An Evening with Ann Patchett and "Tom Lake"

The National Writer Series hosts Aaron Anderson Whiting and Ann Patchett. Doug, the co-founder and executive director, introduces Ann, highlighting her achievements and career trajectory, from her time at the Iowa Writers' Workshop to her latest novel, 'Tom Lake,' which is currently number one on the New York Times bestseller list. The event celebrates Ann's return to the stage and thanks the sponsors who made the event possible.

Acknowledgements are given to various sponsors, including the Begonia Charitable Foundation, the National Endowment for the Arts, and others for their support of the event and arts in the community. The announcement of upcoming classes for young writers and the impact of the Grand Traverse Regional Land Conservancy on local farmlands is mentioned, emphasizing community engagement and support for arts and culture.

Aaron introduces Ann Patchett, recounting her extensive and celebrated career as an author of nine novels, numerous non-fiction works, and a children's book. Ann's accolades, including the Women's Prize for Fiction and a National Humanities Medal, are highlighted. Aaron shares how she and Ann became friends through a unique and serendipitous connection involving their dogs and shared interests.

Ann and Aaron recount the humorous and touching story of how they met through Aaron's husband Ben, who, upon hearing Ann on the radio, was inspired to visit her bookstore. A friendship blossomed over emails and shared photos of their dogs, Sparky and Scooter, culminating in visits and deepening their bond. Their mutual love for their pets is a recurring theme in their friendship.

Ann discusses her connection to the play 'Our Town' by Thornton Wilder, which profoundly influenced her latest novel, 'Tom Lake.' She explains how the themes of appreciating life's small moments resonate with her and are woven into the narrative of her book. The play's significance in her life and its role in shaping her storytelling is emphasized.

Ann elaborates on the themes in 'Tom Lake,' describing it as a novel about young love versus married love, set against the backdrop of a cherry farm in Traverse City. She highlights the dual narrative structure and the differences between the protagonist's youthful romantic experiences and her current life. The novel explores the complexities of love and family dynamics.

Ann and Aaron discuss the intricacies of cherry farming, a central element in 'Tom Lake.' They talk about the long-term commitment and uncertainties involved in farming, drawing parallels to the process of writing a novel. Ann expresses gratitude for Aaron's assistance and the hospitality of the Lunds, whose farm served as inspiration for the book's setting.

Ann shares the story of how Meryl Streep came to narrate the audiobook for 'Tom Lake.' Through a series of connections and a direct email, Meryl agreed to the project, bringing her unique voice to the novel. Ann describes the recording process and Meryl's professional and emotional engagement with the text.

Ann recounts a touching moment during the audiobook recording when Meryl Streep's performance moved her to tears. They discuss the nature of acting and storytelling, reflecting on how actors might engage with their past work emotionally. Ann draws a parallel to her own reluctance to revisit her completed novels.

Ann emphasizes the joy of learning new things while writing a novel. She describes her approach to research, which includes deep dives into subjects like malaria and cherry farming, often engaging experts to gain insights. The collaborative and exploratory nature of her research process enriches her storytelling.

Ann explains the distinction between secrets and privacy in 'Tom Lake,' noting that the protagonist's private memories are not secrets but personal experiences she chooses to keep to herself. This nuance is important to understanding the character's relationship with her daughters and their differing perceptions of personal boundaries.

Ann delves into the family dynamics portrayed in 'Tom Lake,' particularly the mother-daughter relationships. She discusses the challenges and joys of raising three daughters and how these experiences are reflected in the novel. The importance of understanding and respecting each other's privacy within a family is a central theme.

Ann acknowledges the real people who inspired characters in 'Tom Lake,' including friends and family members. She shares anecdotes about how names and traits of loved ones were incorporated into the book, adding a layer of personal connection and authenticity to the narrative.

Ann provides book recommendations, including 'Do Tell' by Lindsay Lynch, 'Crook Manifesto' by Colson Whitehead, and 'Heaven and Earth Grocery' by James McBride. She highlights the importance of supporting debut novels and shares her excitement about upcoming releases that she believes will make a significant impact.

Ann offers advice for aspiring writers, emphasizing the importance of reading widely and writing prolifically. She encourages writers to push through the initial stages of bad writing to uncover their true potential. Ann also recommends her essay 'The Getaway Car' for comprehensive guidance on writing and publishing.

Ann addresses questions about the autobiographical elements in her novel 'Commonwealth,' confirming that it draws heavily from her own family experiences. She discusses the process of gaining her family's permission and the creative decisions involved in fictionalizing real-life events.

Ann explains her role in supporting independent bookstores and how she recommends books through various platforms, including Instagram and her bookstore's first editions club. She underscores the value of discovering and promoting new literary voices and the joy of connecting readers with meaningful stories.

Ann and Aaron conclude the event by thanking the audience and providing instructions for the book signing. Ann humorously outlines her preferences for efficient interactions to ensure everyone has a chance to get their books signed. The evening ends with a group photo opportunity for social media.