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SHOP TALK WITH WRITERS

SHOP TALK WITH WRITERS

Di: Elena Lappin
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A proposito di questo titolo

Elena Lappin in conversation with leading authors about the stories behind their books.

Email: shoptalk.writers@gmail.com

Instagram: @shoptalkwithwriters

Newsletter: /s/shop-talk-with-writers-newsletter

Connect with us here or on our website https://shows.acast.com./shop-talk-with-writers

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Elena Lappin
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  • Ep.22: JULIAN BORGER
    Jan 31 2026

    Summary


    In this episode of Shop Talk with Writers, Guardian foreign correspondent Julian Borger tells host Elena Lappin about his book I SEEK A KIND PERSON: MY FATHER, SEVEN CHILDREN AND THE ADVERTS THAT HELPED THEM ESCAPE THE HOLOCAUST. He discusses his family's past and the stories of other children who were also refugees, highlighting the importance of understanding and remembering these narratives. The discussion also touches on the complexities of belonging and the legacy of trauma passed down through generations.


    The episode also features the charity SHELTERBOX, an organisation which provides help worldwide to communities in crisis via their book club, the ShelterBox Book Club.


    Keywords


    Julian Borger, I Seek a Kind Person, Holocaust, children, survivors, refugee stories, family history, trauma, identity, belonging, memoir, investigative journalism


    Takeaways


    Julian Borger's book is a personal exploration of his father's refugee experience.

    The emotional impact of discovering a family advert seeking a foster parent.

    The silence surrounding trauma in refugee families is a common experience.

    Borger's investigative journalism approach helped uncover hidden family histories.

    The importance of kindness in the context of refugee experiences.

    Understanding the dual identity of being a refugee and assimilating into a new culture.

    The book connects the stories of multiple refugee children from the same era.

    Borger reflects on the pressures his father faced as a refugee.

    The significance of remembering and honoring those lost in the Holocaust.

    The journey of writing the book transformed Borger's understanding of his family.



    Titles


    Unveiling Family Secrets: Julian Borger's Journey

    The Hidden Stories of Refugees: A Conversation with Julian Borger



    Sound bites


    "The past is never dead, it's not even past."

    "I was running away from something."

    "I came to see the boy hidden inside the man."



    Chapters


    00:00 The Journey Begins: Discovering Family History

    07:01 Unpacking the Book: Themes and Inspirations

    13:49 The Silence of the Past: Understanding Trauma

    22:04 Connecting Stories: The Lives of Refugee Children

    30:14 The Impact of Secrecy: A Father's Legacy

    36:52 Reflections on Identity: Belonging and Displacement

    44:05 Transformative Discoveries: Understanding Family Dynamics

    50:56 Cultural Connections: The Influence of History on Art


    Subscribe to our monthly newsletter to find out more about each episode, and to engage with our conversations with authors



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    58 min
  • Ep.21: MOIRA BUFFINI (Part 2)
    Jan 16 2026

    Summary


    In this episode of Shop Talk with Writers, host Elena Lapin engages in a deep conversation with novelist Moira Buffini about her works, particularly her novels 'Songlight' and 'Torchfire.' Buffini reflects on the themes of trust and division in her fictional town of North Haven, drawing parallels to her own experiences growing up in a divided society influenced by the historical context of Northern Ireland. She discusses the importance of exploring complex relationships, particularly between mothers and daughters, and how these dynamics are often underrepresented in literature. Buffini also addresses the challenges of categorizing her work within the YA genre, emphasizing the emotional truths and societal issues her characters navigate, including the implications of misogyny and the expectations placed on young women in a dystopian setting.



    Keywords


    Moira Buffini, Songlight, Torchfire, dystopian fiction, YA literature, mother-daughter relationships, societal issues, writing process, speculative fiction, emotional truth, political fantasy, historical parallels



    Takeaways


    There's nothing in these books that hasn't happened somewhere in the world.

    Mothers are extraordinary figures with both light and darkness in their relationships.

    Speculative fiction allows us to explore societal issues in a different light.

    The emotional truth in writing is what makes a story beautiful.

    Young women need to navigate difficult realities, and literature can help arm them.



    Titles


    Exploring Dystopia: Moira Buffini on 'Songlight' and 'Torchfire'

    The Emotional Truth in Dystopian Fiction with Moira Buffini



    Sound bites


    "I drew on my great love of history."

    "Why is the exploration of difficult relationships not acceptable?"

    "Speculative fiction is a great way of distilling out the confusion."



    Chapters


    00:00 Introduction to Moira Buffini and Her Works

    02:09 Themes of Trust and Division in North Haven

    04:24 Mother-Daughter Relationships in Literature

    07:03 Navigating YA Genre and Emotional Truth

    10:50 Exploring Misogyny and Societal Expectations

    18:14 The Role of History in Buffini's Writing

    24:11 Speculative Fiction as a Reflection of Now

    30:06 The Freedom and Challenges of Writing Across Mediums

    34:08 Why Moira Buffini Writes


    Subscribe to our monthly newsletter to find out more about each episode, and to engage with our conversations with authors



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    44 min
  • Ep.20: MOIRA BUFFINI (PART 1)
    Jan 11 2026

    Keywords


    dystopian fiction, telepathy, Songlight, Torch Trilogy, character development, creative writing, Moira Buffini, storytelling, female empowerment, world-building


    Summary


    In this wide-ranging conversation, acclaimed novelist, playwright and screenwriter Moira Buffini discusses her dystopian trilogy, the Torch Trilogy, which explores themes of telepathy, connection, and the struggles of young women against oppressive regimes. The dialogue delves into Buffini's creative process, her transition from playwriting to novel writing, and the intricate character development that brings her world to life. The discussion also highlights the moral complexities of her characters, particularly the antagonists, and the overarching themes of communication and empowerment in her storytelling.



    Takeaways


    The world of Songlight is set thousands of years in the future.

    Buffini's writing is influenced by her background in playwriting.

    The trilogy explores themes of telepathy and connection.

    Character development is central to the storytelling process.

    Buffini aims to write stories that resonate with her heart.

    The intimacy of novel writing differs from playwriting.

    Buffini's characters are often named for their traits or roles.

    The antagonist, Zara Swan, is a complex character shaped by trauma.

    The trilogy emphasizes the power of young women standing together.

    Buffini believes in the importance of intuitive communication.



    Titles


    Exploring the Dystopian World of Songlight

    The Creative Journey of Moira Buffini



    Sound bites


    "This is my heart song."

    "Song is a central human thing."

    "I keep going back to writing."



    Chapters


    00:00 Introduction to the Dystopian World of Songlight

    07:58 The Creative Process Behind the Torch Trilogy

    15:30 The Transition from Playwriting to Novel Writing

    21:05 Character Development and Perspectives

    30:54 Themes of Connection and Communication

    39:24 Complex Antagonists and Moral Ambiguity


    Subscribe to our monthly newsletter to find out more about each episode, and to engage with our conversations with authors



    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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    49 min
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