into the struggles of creative endeavor amidst societal upheaval and personal crisis.

Setting the Scene: Life on Kazan Street (00:03:13)

Elif Shafak begins her story by painting a vivid picture of her life in Istanbul, residing on Kazan Street—a historically cosmopolitan area once home to diverse cultures and religions. She describes the street's narrowness and susceptibility to flash floods, symbolizing the precarious balance between stability and chaos:

"I was walking a thin line between creating a book and destroying myself." (00:03:13)

The Struggle of Writing "The Gays"

Shafak delves into her creative process while writing her novel "The Gays", highlighting the intense personal toll it took on her. She portrays her dedication by recounting her decision to isolate herself in her tiny flat to complete the first draft, despite her naturally restless and sociable nature:

"I decided neither to leave my flat nor to let anyone in until I had finished the first draft." (00:06:45)

She emphasizes the physical constraints of her living space, contrasting it with the mental freedom she sought through writing. Her determination is evident as she cuts off contact with friends and family to focus solely on her work.

Daily Life and Coping Mechanisms

Shafak shares the mundane yet essential aspects of her isolated life, such as managing limited food supplies and dealing with her hungry cat, Smokey:

"But being a fussier creature, my cat was starving." (00:10:30)

She ingeniously collaborates with her Greek neighbor to procure necessities without breaking her self-imposed quarantine, showcasing her resourcefulness and the subtle bonds formed between neighbors despite societal differences.

The Earthquake: A Life-Altering Event (00:15:20)

The narrative takes a pivotal turn with the sudden occurrence of an earthquake, which shatters Shafak's isolated world. Faced with immediate danger, she grabs her manuscript and her cat, fleeing into the chaos of the streets. This catastrophic event serves as a stark reminder of life's unpredictability and the fragility of human endeavors:

"I grabbed my manuscript, my cat, in that order, and I ran out of the building." (00:16:10)

Witnessing the immediate aftermath, including the interaction between the conservative grocer and the transvestite neighbor, Shafak experiences a profound shift in perspective. The shared trauma fosters a temporary sense of unity and empathy among disparate individuals:

"Tonight, in the face of death, we were all temporary brothers and temporary sisters." (00:18:55)

Reflections on Art and Purpose

In the silent aftermath of the earthquake, Shafak grapples with existential questions about the purpose of her writing. The enormity of the tragedy makes her literary struggles seem insignificant, leading to a crisis of faith in the power of storytelling:

"All of a sudden it seemed so small, so trivial. What difference did it make whether I finished this chapter, whether I found the twist in the plot?" (00:19:40)

She contemplates the delicate balance between optimism and pessimism, recognizing that while stories can foster empathy and connection, they might also feel futile against the backdrop of overwhelming real-world events.

Rebuilding and Renewed Purpose

In the weeks following the earthquake, Shafak engages in volunteer work, aiding earthquake survivors. This period of action helps restore her belief in the significance of her work and the impact of shared human experiences. Returning to her writing, she discovers unexpected signs of solidarity, such as the conservative grocer sending her beer, symbolizing enduring human connections beyond societal prejudices:

"I understood that of the experience we had shared, something had remained." (00:23:50)

Conclusion: The Enduring Power of Stories

Elif Shafak concludes her narrative by reflecting on the enduring power of stories to create spontaneous bonds and foster empathy. She underscores the potential for literature to inspire change and maintain connections amidst the transient nature of human interactions:

"Perhaps at the end of the day, this is what we writers want to achieve with our stories. Something to remain a spontaneous bonding, a speck of empathy, and also the possibility of change." (00:24:30)

Final Thoughts

Through her heartfelt story, Shafak illustrates the profound challenges and rewards of the creative process, especially when intertwined with real-world crises. Her experience emphasizes the resilience of the human spirit and the indispensable role of storytelling in bridging divides and fostering understanding.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• "I was walking a thin line between creating a book and destroying myself." (00:03:13)
• "I decided neither to leave my flat nor to let anyone in until I had finished the first draft." (00:06:45)
• "But being a fussier creature, my cat was starving." (00:10:30)
• "I grabbed my manuscript, my cat, in that order, and I ran out of the building." (00:16:10)
• "Tonight, in the face of death, we were all temporary brothers and temporary sisters." (00:18:55)
• "All of a sudden it seemed so small, so trivial. What difference did it make whether I finished this chapter, whether I found the twist in the plot?" (00:19:40)
• "Perhaps at the end of the day, this is what we writers want to achieve with our stories. Something to remain a spontaneous bonding, a speck of empathy, and also the possibility of change." (00:24:30)

Conclusion

Elif Shafak's "Writing Amidst the Ruins" is a poignant exploration of the intersections between creativity, personal struggle, and societal crises. Her storytelling not only offers a window into the life of a dedicated writer but also serves as a testament to the unifying power of shared human experiences. For listeners who seek inspiration and a deeper understanding of the creative process under duress, this episode provides invaluable insights and emotional resonance.