76 | Emotional honesty in writing and life with Lee Kofman, author of 'The Writer Laid Bare'

James and Ashley Stay at Home

Author Lee Kofman returns to discuss her hugely popular writing memoir and guide, The Writer Laid Bare – James's favourite book of 2022! Lee dives into the concept of emotional honesty and 'nonesty' in writing and life, and why it's essential to her practice.

We also discuss the importance of reading as writers and her recommendation to 'read up'. Lee explores how writers can ensure they're not writing with political blinkers, how to craft complex and realistic characters, and what part of The Writer Laid Bare has resonated most with readers.

This episode offers inspiration and advice for anyone wanting to lead a more richly creative life.

Dr Lee Kofman is a Russian-born Israeli-Australian author of six books and editor of two anthologies, writing teacher and mentor based in Melbourne. Her books in English include the writing guide The Writer Laid Bare, and two memoirs: Imperfect, and The Dangerous Bride. She has also edited two anthologies of personal essays, Rebellious Daughters and Split.

Get your copy of The Writer Laid Bare from Booktopia or your local bookshop.

Books and authors discussed in this episode:

• Karl Ove Knausgård;
• Jane Austin;
• A Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man by James Joyce;
• A Swim in the Pond in the Rain by George Saunders;
• Reading Like a Writer by Francine Prose;
• Thomas Manne;
• The Fire and the Rose by Robyn Cadwallader;
• Turning Points in Medieval History by Dorsey Armstrong;
• Crying in H Mary by Michelle Zauner;
• Convenience Store Woman by Sayaka Murata;
• Sorrow and Bliss by Meg Mason;
• Taken by Dinuka McKenzie

Upcoming events with Ashley:

• The Joy of Creative Writing: Laneway Learning online workshop – Tuesday, 2 May, 7.45-9pm ($9-14)
• Taking the Next Step: Australian Society of Authors online workshop – Wednesday 3 May, 1-2pm, ($30-60)
• Brisbane Writers Festival Thrills and Chills – Saturday 13 May, 4pm, Stale Library Queensland ($25)
• The Listening Station – Tuesday 16 May, 6.45-8pm, Art Bau Gallery, Brookvale ($30)
• Enter the Dark Web – in conversation at Sydney Mechanics' School of Arts, Tuesday 30 May, 12.30-1.30 pm, free

Upcoming events with James:

• Yarrum Storyfest – 1-2 July, Yarrum Regional Theatre, Yarrum, VIC ($25-$40 book here)
• Sydney Writers Festival presents James McKenzie Watson – Wednesday 24 May, 6.30-7.30 pm, Penrith City Library ($5 – book here)
• Sydney Writers Festival Life in the Landscape – Thursday 25 May, 11 am to 12 pm, Carriageworks ($15-$25 – book here)

Ashley's psychological thriller 'Dark Mode' is out now! Learn more about it and get your copy here.

James' novel 'Denizen' is out now! Learn more about it and get your copy here.

Get in touch!

• ashleykalagianblunt.com
• jamesmckenziewatson.com
• Twitter: @AKalagianBlunt + @JamesMcWatson
• Instagram: @akalagianblunt + @jamesmcwatson