In a recent episode of the podcast A Dialogue of Writing, hosted by Mitzi Rapkin, acclaimed author Tayari Jones shared her insights on the role of metaphor in her writing and her journey as a novelist. This discussion centers around her latest novel, Kin, and explores the deeper meanings behind her characters and their narratives.
Metaphors in Southern Vernacular
During the interview, Jones reflected on her upbringing in the southern United States, noting that southerners often communicate in metaphorical language. She explained, “The southern vernacular is very metaphoric, and that is one of the things I kind of go for in my writing.” This approach allows her to depict ordinary characters who express complex emotions through metaphor, even if they do not label it as such.
Jones attributed her passion for writing to her childhood experiences as a girl who loved to read. She remarked, “I wrote with no concern of what anyone would think of it because I never thought anyone would think anything of it.” For her, the act of writing provided both joy and a means to express herself without fear of judgment. She humorously noted, “No one ever got pregnant in the library that I know of,” highlighting how reading and writing were safe pursuits for her.
A Turning Point at Spelman College
Jones further detailed a pivotal moment during her time at Spelman College, where she began to see herself as a serious writer. She recalled meeting a teacher who encouraged her to write down her thoughts instead of merely verbalizing them. “She took me seriously, and she became my first audience,” Jones said. This validation helped her cultivate a sense of identity as a writer.
Her experience at Spelman contrasted sharply with her earlier schooling. At Spelman, she found that there were various ways for young women to gain recognition. Popularity was not limited to traditional norms; some girls were celebrated for their leadership in student government, while others were admired for their singing talents. Jones noted, “There was a girl who everyone knew because she was the one who knew how to write.” This diversity in recognition allowed her to thrive in a supportive environment that nurtured her literary ambitions.
Tayari Jones is well-known for her previous works, including An American Marriage, which was selected for Oprah’s Book Club and featured on Barack Obama’s summer reading list. The novel earned multiple accolades, such as the Women’s Prize for Fiction and an NAACP Image Award. Her other notable works include Leaving Atlanta, Silver Sparrow, and The Untelling.
Currently, Jones serves as an Andrew D. White Professor-at-Large at Cornell University and holds the position of Charles Howard Candler Professor of Creative Writing at Emory University. With her latest novel, Kin, she continues to engage readers with her unique narrative style and profound exploration of human experiences.
Listeners can access the full interview to gain more insights into Jones’s writing process and her reflections on the literary arts, available wherever podcasts are streamed.
