In a recent conversation with Nicola Solomon, Chief Executive of the Society of Authors, renowned novelist Elif Shafak delved into the intricacies of her writing process, the power of literature in politics, and the challenges faced by writers, especially in countries with limited freedom of speech. Shafak’s insights shed light on the importance of fiction as a platform for understanding politics and culture.
One aspect of the discussion revolved around the writing habits of authors and the notion of rituals. Shafak humorously pointed out that it’s often male authors from specific backgrounds who adhere to strict writing schedules, while others, like herself, write whenever they can find the time. She emphasised the importance of reading every day and carving out spaces for writing, even if it means working in bustling cafes or at home amid chaos and noise.
“Usually it’s male authors who have these schedules, and, middle-aged or older, and from a certain educational background, class background, and social background. Everyone else, those of us who do not fit into this description, I think we write whenever we can, and when we cannot find the time, we try to create the time.”
Elif Shafak
When asked about her reading habits, the Royal Society of Literature Vice President highlighted the interdisciplinary nature of her research for her upcoming novel, “There Are Rivers in the Sky.” She mentioned that her writing process involves extensive reading from various disciplines, including ancient Mesopotamia, water science, and minority issues in the Middle East. She stressed the value of interdisciplinary reading, encouraging readers to explore diverse genres and disciplines to nourish their minds.
“I think we shouldn’t be reading just one genre, one discipline. The mind, I think, is always nourished when we dare to go beyond our own comfort zones as far as we can go.”
Elif Shafak
Shafak also touched on the idea of novels of ideas, expressing her preference for books that stimulate the mind and touch the heart simultaneously. She discussed the challenges women writers face when labeled as “ambitious” for delving into complex topics and called for a reevaluation of gender distinctions in literature. She believes that novels should ask questions rather than provide answers and stressed the importance of leaving room for diverse interpretations by readers.
Navigating challenges as a novelist in Turkey
Regarding her writing style, Shafak admitted to her fondness for complexity and diversity in her characters. She mentioned that her inclination toward diversity and multiculturalism is deeply rooted in her experiences in Istanbul, a city shaped by cosmopolitan encounters. The essayist believes that literature should bring the forgotten and silenced stories of society to the forefront, reiterating the tension between memory and amnesia in societies.
She highlighted Turkey as a striking example, a nation with a rich and extensive history, yet one that grapples with collective amnesia, often shaped by an imposed official narrative. The writer articulated the significance of authors challenging this narrative by posing essential questions that invite readers to empathise with different perspectives. She remarked, “How would I feel about, let’s say, the Ottoman Empire? Had I been a peasant in the Balkans or a Jewish Miller or an Armenian silversmith? Or, for instance, had I been a concubine, a woman in that empire? How would my life be? Like, when you ask these questions, suddenly the narrative changes.”
“Turkey, as you know, has a very long history, has a very rich history, but that doesn’t translate into a strong memory. Just the opposite I think. We’re a society of collective amnesia, and our entire relationship with the past is full of ruptures. There’s only one interpretation of history, the official narrative, which is imposed from above.”
Elif Shafak
Shafak shone a spotlight on the crucial role of writers in centring the forgotten and forsaken, making the invisible aspects of society more visible and amplifying the voices of those who have been silenced and suppressed. She celebrated literature’s natural ability to accomplish this, allowing readers to gain a deeper understanding of their society’s complex past and the diverse experiences of its people.
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Shafak’s connection with languages also played a significant role in the conversation. She discussed her switch from writing primarily in Turkish to English and the different emotional and intellectual connections she has with each language. While Turkish connects her emotionally, English engages her intellectually, and she finds humour and satire easier to express in English.
When asked about translations, she humbly explained that she doesn’t translate her own work into Turkish due to the different writing styles and her preference for playing with the Turkish text after translation. She expressed her respect for literary translators and how they can enhance the original text in another language.
The conversation then shifted to the “worrisome” challenges posed by artificial intelligence and machine-generated writing. Shafak expressed concerns about the rapid advancement of AI and underscored the need for a broader societal discussion about the role of technology in shaping our lives. She added: “Technology is far too important to leave it only to a few tech people in Silicon Valley. We all have to be involved in this conversation.”
Elif Shafak on the power of fiction in politics and culture
Finally, Shafak discussed the power of fiction in politics and culture, particularly in advocating for citizen voices beyond the ballot box. As a founding member of the think-tank European Council on Foreign Relations, she restated the importance of empathy, curiosity, and emotional intelligence in understanding complex political and cultural issues. The author believes that fiction can bridge gaps and encourage people to explore diverse perspectives, making it a vital tool in fostering connections among individuals and societies.
“I only wish politicians read fiction. There are very few, leaders in the political world who genuinely read fiction […] I think all these dualities are so superficial, they’re so problematic inside fiction […] But perhaps more importantly, inside fiction, there’s emotional intelligence.”
Elif Shafak
Consequently, Elif Shafak feels that literature is a tool for diversity and politics, which underscore the profound impact of storytelling on our understanding of the world. Her passion for embracing complexity, diversity, and emotional intelligence through fiction serves as a powerful reminder of the role literature plays in shaping our societies and bridging cultural divides.
I am currently reading this book!
That is amazing! Please do let me know what you think about it!
I’m loving it so far 🙂
That’s brilliant, I love the overlap between fiction and climate in this one!