Why Author Ann Patchett bought a bookshop | BBC News

Key Concepts:

• Literary success and expectations
• The role of bookstores in communities
• Character relationships in fiction
• Impact of technology on attention and narrative
• Kindness and optimism in storytelling
• Personal fears as inspiration for villains
• Persistence in the face of initial setbacks
• The influence of external events on book sales
• Protecting one's brain from constant interruption
• Addiction to technology
• Technology's impact on plot development
• The freedom to stop writing

1. Early Aspirations and Success:

• Anne Patchett initially envisioned herself as a writer of literary fiction with limited readership, never associating her work with commercial success.
• She never considered writers to be alive when she was a child, because the people that she read were dead.
• Her perspective shifted when she co-founded Parnassus Books in Nashville, driven by the desire to maintain a bookstore in the city after others closed.
• She partnered with Karen Hayes, initially as a silent partner, before eventually becoming the sole owner after Hayes's retirement.

2. Defining Novelistic Themes:

• Patchett describes her novels as often featuring groups of people "thrown together" in confined settings, forcing them to resolve their issues through relationships.
• Examples include a home for unwed mothers, a terrorist hostage situation (Bel Canto), a snowstorm, and the Amazon rainforest.
• She emphasizes that the setting is secondary to the relationships, serving as "frosting" to the core theme of human interaction.

3. Reading in the Digital Age:

• Despite concerns about fragmented attention spans due to technology, Patchett notes the enduring appeal of books.
• She recounts how predictions of bookstores' demise proved inaccurate, with Parnassus Books thriving and even expanding its romance section.
• She acknowledges diverse reading habits, including digital consumption, but focuses on serving those who still value physical books.

4. Optimism and Human Nature:

• Patchett consciously portrays kindness and decency in her novels, reflecting her personal experiences and interactions.
• She acknowledges criticism for writing "fairy tales" but defends her optimistic view as grounded in her daily life and observations.
• She emphasizes that her novels are just one perspective among many, offering a counterpoint to more pessimistic narratives.

5. The Genesis of Villains:

• Patchett admits to struggling with writing dark characters, with few villains appearing in her books.
• The character of Andrea in "The Dutch House" emerged from her fear of being a bad stepmother, tapping into her "villainous self."
• She was inspired by a conversation with Zadie Smith, who suggested that autobiographical fiction is often rooted in our deepest fears.

6. Perseverance and Early Career:

• Patchett wrote three books before achieving major success, maintaining a positive outlook despite modest sales.
• She considered herself "king of the world" for earning enough to live in a one-room apartment and participate in literary events.
• She was content as a midlist author, without expectations of a breakthrough.

7. The Impact of Bel Canto and External Events:

• "Bel Canto" initially sold modestly in hardcover but gained significant traction in paperback, coinciding with the events of 9/11.
• Book clubs sought literature addressing terrorism, leading to increased interest in "Bel Canto" and "The Kite Runner."
• Patchett attributes the book's success to external factors rather than a sudden improvement in her writing quality.

8. Technology and Personal Boundaries:

• Patchett famously avoids smartphones, television, and extensive internet use, prioritizing the protection of her brain from constant interruption.
• She recounts a childhood experience with her stepfather's pager, which instilled a aversion to being constantly reachable.
• She jokingly compares her lifestyle to that of a "Survivor of the Zombie Apocalypse," observing people's constant engagement with their phones.

9. Technology's Impact on Narrative:

• Patchett views smartphones as a threat to narrative plot, as they enable characters to easily resolve conflicts and access information.
• She actively works to remove technology from her fiction, such as by having characters' phones run out of battery.
• She notes that many novelists struggle with incorporating technology without undermining the story's tension and complexity.

10. Creative Freedom and Future Plans:

• Patchett feels no pressure to produce novels on a regular schedule, emphasizing that her writing is driven by personal enjoyment.
• She values the freedom to stop writing if she chooses, given her financial security and fulfilling life.
• She concludes by expressing gratitude for her writing career and the privilege of pursuing her passion.

Synthesis/Conclusion:

The interview reveals Anne Patchett's grounded perspective on literary success, her commitment to portraying kindness in fiction, and her deliberate avoidance of technology to protect her creative process. She emphasizes the importance of relationships, the enduring appeal of books, and the freedom to pursue one's passions without external pressure. Her insights offer a refreshing counterpoint to the anxieties of the digital age and a reminder of the value of human connection.