In-Depth Summary of "Totally Booked with Zibby" Episode Featuring Susan Choi and "Flashlight"

Episode Title: Susan Choi, FLASHLIGHT: A Novel
Release Date: June 13, 2025
Host: Zibby Owens

Introduction to Susan Choi and Her New Novel "Flashlight"

In this episode of Totally Booked with Zibby, host Zibby Owens welcomes acclaimed author Susan Choi to discuss her latest novel, "Flashlight". Susan is renowned for her award-winning work, including the National Book Award-winning Trust Exercise. Their conversation delves into the evolution of "Flashlight" from a short story to a full-length novel, offering listeners a deep dive into the creative process behind the book.

Susan Choi's Journey from Short Story to Novel

Susan Choi begins by reflecting on the transformation of "Flashlight" from a short story published in The New Yorker in 2020 to a comprehensive novel released five years later. She shares, “[00:04:55] I was able to publish a short story called Flashlight, which is actually now the very first pages that you encounter in this novel. It was a short story that was in the New Yorker and it came out of kind of in the course of that year starting to get like a slightly clearer Sense of what the story would be.”

Zibby acknowledges the significant gap between Susan's previous work and "Flashlight," prompting the question about what developments occurred during those years.

Overview of "Flashlight"

Susan provides a glimpse into the narrative of "Flashlight," focusing on a small, complex family grappling with the sudden disappearance of the father. “[05:46] The book centers on a small, sad family... Louisa is at the center of the story when we first meet her. She's a young girl. She's 10.”

To give listeners a taste of her writing style, Zibby reads an evocative passage from the book, illustrating the intricate relationship between Louisa and her father. Susan adds context to this excerpt, explaining its significance as the last words Louisa's father ever speaks to her.

Writing Process: Weaving and Patchwork

A significant portion of the discussion revolves around Susan's meticulous writing process. She describes her approach as one of "weaving," where the narrative evolves organically rather than following a strict page-by-page order. “[09:45] It was written completely out of page order because I kept realizing I needed more of something and then I would weave it in.”

Susan elaborates on the challenges of expanding and contracting the story, often necessitating both additions and deletions to refine the narrative structure. This iterative process ensured that every emotion and plot point was thoughtfully integrated into the story.

Research and Cultural Context

Susan emphasizes the importance of research in crafting the novel's authentic setting and cultural backdrop. “[11:46] The research was also very, very quilted... I really wanted to set this story in Japan because I spent time in JAP as a little girl, and it made a huge, huge impression on me.”

She delves into the historical context of her characters, particularly Louisa’s father, an ethnic Korean born and raised in Japan. This meticulous attention to cultural and historical details enriched the novel's depth and authenticity.

Character Development: Louisa

The character of Louisa is central to "Flashlight," and Susan discusses the balance between creating relatable and flawed characters. “[18:25] I am really on Team Unlikable Character... I just don't want them to be, like, saintly or perfect.”

Susan expresses her preference for complex characters who exhibit both strengths and flaws, making them more human and allowing for meaningful growth throughout the story. Louisa, despite being perceived as “obnoxious” by Susan’s own mother, embodies this intricate balance, providing readers with a multi-dimensional protagonist.

Susan Choi's Personal Writing Journey

Susan shares her personal journey as a writer, tracing her passion for storytelling back to childhood. “[19:42] I was one of those kids who did not want to ever go outside. I had my nose in a book all the time.”

Despite facing periods of self-doubt and uncertainty during her academic years, Susan persevered in honing her craft. Her tenure at The New Yorker as a fact-checker played a pivotal role in her development, providing invaluable insights and support that ultimately culminated in the creation of "Flashlight."

Themes and Symbolism in "Flashlight"

The episode delves into the symbolic elements within "Flashlight," particularly the titular object. Susan explains, “[27:35] The flashlight... is something that sheds light on something that was there all along but that you couldn't see without it.”

This symbol serves as a metaphor for revelation and understanding, reflecting the characters' journeys through grief, resilience, and the complexities of familial love. The narrative intricately weaves themes of loss, adaptation, and the enduring bonds that hold the family together despite adversity.

Advice for Aspiring Authors

Concluding the conversation, Susan imparts heartfelt advice to budding writers. “[30:38] My greatest advice... is if you really want to be a writer, write every day. Write every day.”

She emphasizes the importance of consistent practice, whether through journaling, drafting stories, or simply articulating thoughts. This daily discipline fosters creativity and sharpens writing skills, enabling authors to navigate the challenges of the literary world.

Notable Quotes

• Susan Choi on Writing Process:

  “It wasn't written in page order because I kept realizing I needed more of something and then I would weave it in.”
  [09:45]

• Susan Choi on Character Development:

  “I just don't want them to be, like, saintly or perfect. I love when characters are really flawed because hopefully in the story they grow and change and often become better people.”
  [18:25]

• Susan Choi's Personal Writing Journey:

  “I was one of those kids who did not want to ever go outside. I had my nose in a book all the time.”
  [19:42]

• Advice to Aspiring Authors:

  “If you really want to be a writer, write every day... Just write. Sit down and put your thoughts into sentences and see where that leads.”
  [30:43]

Conclusion

This episode of Totally Booked with Zibby offers a profound exploration of Susan Choi’s latest work, "Flashlight," and provides invaluable insights into the author's creative process, character development, and personal journey. Listeners gain a deeper appreciation for the intricate layers of the novel and the dedication required to craft such a compelling narrative.

For more information about Susan Choi and her work, visit www.zibbyowens.com and follow Zibby Owens on Instagram @zibbyowens.