Tag Archives: writing process

Podcast

Ann Patchett & Kathy Engel on Art, Love, and the Power of Poetry in Difficult Times

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Summary

In this episode of Writer’s Voice, celebrated novelist Ann Patchett discusses the annotated release of her beloved novel Bel Canto, exploring how themes of love, art, and humanity resonate in times of crisis.

Patchett reflects on her writing process, the tenderness of her characters, and how art can provide solace in difficult times.

The, poet and activist Kathy Engel discusses her collection, Dear Inheritors, touching on the intersections of poetry, social justice, and the ongoing struggles against racism and privilege.

Engel’s work reflects on her life experiences and the contradictions of beauty and violence in society, emphasizing the importance of holding space for vulnerability, honesty, and collective healing. We last spoke with her in 2014.

Writers Voice— in depth conversation with writers of all genres, on the air since 2004.

Connect with Us: Follow us on social media to stay up-to-date on the latest episodes and news. Find us on Facebook at Writers Voice with Francesca Rheannon, on Instagram and Threads @WritersVoicePodcast or find us on Bluesky @writersvoice.bsky.social. Read transcripts at the Writer’s Voice Substack. 

Key words: Ann Patchett, Bel Canto annotated, Kathy Engel, Dear Inheritors, poetry, writing process, art and activism, podcast, Writer’s Voice

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Podcast

Edwidge Danticat on Haiti, Immigration, and Her New Essay Collection WE’RE ALONE

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Episode Description:

In this episode, we talk with celebrated Haitian American writer Edwidge Danticat, author of Brother, I’m Dying and her latest essay collection, We’re Alone.

Danticat shares intimate insights into her writing process, the legacy of colonialism and the immigrant experience. She discusses Haiti’s ongoing struggles, her personal connection to the country, and how the global refugee crisis continues to impact marginalized communities.

Tune in to explore how Danticat bears witness to history through her poignant essays on family, resilience, and the power of storytelling.

We also play a portion of our 2010 interview with Tracy Kidder about his book Mountains Beyond Mountains. It’s about the late great doctor and humanitarian Paul Farmer’s work in Haiti.

Writers Voice— in depth conversation with writers of all genres, on the air since 2004.

Connect with Us: Follow us on social media to stay up-to-date on the latest episodes and news. Find us on Facebook at Writers Voice with Francesca Rheannon, on Instagram @WritersVoicePodcast or find us on X/Twitter@WritersVoice.

Key words: Edwidge Danticat, We’re Alone, Haitian American writer, Haiti, colonialism, immigration, refugee crisis, writing process, Tracy Kidder, Paul Farmer, book show, podcast.

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