Tell us about ‘In My Own Tongue’.
In ‘In My Own Tongue’, I try to figure out my identity as a writer, especially since I am a French native writing in English. I question the concepts of identity and authenticity in writing.
At first, I started researching translation; I always loved the shifts and the subtleties of it. And then it sort of took its own turn, and became a more personal journey about transitioning and belonging.
What was the last book you had trouble finishing, and why?
It took me a while to finish Catch 22 … but not for negative reasons. I wanted to appreciate the writing and was very picky about when to read it. It’s hilarious! And at the same time I wasn’t in a hurry to finish, no pressing need for closure. It took me too long, though; I don’t think I wanted to finish it.
What do you think of writing that blurs the lines between fiction and nonfiction? Does the line matter?
That is something I had to think a lot about in writing creative nonfiction. I now believe that nonfiction gets to be organised and put a certain way. As a writer, you become aware how details can enhance your story for a stronger impact, so it’s all about what you want your story to trigger in your readers. I would rather focus on the effect on the audience, and maybe re-order or add a few details for an effect.
I chose not to make a whole anecdote up, or invent a character; that goes against the challenge of finding the best story. I think the line matters as much as the writer says it does, but at the end of the day, a story is not a news piece or a report; we can’t expect clear, objective, and irrefutable dialogue and memories. Sometimes you might have to connect the dots with a bit of imagination.
If we asked a friend of yours what you were good at, what would they say?
Sarcasm. Especially in French.
Which nonfiction writer would you most like to have a drink with, and why?
Robert Dessaix! I don’t know how I would contribute to the conversation, but I would listen intently — I love his words.
Which book would be least likely to gain a place on your bookshelf, and why? Diana Rajchel’s Divorcing a Real Witch: for pagans and the people that used to love them, John Howard’s Lazarus Rising, or Linda Sunshine’s Dan Brown’s Angels and Demons — a companion.
Ugh, a political autobiography is not having a spot on my bedside table anytime soon. I am a bit resistant to read from political figures whose public lives are constantly orchestrated. Until the day I will want to learn about some specific times or events, I guess.
What is a constant in your life, even as other things change?
My curiosity to learn and discover new things. I always need some sort of change once in a while, from a new album to a new home.