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In the Beginning
In this podcast episode, Maccabee interviews Deborah Shouse, the author of "An Old Woman Walks into a Bar." They discuss the book's themes, including ageism, hero-worshipping, and the power of sharing stories. They also talk about the book's impact on readers, including one person who said that the character of Grace saved her life. The section highlights the importance of learning from and respecting our elders and the power of storytelling to connect people and inspire change. They also discuss the relationships between characters and the importance of caring for their parents as they age. Overall, the episode emphasizes the importance of community and the wisdom of elders.
Timestamps
The Power of Sharing Stories [00:09:33] - Deborah talks about sharing stories and how they can connect people and teach them about their similarities.
Debut Novel and Ghostwriting [00:03:50] - Deborah talks about her debut novel and her ghostwriting experience, including the process and the joy of learning about others.
Ageism and Hero Worshiping [00:01:35] - Maccabee and Deborah discuss the book's themes, including ageism and hero-worshipping, and how we must stop showing ageism towards our elders and learn from them.
Ageism in Grace's life [00:10:35] - Grace faced ageism multiple times, including being replaced as a teacher because of her age. The discussion also touches on how ageism is more prevalent in America than other countries.
Different cultures' treatment of the elderly [00:12:13] - The discussion briefly touches on how different cultures treat the elderly, including the shame associated with putting someone in a caring community in some cultures and the interest in older people shown by younger people in India.
Compassion for characters [00:18:44] - The discussion focuses on empathy for characters, even those with negative traits or secrets, and how storytelling can help readers understand where characters are coming from. The characters of Nora Faye and Sheila are compared in terms of their masks and pain.
Grace's compassion for Sheila [00:22:15] - Grace's initial feelings towards Sheila and how they develop over time.
Corey as a hero figure [00:25:18] - Corey's role as a hero figure in Sheila's life and how it affects her.
Corey's desire to care for his mother [00:31:22] - Corey's desire to care for his mother and the conflict between a parent's desire to enjoy life and an adult child's willingness to help.
Community Support [00:33:47] - The hosts discuss the importance of community support for elders, including the character of Grace and her relationships with others.
Character Traits [00:35:14] - The hosts discuss the character of Evelyn and her strong personality, as well as the importance of tolerance and independence as people age.
Writing Inspiration [00:38:22] - Deborah Shouse discusses her partner's support and the importance of having a writing critique group for inspiration and encouragement.
For More Information
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