Podcast Summary: "Maggie Smith, DEAR WRITER: Pep Talks & Practical Advice for the Creative Life"
Introduction to the Episode
In this engaging episode of Totally Booked with Zibby, host Zibby Owens welcomes acclaimed author Maggie Smith to discuss her latest work, Dear Writer: Pep Talks & Practical Advice for the Creative Life. Recorded during their Scottsdale retreat via Zoom, this conversation delves deep into Maggie's creative journey, her approach to writing, and the invaluable insights she offers to fellow creatives.
Maggie Smith's Background and Credentials
Maggie Smith is a New York Times bestselling author with eight books of poetry and prose, including titles like You Could Make This Place Beautiful, Good Bones, Goldenrod, Keep Moving, and My Thoughts Have Wings. Her illustrious career is decorated with numerous awards, including a Creative Writing Fellowship from the National Endowment for the Arts and a Pushcart Prize. Maggie's work has been featured in prestigious publications such as The New Yorker, The Paris Review, The Nation, and The Atlantic. Her extensive experience as a poet, memoirist, and educator positions her as a respected voice in the literary community.
The Genesis of "Dear Writer"
When asked about the motivation behind her new book, Dear Writer, Maggie explains that the concept has been percolating for over two decades. Reflecting on her graduate studies in poetry 24 years prior, she shares:
"I feel like this book is like 20 years in the making... I’ve always wanted to write a craft book because I love them so much." [(02:33)]
Initially conceptualized before her memoir, Maggie shelved the project to focus on her personal narrative. However, driven by a desire to demystify the creative process for both writers and readers, she revisited and completely rewrote the book. This evolution underscores her commitment to making creativity accessible and understandable.
Nurturing Creative Ideas
A central theme in Maggie's philosophy is the delicate handling of creative ideas. She likens ideas to deer, emphasizing the importance of approaching them gently to prevent scaring them away:
"Ideas, creative ideas can be like that [deer]. The best thing we can do is sort of stay soft and quiet and open and inviting and not try to control those things too early in the process." [(05:01)]
This metaphor highlights her belief in maintaining a respectful and patient relationship with one's creative impulses, allowing ideas to flourish organically.
Embracing the Inner Poet
Maggie passionately advocates for everyone to nurture their inner poet. Sharing her experience working with third graders, she emphasizes that poetic vision is innate and should not be constrained by artificial tools:
"You were born with those eyes. You have them, I have them. Every child has them." [(06:37)]
She underscores the importance of preserving the childlike wonder and awe essential for creative expression, arguing that as we age, societal pressures often dull this innate creativity. Her message resonates with the idea that reconnecting with our poetic selves can rejuvenate our creative endeavors.
Crafting in Writing: Idea vs. Form
In discussing the craft of writing, Maggie explores the relationship between ideas and their forms. She challenges writers to prioritize the integrity of their ideas over conforming to specific literary structures:
"The idea is what has to stand alone, and the form is something that comes later." [(09:29)]
Maggie advises against being confined by predetermined forms, encouraging writers to let ideas dictate their expression. This flexibility allows for more authentic and diverse creative outputs, whether in poetry, prose, or other genres.
Developing an Authentic Voice
A pivotal aspect of Maggie's advice centers on discovering and refining one's unique voice. She shares her journey of moving beyond imitative writing to developing a distinctive style:
"If I found a loose page of this book on the subway, I would know it was yours." [(19:32)]
This quote illustrates her success in cultivating a recognizable voice that stands out in the literary landscape. Maggie emphasizes that voice evolves over time, shaped by personal experiences and continuous self-expression, rather than being a static trait.
Overcoming Inner Critics and Imposter Syndrome
Addressing the pervasive challenges of self-doubt, Maggie offers heartfelt insights into combating the inner critic and imposter syndrome:
"It's the little inner critic. It's been the voice inside my own head that says, you're not good enough... You're a mom in Ohio." [(15:21)]
Drawing from her experience speaking to fifth graders, Maggie illustrates how acknowledging and addressing these internal voices can empower creatives to persevere. Her approach involves lowering the volume of negative self-talk and fostering a supportive internal dialogue.
Embracing the Messy Creative Process
Maggie candidly discusses the often chaotic and non-linear nature of the creative process. She demystifies the notion that creativity flows effortlessly, emphasizing the importance of persistence and embracing imperfection:
"It's reassuring... it's like, I'm not behind because this is hard for me... that's not a bug, it's a feature." [(28:00)]
By sharing her own struggles with messy notebooks and prolonged revision periods, Maggie reassures listeners that such challenges are universal among creatives. This perspective fosters a more compassionate and patient approach to one's creative journey.
Trusting the Reader and Effective Transitions
Maggie explores the delicate balance between guiding the reader and allowing them to engage actively with the text. She advocates for trusting the reader's intelligence, particularly in crafting transitions within writing:
"Trust the reader to participate and do some of the think work... rather than kind of spoon feeding them things." [(25:20)]
Using metaphors like doors and hallways, she illustrates how transitions should evoke sensory experiences, allowing readers to seamlessly navigate between ideas and scenes without overt explanations.
Conclusion and Final Insights
Throughout the episode, Maggie Smith imparts a wealth of knowledge and encouragement for writers and creatives alike. Her emphasis on nurturing ideas, embracing one's unique voice, overcoming self-doubt, and trusting the reader provides a comprehensive guide for those seeking to enhance their creative practice. Maggie's insights, grounded in her extensive experience and personal journey, make Dear Writer an essential resource for anyone dedicated to the craft of writing and the broader creative life.
Notable Quotes with Timestamps
-
On the Genesis of "Dear Writer":
"I feel like this book is like 20 years in the making... I’ve always wanted to write a craft book because I love them so much." [(02:33)]
-
Nurturing Creative Ideas:
"Ideas, creative ideas can be like that [deer]. The best thing we can do is sort of stay soft and quiet and open and inviting and not try to control those things too early in the process." [(05:01)]
-
Embracing the Inner Poet:
"You were born with those eyes. You have them, I have them. Every child has them." [(06:37)]
-
Developing an Authentic Voice:
"If I found a loose page of this book on the subway, I would know it was yours." [(19:32)]
-
Overcoming Inner Critics:
"It's the little inner critic. It's been the voice inside my own head that says, you're not good enough... You're a mom in Ohio." [(15:21)]
-
Embracing the Messy Creative Process:
"It's reassuring... it's like, I'm not behind because this is hard for me... that's not a bug, it's a feature." [(28:00)]
-
Trusting the Reader:
"Trust the reader to participate and do some of the think work... rather than kind of spoon feeding them things." [(25:20)]
Final Thoughts
Maggie Smith's conversation with Zibby Owens offers a treasure trove of wisdom for creatives navigating the complexities of the writing process. Her blend of practical advice, personal anecdotes, and philosophical reflections makes this episode a must-listen for anyone committed to honing their craft and sustaining their creative spirit.