Podcast Summary: The Shit No One Tells You About Writing
Episode: Capturing Your Character’s Voice by Deeply Immersing Yourself in Their Perspective
Release Date: January 30, 2025
Hosts: Bianca Marais, Carly Watters, and CeCe Lyra
Guest: Allegra Goodman

Introduction

In this enlightening episode of "The Shit No One Tells You About Writing," host Bianca Marais welcomes acclaimed author Allegra Goodman to discuss the intricate process of capturing a character’s voice through deep immersion into their perspective. Joined by literary agents Carly Watters and CeCe Lyra from P.S. Literary Agency, the trio delves into Goodman’s creative journey, offering invaluable insights for emerging writers aiming to enhance their storytelling prowess.

Meet Allegra Goodman

Bianca introduces Allegra Goodman with high praise, highlighting her impressive bibliography that includes nine works of fiction—ranging from short story collections to a novel for young readers. Notably, her most recent novel, Sam, received accolades such as the New York Times Book Review Editor's Choice and was named a Best Book of the Year by both Vogue and Real Simple. With accolades like the Whiting Award and a fellowship from the Radcliffe Institute for Advanced Study, Goodman brings a wealth of experience and expertise to the discussion.

Embracing Genre Diversity

Writing Beyond Pigeonholes ([05:26] Allegra Goodman)

Goodman opens up about the challenges and freedoms of writing across various genres. She emphasizes the importance of writing what genuinely interests and transports you, rather than being confined to a specific genre for marketability.

“If you're an artist, you love to work on what interests you and what you're passionate about.” – Allegra Goodman [05:26]

Despite early pressures to maintain a consistent tone, Goodman persisted in exploring diverse narratives—from rock climbing enthusiasts to historical figures—believing that personal passion and imagination should drive a writer’s work. Over time, she found that her dedication to varied subjects allowed editors to better follow her evolving interests, ultimately leading to a cohesive albeit diverse body of work.

The Genesis of Isola

Inspiration and Research ([08:23] CeCe Leera & [09:08] Allegra Goodman)

The conversation shifts to Goodman’s latest novel, Isola, a historical fiction piece inspired by a true story from the 16th century. The idea struck her during a family trip to Montreal 22 years prior, where she came across the tale of Marguerite de la Roche de Roberval, a young woman marooned on an island. This encounter ignited a passion to explore Marguerite’s journey, despite initial hesitations about delving into historical research.

“I never knew my mother. She died the night I was born... And her ruby ring but no memory of her.” – Allegra Goodman [14:01]

Goodman recounts her methodical approach to developing Isola, balancing the writing of her contemporary novel, Sam, with meticulous planning for her historical narrative. This dual-project strategy not only honed her skills but also deepened her understanding of character development across different time periods.

Crafting Character Voice Through Method Acting

Immersive Character Development ([16:03] Allegra Goodman)

Goodman describes her unique approach to capturing a character’s voice, likening it to method acting. By immersing herself fully in her characters' lives and perspectives, she ensures authenticity in their voices and actions.

“I try to get inside the character and in a method sort of way... just to inform the performance.” – Allegra Goodman [26:09]

This technique involves extensive research and personal connection to the character’s experiences, allowing Goodman to portray their inner lives with depth and nuance. Her dedication to this process is evident in the rich, believable voices that resonate throughout her narratives.

Balancing First-Person and Third-Person Narratives

Point of View Decisions ([28:35] Allegra Goodman)

The discussion delves into Goodman's choice of narrative perspectives in her works. Sam is written in an intimate third person, reflecting the protagonist’s evolving maturity, while Isola adopts a first-person perspective, providing a direct window into Marguerite’s psyche.

“With Sam, it sort of came instinctively in that... the language of the book changes and gets more complex as she gets older.” – Allegra Goodman [28:35]

Goodman explains that these choices stemmed from her instinctual understanding of how best to convey each character’s journey. The first-person narrative in Isola allows readers to intimately experience Marguerite’s survival and self-discovery, enhancing the emotional impact of her story.

Economy of Language and Ruthless Editing

Streamlined Storytelling ([21:47] Allegra Goodman)

Goodman emphasizes the importance of economy in language, striving for each sentence to fulfill its intended purpose without unnecessary embellishment. She advocates for ruthless revision, honing her prose to ensure clarity and effectiveness.

“I have learned to be clearer and to really want my words to do their work. I'm not interested in words for their own sake.” – Allegra Goodman [21:47]

Over her career, Goodman has refined her editing process to eliminate verbosity, ensuring that her narratives remain compelling and direct. This disciplined approach results in stories that are both powerful and succinct, avoiding the pitfalls of overindulgent prose.

The Role of Editors and the Prologue Decision

Collaborative Crafting ([31:10] Allegra Goodman & [33:16] CeCe Leera)

Goodman discusses the pivotal role her editor, Whitney Frick, played in introducing a prologue to Isola. Initially resistant to the idea, Goodman eventually embraced the prologue as a means to frame the narrative and provide readers with a glimpse into the protagonist’s ordeal.

“This is why... this is a good example of editor and writer working constructively together and both knowing the book really well.” – CeCe Leera [33:16]

The prologue not only enhances the story’s structure but also sets the emotional tone, aligning with Goodman’s vision of a female-centric castaway narrative. This collaboration underscores the symbiotic relationship between author and editor, culminating in a well-rounded and engaging introduction to the novel.

Conclusion

The episode wraps up with heartfelt thanks to Allegra Goodman, encouraging listeners to explore her extensive backlist and support her latest work, Isola. Additionally, the hosts promote upcoming events such as the Deep Dive Virtual Retreat and the Beta Reader Matchup, providing opportunities for writers to engage with industry professionals and refine their craft.

“Especially if you're someone who's writing in literary fiction and struggling with the language. This is just a masterclass in that.” – CeCe Leera [33:57]

Goodman’s insights into character voice, narrative perspective, and disciplined writing offer emerging writers a masterclass in literary fiction, emphasizing the importance of passion, meticulous editing, and immersive character development.

Key Takeaways:

• Write What You’re Passionate About: Authenticity stems from genuine interest and imagination, transcending genre constraints.
• Method Acting in Writing: Deep immersion into a character’s perspective enhances authenticity and emotional resonance.
• Economy of Language: Each word and sentence should serve a clear purpose, contributing to the story’s progression.
• Collaborative Editing: Trusting and working closely with editors can elevate the narrative structure and overall quality of the work.
• Narrative Perspective: Choice between first-person and third-person perspectives should align with the story’s emotional and psychological needs.

For more insights and to support Allegra Goodman, listeners are encouraged to visit the podcast’s affiliate link to purchase her books through independent bookstores.