Deborah Serra is the author of the new novel Lost in Thought. Her other books include 2 Broads Abroad. Also a screenwriter and playwright, she lives in San Diego.
Q: What inspired you to write Lost in Thought, and how did you create your character Ilana?
A: Sometimes you can get a snippet of a song that repeats over and over in the back of your mind. I get them a lot. Perhaps because I listen to so much music, but it’s a brain glitch.
One day I became irritated because this Norah Jones lyric was skipping in the back of my mind. It was maddening. I didn’t understand why I couldn’t make it stop. Why?
And then a lot of whys followed. Why can’t I fall asleep when I want? Why did I laugh at that bad joke? Why do I drive to the store with no memory of doing it? And the list went on. If I can’t control my own mind, and if my thoughts are the product of a biological process, do I consciously choose anything?
I wrote Lost in Thought because I like to mull over these questions. It opened the door for me to the heated and ongoing debate about free will and consciousness. But I’m not a scientist. I’m a storyteller.
So, I wrote a novel with what I hope is an interesting and relatable character, Ilana, who in the midst of considering these questions blows up her life in search of one moment of freedom. In fact, every main character in this novel is unaware they are propelled by their unconscious. Choice is only a story we tell ourselves.
Q: The writer Patricia S. Churchland said of the book, “It is an interesting hybrid--a cross between sheer storytelling and storytelling where the impact of an idea is profound and underlies the entire work.” What do you think of that description, and what do you see as the idea underlying the book?
A: I was grateful that Professor Churchland took an interest in my novel. She is a scientist, philosopher, nonfiction author of six books on the brain. She was not used to seeing philosophy and science running steadily beneath a fictional narrative and integrated into the actions of the characters.
Lost in Thought is a work of fiction, a novel infused with pacing, humor, sex, friendship, and heart. Churchland liked the way the novel worked perfectly as a traditional story while asking the reader to question their choices, question who they are, and who they think they are.
Q: How was the novel’s title chosen, and what does it signify for you?
A: I have such a hard time with titles. When I started as a writer in the television and film industry many times the marketing department picked the title, which I appreciated (most of the time).
Along the creative path for this novel, I had four previous titles. When I landed on Lost in Thought I knew it was right because that’s exactly how we go through our days. Our minds wander all the time. We are lost. We have very little control over much of what our bodies do, or the constant chatter in our minds.
Q: Did you know how the book would end before you started writing it, or did you make many changes along the way?
A: I didn’t know how it would end. I just took the ride. I knew what I wanted to say, but there were several possible endings. I have one friend, an Emmy-winning writer, who fought me on this ending! And, yes, I liked those conversations with him a lot.
Q: What are you working on now?
A: I haven’t started writing something new. Although, my daughter was an analyst on the Russian desk at the CIA for six years. I might like to write a nonfiction book of short stories about her funny and interesting time working in the vault at Langley. And, yes, it can be funny.
It would have to be vetted and cleared, of course, but I worked in screenwriting for a really long time, so I’m used to people looking over my shoulder with an opinion.
Q: Anything else we should know?
A: Lost in Thought has sparked some fiery debates among readers, friends, and family. Everyone feels like they have a stake in this because everyone truly does. Through this story the book questions what we fundamentally believe about being human.
I do love it when people get intellectually worked up. It’s good for us. But what is also important is to enjoy the story, the characters (some pretty quirky), and to read for the pleasure of a good tale.
--Interview with Deborah Kalb
No comments:
Post a Comment