Ask Lionel Shriver - Monday, June 24th! discussion

Welcome to the group! Lionel Shriver will be answering questions throughout the day on Monday, June 24th in this thread only. In the meantime if you have a question for Lionel, or just want to introduce yourself, feel free to do so in this thread.

Hello! We Need to Talk About Kevin was an incredible book that has stayed with me years after reading it. I have enjoyed many of your books. I recently finished reading Big Brother and just loved it. What a creative and thought provoking book.

Do you have a big brother? I have a younger brother and I think you really nailed the complexities of the relationship.

Hi! I just finished reading Big Brother and I loved it. In "We need to talk about Kevin" and "Big Brother" you snuck up on me with a surprise ending I wasn't expecting. Do you know how you are going to end a book when you start writing one or does the story evolve as you are writing?

Hello, I have read 'We Need to Talk About Kevin' and 'So Much For That' and loved them both in different ways. All your others were swiftly added to my to-read list! :)
Is it always your desire to write about such provoking events or do you just go with the flow as you get to know the characters? Which novel have you enjoyed writing most or for which character is your favourite?

Hello Lionel -

Such a fan of your work and most especially "So Much For That". I have just started reading "Big Brother" and understand it was inspired by an overweight family member. I'm wondering if in the process of writing this book, your personal feelings about people who are obese changed and/or evolved in some way. Thanks!

We Need To Talk About Kevin is one of my favourite reads. Never before have I had such a strong connection to a non-linear story. Even though I watched the film first, I still was incredibly haunted by the book and held in suspense with every chapter.

I love your use of "un-loveable" protagonists. What draws you to creating such tragically flawed characters?

Hi, I'm embarrassed to admit that I've only read Kevin. My book club just finished it so I'm excited to get to the chance to ask you about it. I was wondering why Eva said that Franklin took Celia, implying that he took custody when they split? instead of saying something like Celia went with Franklin, it was that Franklin took her...I found that very interesting.
Kevin was such a moving story, absolutely amazing. I'm looking forward to reading your other novels.

Hello,
In Big Brother, you use your customary wit to skewer crash diets and other weight loss fads. In fact, you usually go gunning for similar social fads in all your books. I share your sarcastic sensibility, but sometimes feel bad because the people who resort to quick cures (crash diets) are genuinely suffering from a serious problem. Do you ever feel that your sense of humor comes on too strong? Personally, I hope you never hold back--but I was just wondering...

I was also wondering why you thought Kevin let Eva live? Was it because he respected her or because he wanted to punish her?

I felt that The Post Birthday World was by far my favorite of the three novels that I have read by you. I've noticed that it was received by a relatively lukewarm response from the critics. I felt that they neglected to remark on what I thought was the essential strength of the novel, which is an acute and extremely intelligent depiction of love in our times. Did you feel this about the criticism as well? Did you feel that you successfully explored the deep conflict we tend to feel when we love others?

We Need to Talk About Kevin is a profoundly complex novel that touches upon the fears of the monstrous. Many amongst my family and friends decided NOT to read the book because of its sensitive subject matter. Have you dealt with any negative backlash about Kevin's actions and the way you unabashedly discuss them in the novel? If so, how do you convince people about the importance of blunt discourse about tragedy?

Robert, The Post Birthday World is also my favorite of her novels. I liked it even better than We Need to Talk about Kevin (which I loved). I don't mean to be contradictory, however, but my perception is that Birthday received positive reviews. Do you remember which ones were lukewarm? I am often amazed at how two people can read different critics and then come away with different perceptions of how a book/movie/artwork was received.

First let me say I love your novels--they're so unapologetically self-possessed and satisfying. You strike me as an utterly fearless writer, boldly going where others fear to tread. In the case of Big Brother, I wondered if you had any reservations about ending it as you did. Trying to avoid spoilers here, but I'm referring to what some readers might deem a betrayal, a violation of the author contract. Did that worry you? Did you meet with resistance from your publisher? Or are you sort of editorially untouchable since the wild success of Kevin, which I've read was a difficult novel to find anyone to champion? 8-)

Jk105 wrote: "Robert, The Post Birthday World is also my favorite of her novels. I liked it even better than We Need to Talk about Kevin (which I loved). I don't mean to be contradictory, however, but my per..."

I am glad to hear that it generally got good reviews. Maybe the word I should have used was mixed in describing the reviews. See this link and read what Bookmarks Magazine said: http://www.amazon.com/Post-Birthday-W...

Robert wrote: "Jk105 wrote: "Robert, The Post Birthday World is also my favorite of her novels. I liked it even better than We Need to Talk about Kevin (which I loved). I don't mean to be contradictory, howev..."

Thanks Robert

In looking further down your link I see the critics I usually read were more enthusiastic than others.

I think the book "WNTTAK" is a critical reflection about American culture, and it tells the story about the boy just as a pretext to discuss other issues.
But the movie adaptation seems to totally lack that kind of criticism, at least not as explicitly.
What did you think about the movie in that particular aspect?

Paula wrote: "First let me say I love your novels--they're so unapologetically self-possessed and satisfying. You strike me as an utterly fearless writer, boldly going where others fear to tread. In the case o..."Hi, I selected 'Big Brother' for our Book Club which will meet on Tuesday night to discuss. I was initially very annoyed with the ending but have since come up with some of my own ideas about it. In part, that like Pandora, we often nurse a fantasy to help some-one close to us struggling with a debilitating issue, but unlike Pandora, most of us do not have the means, emotional/financial to employ this - even were we invited to do so!

Meanwhile our group members overwhelmingly feel very irritated about 'Big Brother's' ending, I would love some answers to why this device was employed.

Louisa wrote: "I was also wondering why you thought Kevin let Eva live? Was it because he respected her or because he wanted to punish her?"

I always find it interesting to ask the author what they thought or what they meant when they wrote something. I wonder this too sometimes but I'm always afraid of the answer because it might "change the story" for me.

As for this, I always thought it was for punishment. He wanted her to suffer.

Great question!

I absolutely LOVED this novel. Thank you so much for writing it. Looking forward to reading more of your works.



Question:

-Where did you draw inspiration from to write about such strong and disturbing material?


-In writing this novel, were you concerned about the reaction you'd receive in a society that is understandably sensitive about the subject of school shootings?


Feel free to answer one or both questions.

Hi Lionel, I'm a huge fan of Kevin and hungrily reviewed your other titles. Hailing from Belfast originally, I was most interested to read The Bleeding Heart. I was surprised to find it's not available anywhere and wondered how this could be so given your more recent astounding success? Is it an earlier piece of work you're not as proud of or is there some other reason?

Thanks,
Jennie

What was the message in "We need to talk about Kevin" - is it nature or nurture? Do we create monsters or are they born that way?
What is your opinion on this. I felt the book made it look as if there was nothing to be done about him, he had his course and nothing could stop him in being a psychopath.

What's it like to spend so much time with your characters and then turn them out to the reader's world?

Hello,

Like Syl I'd also be interested in your opinion on nature or nurture?
I'm yet to read 'Big Brother' but shall add it to the list.

Thanks

Rick

So many thoughtful questions! I have long been a fan of your work and I am looking forward to reading Big Brother next.
My question is regarding your vocabulary. I consider myself to be quite well versed in the English language, and yet you continue to stump me with words I have never heard before. You use these new-to-me words so seamlessly that the meaning of the sentence is never lost, so I jot down the words so that I can look them up later.
I am wondering how you came to develop such a large vocabulary. Perhaps it is not too late for me to improve my own!


Thank you!

Hi!
"We need to talk about Kevin" was the most thought provoking book I have ever read! As others have stated, that book stayed with me for a long time after I read it. I experienced a roller coaster of emotions as I read the book and I learned many new vocabulary words in the process. How did you come up with the idea for the book? I am a big fan and I'm truly expecting to enjoy "Big Brother"

Hi!
"We need to talk about Kevin" was the most thought provoking book I have ever read! As others have stated, that book stayed with me for a long time after I read it. I experienced a roller coaster of emotions as I read the book and I learned many new vocabulary words in the process. How did you come up with the idea for the book? I am a big fan and I'm truly expecting to enjoy "Big Brother"

Hi!
"We need to talk about Kevin" was the most thought provoking book I have ever read! As others have stated, that book stayed with me for a long time after I read it. I experienced a roller coaster of emotions as I read the book and I learned many new vocabulary words in the process. How did you come up with the idea for the book? I am a big fan and I'm truly expecting to enjoy "Big Brother"

I must say that you're necessary. Period. To have someone dissect major issues in such a raw and objective way is impressive. You even dissect your own point of view, leaving no stone unturned. That last quality is my favorite!

How have you grown through years as an author? In what ways have you changed for self and others? What are you strictly opposed to compromising in your work and has that changed over the years? If so, more compromise, or less? Who are your favorite writers, past or present? What are some of your guilty pop culture pleasures? What annoys you the most about the book industry?

By the way, I have read Big Brother and I'm still thinking about it! Very well written and inclusive for all types of people. I love how you created the characters and that their dynamic serves to reduce the denial perpetuated by people of all sizes. Well done!

I must say that you're necessary. Period. To have someone dissect major issues in such a raw and objective way is impressive. You even dissect your own point of view, leaving no stone unturned. That last quality is my favorite!

How have you grown through years as an author? In what ways have you changed for self and others? What are you strictly opposed to compromising in your work and has that changed over the years? If so, more compromise, or less? Who are your favorite writers, past or present? What are some of your guilty pop culture pleasures? What annoys you the most about the book industry?

By the way, I have read Big Brother and I'm still thinking about it! Very well written and inclusive for all types of people. I love how you created the characters and that their dynamic serves to reduce the denial perpetuated by people of all sizes. Well done!

I really enjoyed 'We need to Talk About Kevin.' I found the protagonist really irritating because she evoked many negative emotions, which I found just brilliant. Elizabeth Howard is another author who is able to draw out my emotions in such a way. I perceived that she was not capable emotionally, to take responsibility for her reactions to her child, she blamed him for not responding to her, as well as herself. Her self-esteem was hindering the attachment process. The child was able to control her because 'she wanted love.' If she didn't get the love i perceived her to feel rejected.' I could see how the child was able to play on this because of the low opinion she had of herself. She looked to her husband for support but again I feel that she wanted him to take responsibility because she just couldn't. I had the impression that the narrator was a victim and possibly your intention was to steer your reader towards empathy? Was this your intention? This book was so emotive and thought provoking.

Your writing has been an inspiration to my own work, encouraging me to deal with the more complex nature of humanity in both the short story and my first full length novel (in progress). When I write I go into a dark place with my characters' emotions. Does this happen to you and, if so, how do you and your loved ones handle it? Also I would love to hear about how you deal with maintaining the intensity of your writing. Do you re-read your work while writing? Do you edit later or as you write? Sorry, I know this is more than one question but your work fascinates me. I read 'I Need to Talk About Kevin' in its early days of release in the UK and it ranks amongst my top ten.

Hi Lionel, I saw you speak at The Hay Festival recently and thoroughly enjoyed listening to what you have to say. No false modesty, nothing but saying exactly what you mean in a very articulate manner, and I love that about your writing, too.

I wanted to ask you how you go about naming your characters - some of their names are very memorable and distinctive (Shepherd, Pandora, Edison), others strange but still fitting (Tanner, Cody, Fletcher - I suppose these might be more common in America) others seem quite ordinary (Kevin, Eva, Oliver, Carole) Do names just come to you as you write, do you have to name your characters before you start writing or do you change them until they "fit"?

Hi there, I really liked WNtTaK and look forward to reading Big Brother.

You probably get this question all the time, but who are your favorite authors?

All of your books set in modern age reflect it so perceptively and still with such subtle orientation it takes my breath away… I admire you deeply.

Do you think you could write a book set in the past, for example in 1800s or early 1900s and if you like the idea, which era would intrigue you the most and why? It would be extremely fascinating and interesting to see what you came up with.

Hello! I absolutely loved We Need To Talk About Kevin - one of my all time favourite books - as well as A Perfectly Good Family. In addition to the other questions already asked I would love to know: "What advice you would give aspiring novelists and what is the most important thing you have learnt as an author about the writing process?" Thanks very much! Alex

I quite enjoyed your novel The New Republic, which had a very long road to final publication. Would you please describe your feelings about this delay and if you ever doubted that it would see the light of day?

Greetings Ms Shriver. I saw that you had published seven novels before you enjoyed the well-deserved success of 'We Need To Talk About Kevin'. (My wife and I were both very taken with 'Double Fault'.) If it is not indiscreet to ask, were you satisfied with the success of the early novels or were you growing discouraged?

I have a great appreciation for your creative, smart writing. I can't imagine what it might be like for a mother raising a child like Kevin; I believe you have helped to raise an awareness and new perspective (maybe even some support and compassion) for parents with children presenting with serious mental health issues. I recently read The Post Birthday World -- to be honest, I am still left wondering which story line did the main character follow and which was her fantasy or at some point, I sense it might have switched. I am just now starting Big Brother. I am really looking forward to reading this book for several reasons: 1) I really like your stories and writing style; 2) my entire family suffers from disordered eating and when ever we are together, it is a binge fest! We just had dinner last night together -- my big brother's family and I -- and we definitely ate more than necessary; and 3) because my dissertation topic is "Men making meaning of having an eating disorder"

Hi, I have recently read 'Big Brother' and I'm nearing the end of 'We Need To Talk About Kevin', loved both but I found it difficult to warm to any of your male characters. In both books the women were successful,the men less so, was this deliberate or maybe a reflection of your own life experience?

I don't have a question, but I do want to share a comment. I read constantly and I have been disappointed many times with books that feature black and white characters, pat plots and obvious endings. No one can say that about your books. I don't usually have specific memories of where I was when I read a certain book, but I will never forget finishing Kevin. I was in the backyard in my lawnchair when it became clear that Kevin had killed his family, and I said, "Oh my God!" loud enough for my neighbor to poke her head over the fence and ask if I was all right. I didn't even know I had said it. And I thought about that book for months after I finished it, which is also a rarity. Who was to blame, if anyone? How much was the mother's version of events skewed? That book really haunted me and I have shared it and others by you with all my book lover friends and they have all thanked me profusely. Now they let ME know when you have a new book out! In short, thanks for your thought-provoking work. And don't stop.

Hello,
Hope these aren't too many questions.

For readers that enjoy your work, which other authors would you recommend they read? What, if any, are your own literary influences?

You participated in a Channel 4 Drug Trial, held by David Nutt in the united kingdom in 2012, I briefly recall reading something along the lines of 'if something can make people feel better, then there was no harm in it.'
What is your position on the topic of obesity given that over-eating provides a from of satisfaction-albeit temporary, to individuals.
Also, do you consider the participation of individuals that lack formal scientific training in televised Drug Trials irresponsible or that they provide an impetus for discussion on contested social policy issues, as well as scientific research funding.

I was particularly taken with the concept in Game Control.
Big Brother and Game Control both touch upon social /scientific issues , do you believe scientific knowledge pertaining to social policy should be available to the public?
Thank you.

I read We Need to Talk About Kevin in one day. It was the most harrowing book that I have ever read. I am studying to be a psychiatrist and Found Kevin's relationships with his parents, and development of his personality, fascinating.
What was your inspiration behind this book?

Clare wrote: "I don't have a question, but I do want to share a comment. I read constantly and I have been disappointed many times with books that feature black and white characters, pat plots and obvious ending..."


Clare, you may want to hide that with spoiler tags before someone comes across your post that hasn't yet read Kevin.

Late to the party, as Big Brother is my first of your novels. Loved it and related to it, as I have an obese older brother. Just wanted to comment that I was terribly disappointed at the ending. At first. After the initial shock, I realized that it was so effective and much more meaningful. So thank you for an incredibly insightful book about the complexity of sibling relationships complicated by the pervasive problem of food addiction.

Hello Lionel,
My question is pretty simple. How did you know you wanted to become a writer? And, how do you organize your working time? Do you write only in the morning, or evening -- do you mind talking about exactly how you do it? And do you write on a computer or longhand or what? I find the actual writing process very interesting and would love to know yours if you don't mind sharing. Do you write the endings first and then go back and write the story? One last question. How many times did you submit your manuscript before a publisher picked it up? Thanks for answering any of these. I read your Kevin book and will read ALL of your others. Thanks for some great work! I hope you will continue for the rest of your life!

Hi Mrs Shriver,
I loved We Need To Talk About Kevin. I found it so interesting that you chose to write from the point of veiw of a serial killers mother- it never really occured to me to think of killers famillies, but having read your book it really raises all sorts of questions, like whether they feel guilty, whether they have it in them to contiune to love someone that is supposed to recieve unconditional love from them. What inspired you to write from that perspective?
And I have one more question which is, if you saw it, what did you think of the film adaptation? I thought the casting was perfect, especially Ezra Miller as Kevin, but I always love hearing what authors think of film adaptations of their books. Thank you very much!

You are one of my favorite author - your writing is courageous. We Need to Talk About Kevin haunted me long after I read the last page. So Much for That touched on so many important issues, but I was especially moved by your take on the state of health insurance and how waiting for the right time may come too late.
I am researching material for a book on writers.I have read about many authors' techniques for developing plots and characters, but few tell the truth about the road to becoming a published author. Please tell, what was your experience and do you have any tips for unpublished authors.

Hello, just wanted to let you know that found WE NEED TO TALK ABOUT KEVIN to be quite a fascinating read. I simply could not put it down once I started it. My question to you is how difficult is it for you to write about such hot button topics in such a detached manner - how do you keep your emotions from influencing your work? By the by, BIG BROTHER is next on my TBR list and I can't wait to dive in! Cheers to you and your wonderful books!

Hi Lionel,

I've noticed that many of your books center on a female protagonist's choice between two men. This isn't necessarily romantic (although in the Post-Birthday World it is, of course). In A Perfectly Good Family, Corlis has the choice between her younger and older brothers (although it turns out to be a false choice). In Big Brother there's the brother-husband dichotomy, and even in We Need to Talk About Kevin, there's a sort of choice between husband and son (although that choice is quite different than than the preceding ones. I'm curious as to why this theme keeps cropping up? (I'm especially curious about this given the autobiographical tinge to some of your novels – I've read your Guardian articles about your older brother and your family's reaction to A Perfectly Good Family, as well as your comments on the parallels between your own life and Irina's in The Post-Birthday World.)

Also, I wonder why you chose for Irina to end up alone in both endings of The Post-Birthday World? I felt almost as though she were being punished in each version, one for being an idiot (staying with Lawrence when they were so obviously not suited!) and the other for being wild (with Ramsey). I have to admit I took poor Ramsey's demise pretty hard.

Hi Lionel, I was winderign you you've ever had the famous writer's block. If so, how did you dealt with it? Thanks