How novelist Gabrielle Zevin learned to enjoy failure
3Digest
Gabrielle Zeven, author of "Tomorrow and Tomorrow and Tomorrow," joins Adam Grant on "Rethinking" to discuss her latest novel, which centers on two characters who start a video game company together. Zeven shares her unique perspective on success and failure, revealing that she has become "really good at failing" and that she finds failure to be a creative space. She also discusses the importance of finding freedom in your work, arguing that true success is the freedom to stop caring about anyone else's definition of success. Zeven's insights into the creative process, the challenges of navigating the world of art and business, and the importance of finding your own path are sure to resonate with listeners.
Outlines
Introduction
This Chapter introduces the podcast "Rethinking" hosted by Adam Grant, an organizational psychologist, and his guest, Gabrielle Zeven, author of "Tomorrow and Tomorrow and Tomorrow." The podcast explores the science of what makes us tick and delves into the minds of fascinating people to uncover new thoughts and perspectives.
Design Matters
This Chapter introduces the podcast "Design Matters" hosted by Debbie Melman, which features conversations with designers, writers, artists, and other luminaries of contemporary thought. The podcast explores not only their crafts but also how they design the arc of their lives, what they've learned, and how they see the world.
Failure as a Creative Space
This Chapter delves into Gabrielle Zeven's perspective on failure. She shares her experience of embracing failure as a creative space, highlighting how it allows for solitude and focus on the next creative endeavor. Zeven contrasts this with the distractions and pressures that can come with success.
Rethinking Success
This Chapter explores the concept of success and its relationship to freedom. Zeven argues that true success lies in the freedom to pursue your own creative vision, unburdened by external expectations. She emphasizes the importance of finding a balance between success and failure, recognizing that both can contribute to growth and creative exploration.
Rethinking Productivity and Empathy
This Chapter delves into Adam Grant's and Gabrielle Zeven's reflections on productivity and empathy. Grant shares his shift in perspective from measuring productivity by weekly output to valuing the impact created over a year. Zeven emphasizes the importance of empathy in navigating the world, acknowledging its potential flaws while advocating for its vital role in human connection and understanding.
Cultural Appropriation and the Power of Imagination
This Chapter explores the topic of cultural appropriation in the context of creative expression. Zeven challenges the notion that writers should only write about their own experiences, arguing that the job of the novelist is to imagine people other than themselves. She emphasizes the importance of attempting to understand and represent diverse perspectives, even if those attempts are imperfect.
Keywords
Gabrielle Zeven
Gabrielle Zeven is an American novelist best known for her novel "Tomorrow and Tomorrow and Tomorrow." She has written ten novels, including "The Storied Life of A.J. Fikry" and "The Wholeheartedness of a Single Petal." Zeven's work often explores themes of creativity, collaboration, and the complexities of human relationships.
Tomorrow and Tomorrow and Tomorrow
"Tomorrow and Tomorrow and Tomorrow" is a 2022 novel by Gabrielle Zeven that tells the story of Sadie and Sam, two friends who start a video game company together. The novel explores themes of success, failure, creativity, collaboration, and friendship. It was a critical and commercial success, winning the Goodreads Choice Award for Best Fiction in 2022.
Creative Process
The creative process is the series of steps involved in creating something new. It can be broken down into different stages, such as ideation, incubation, illumination, and verification. The creative process is often iterative, meaning that it involves going back and forth between different stages until the final product is achieved. The creative process can be influenced by a variety of factors, including personality, experience, and environment.
Success and Failure
Success and failure are two sides of the same coin. They are both inevitable parts of life and can be valuable learning experiences. Success can be defined in many different ways, but it often involves achieving a goal or objective. Failure, on the other hand, is the opposite of success. It can be a source of disappointment and frustration, but it can also be an opportunity for growth and learning. The key is to learn from both success and failure and to use them to fuel your future endeavors.
Freedom in Work
Freedom in work refers to the ability to work autonomously and to have control over one's work. It is often associated with creativity, innovation, and job satisfaction. Freedom in work can be achieved through a variety of means, such as flexible work arrangements, remote work, and self-employment. It is a valuable goal for many workers, as it can lead to greater fulfillment and a sense of purpose.
Empathy
Empathy is the ability to understand and share the feelings of another person. It is a key component of social intelligence and is essential for building strong relationships. Empathy can be cultivated through a variety of means, such as active listening, perspective-taking, and emotional regulation. It is a valuable skill in all aspects of life, from personal relationships to professional interactions.
Cultural Appropriation
Cultural appropriation is the adoption or use of elements of one culture by members of another culture. It is often seen as disrespectful and exploitative, particularly when it involves the use of sacred or culturally significant objects or practices. Cultural appropriation can be a complex issue, and there is no easy answer to the question of when it is acceptable. However, it is important to be mindful of the potential harm that cultural appropriation can cause and to strive to be respectful of other cultures.
Gate Shut Panic
Gate shut panic is a term used to describe the feeling of anxiety and fear that comes from the perception that opportunities are closing. It is often experienced by young adults who are transitioning from school to work or who are trying to establish themselves in their careers. Gate shut panic can be a powerful motivator, but it can also lead to poor decision-making. It is important to recognize the illusion of gate shut panic and to focus on making choices that are aligned with your long-term goals.
Q&A
What is Gabrielle Zeven's perspective on failure and how does she view it as a creative space?
Zeven believes that failure can be a valuable creative space. She finds that when she fails, she is free from external pressures and distractions, allowing her to focus on her next creative endeavor. She contrasts this with the busy schedule and distractions that can come with success, which can sometimes hinder creative exploration.
What does Zeven consider to be the most important consequence of success?
Zeven believes that the most important consequence of success is the freedom it provides to pursue your own creative vision. She argues that true success is not defined by external validation or accolades, but by the ability to work on projects that you are passionate about, without being constrained by financial or other pressures.
How does Zeven's experience with failure relate to research on status loss?
Zeven's experience with failure aligns with research on status loss, which suggests that people with high status are more negatively impacted by failure than those with lower status. Zeven, having initially experienced success with her children's novel, felt a greater sense of devastation when her adult novel failed. This aligns with the research finding that high-status individuals are more likely to experience self-threat and doubt after failure.
What is Zeven's perspective on cultural appropriation in the context of creative writing?
Zeven challenges the notion that writers should only write about their own experiences. She believes that the job of the novelist is to imagine people other than themselves, even if those attempts are imperfect. She argues that a world where writers only write about their own cultures would be limiting and would prevent the exploration of diverse perspectives.
What is Zeven's view on the importance of empathy in writing and in life?
Zeven believes that empathy is essential for both writing and living. She acknowledges that empathy can be a flawed system, but she argues that it is vital for understanding and connecting with others. She suggests that even if we cannot fully feel another person's pain, we should strive to acknowledge it and to consider how our actions might impact others.
What is Zeven's perspective on the role of character in writing a novel?
Zeven believes that character is the most important element in writing a novel. She argues that while plot, world-building, and other elements are important, it is the characters that stay with readers long after they have finished the book. She believes that a great novel is ultimately a great character.
What is Zeven's view on the relationship between love and time?
Zeven sees love as both a constant and a variable. She acknowledges that love can change and evolve over time, but she also believes that once you have decided to love something, you love it. She uses the metaphor of time, which is always moving forward at the same rate, but feels different to us depending on our perception, to illustrate this concept.
What is Zeven's advice for aspiring novelists?
Zeven advises aspiring novelists to read widely and to find a comfortable chair. She emphasizes the importance of immersing oneself in literature and creating a conducive environment for writing. She also suggests that a clear and compelling initial idea is crucial for a successful novel.
What is Zeven's perspective on the role of relationships in her writing?
Zeven believes that relationships are a vital part of her writing. She draws inspiration from her own relationships, both personal and professional, to create complex and relatable characters. She acknowledges that while novel writing can be solitary, it ultimately involves collaboration and connection with others.
What is Zeven's view on the importance of finding freedom in your work?
Zeven believes that true success is the freedom to stop caring about anyone else's definition of success. She emphasizes the importance of finding a balance between success and failure, recognizing that both can contribute to growth and creative exploration. She believes that the freedom to pursue your own creative vision is the ultimate measure of success.
Show Notes
Gabrielle Zevin wrote the runaway bestseller Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, but she doesn’t expect anyone to know most of her other nine books. The acclaimed novelist joins Adam to discuss how to face failure, find inspiration, make sure success doesn't hinder creativity, and stay motivated when your goals don't align with your skills. Then, they riff on the most important elements of a story and several mic drop moments in her work.
Transcripts for ReThinking are available at go.ted.com/RWAGscripts
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