In a recent episode of the podcast A Dialogue of Writing, author Tayari Jones shared insights into her literary journey and the themes present in her latest novel, Kin. Hosted by Mitzi Rapkin, the show features in-depth conversations with writers from various genres, celebrating their contributions to the literary arts.
The Power of Metaphor in Writing
During the interview, Jones discussed how her Southern upbringing influenced her writing style, particularly her use of metaphor. “Southerners speak in metaphor a lot,” she explained, emphasizing that ordinary characters often communicate through metaphor without recognizing it as such. This linguistic nuance is a hallmark of her writing, allowing her characters to express their emotions authentically.
Jones reflected on her childhood, noting that her passion for reading sparked her interest in writing. She mentioned that girls who read and write are often seen as “nice girls,” which allowed her to explore her creativity without the pressures of external judgment. “I wrote only for my own pleasure and interest,” she said, highlighting how this freedom fostered her early development as a writer.
Finding Her Voice at Spelman College
Jones’s transformative experience at Spelman College played a crucial role in her evolution as a writer. Enrolling at the young age of 16, she encountered a teacher who encouraged her to articulate her thoughts through writing. “What are you thinking about these days?” the teacher asked, before instructing her to write it down instead of speaking. This pivotal moment marked the beginning of her identity as a serious writer.
At Spelman, Jones discovered a diverse range of ways for women to gain recognition, from beauty pageants to leadership roles. She noted that writing became a path to popularity for some, including herself. “There was a girl who everyone knew because she was the one who knew how to write,” she recalled, illustrating the respect and admiration afforded to writers in her college environment.
Tayari Jones is known for her acclaimed novels, including An American Marriage, which received numerous accolades, such as the Women’s Prize for Fiction and the NAACP Image Award. The novel was selected for Oprah’s Book Club and featured on former President Barack Obama’s summer reading list. Her other notable works include Leaving Atlanta, Silver Sparrow, and The Untelling.
Currently, Jones serves as the Charles Howard Candler Professor of Creative Writing at Emory University and holds the position of Andrew D. White Professor-at-Large at Cornell University. Her latest novel, Kin, continues to explore themes of identity and connection, showcasing her unique voice and perspective in contemporary literature.
Listeners can access the full interview with Jones on the A Dialogue of Writing podcast, available on various streaming platforms. This conversation not only highlights her literary achievements but also provides a glimpse into the experiences that shaped her as a writer.
