Podcast Summary: The Stacks Episode 354 – "No One Is Begging You to Create" with Kellyanne Bradley
Introduction
In Episode 354 of The Stacks, host Traci Thomas welcomes Kellyanne Bradley, the author of the acclaimed debut novel "The Ministry of Time," which serves as the month's book club pick. The conversation delves deep into Kellyanne’s creative process, the historical inspirations behind her work, and the intricate blending of genres that make her novel a standout addition to contemporary literature.
Overview of The Ministry of Time
Kellyanne Bradley provides an insightful synopsis of her novel, highlighting its unique premise and multifaceted narrative structure.
Kellyanne Bradley [05:31]: "The Ministry of Time is about a government experiment with time travel. The British government has time travel but hasn't started using it yet. They drag people from the past, known as expats, to the 21st century to test assimilation."
The story centers on Graham Gore, a Victorian polar explorer who is abruptly transported to modern Britain. Tasked with proving that he can adapt to contemporary society, Graham is accompanied by a civil servant known as a bridge—who serves both as his assistant and observer.
Inspiration and Background
Kellyanne shares the genesis of her novel, tracing her fascination with polar exploration back to the pandemic lockdowns. This period led her to discover Graham Gore, a relatively obscure figure from the Franklin Expedition, igniting her passion to explore themes of hubris, bravery, and the often-tragic outcomes of imperial endeavors.
Kellyanne Bradley [07:06]: "I got obsessed with polar exploration and discovered Graham Gore almost by accident while researching Sir John Franklin's lost expedition."
Her interest was further fueled by watching the TV series "The Terror", which offered a fantastical take on the ill-fated expedition. This blend of historical fact and creative reimagining laid the foundation for her novel.
Themes and Genre Blending
The Ministry of Time is lauded for its genre-defying nature, seamlessly intertwining elements of historical fiction, speculative fiction, romance, and spy thriller.
Kellyanne Bradley [36:21]: "I love the idea of genre as a kind of seduction, a way to draw the reader into one aspect while hiding something else."
Kellyanne emphasizes the deliberate use of genre tropes to both engage and surprise readers, ensuring that the novel appeals to a broad audience while maintaining depth and complexity.
Character Development and Historical Context
A significant portion of the discussion focuses on the portrayal of historical figures and the integration of cultural and racial themes within the narrative. Kellyanne highlights the challenges of reimagining British colonialists, ensuring they are depicted as multifaceted individuals rather than one-dimensional stereotypes.
Kellyanne Bradley [32:58]: "Time carries with it this preconceived idea of whiteness. Only two of the expats are assigned bridges who are people of color, highlighting the Ministry's narrow view on assimilation."
The novel also tackles the lingering effects of British imperialism and the class system, offering a nuanced exploration of power dynamics and personal identity.
Writing Process and Editing
Kellyanne provides an inside look into her writing journey, revealing that "The Ministry of Time" underwent nine drafts and expanded by over 30,000 words to transition from a personal project for friends to a work poised for broader readership.
Kellyanne Bradley [51:43]: "The first six drafts were just with my agent, adding depth and context to make the story accessible to those unfamiliar with the Franklin Expedition."
Her collaboration with editors Margot Schickmanter and Federico Andonino was instrumental in refining the plot, character motivations, and thematic elements, ensuring the novel's success beyond her initial expectations.
Audience Reception and Recommendations
While Kellyanne hasn't extensively interacted with the American audience, she notes a positive reception, particularly among romance readers who appreciate the novel's emotional depth and character chemistry. An amusing anecdote involves former President Barack Obama adding her book to his reading list, which piqued her curiosity about its reception.
For readers who enjoyed The Ministry of Time, Kellyanne recommends:
- "Beautiful Ruins" by Jess Walter – A sweeping narrative that intertwines multiple timelines and rich character development.
- "Night Watch" by Terry Pratchett – A Discworld novel that explores time travel and personal history with humor and depth.
- "Beauty Land" by Marie Helen Bettino – A thought-provoking tale about identity and societal expectations, resonating with the themes of belonging and self-discovery present in her own work.
Final Thoughts and Conclusion
Kellyanne closes by expressing her hope that readers will view time travel as a hopeful concept—understanding that our actions can influence the future positively. She emphasizes the importance of looking beyond genre conventions to uncover deeper narratives within her novel.
Kellyanne Bradley [56:26]: "I wanted this to fundamentally be a hopeful book... I hope they think about time travel as something that also works the other way. Everything that we do can impact the future."
Traci wraps up the episode by reminding listeners of the upcoming book club discussion on January 29th, encouraging everyone to delve into The Ministry of Time and join the conversation.
Key Takeaways
- The Ministry of Time is a genre-blending novel that combines historical intrigue with speculative fiction, grounded in rich character development.
- Kellyanne Bradley's inspiration stems from a deep fascination with polar exploration and the tragic narratives of British imperial expeditions.
- The novel thoughtfully addresses themes of race, power, and personal identity, offering a nuanced critique of historical narratives.
- Kellyanne’s writing process was intensive and collaborative, involving multiple drafts and significant editorial input to refine her story for a broader audience.
- Audience reception highlights the novel's universal appeal, particularly among romance and speculative fiction readers.
The Stacks provides an engaging and comprehensive exploration of Kellyanne Bradley's creative journey, offering listeners valuable insights into the making of a thoughtful and impactful novel.