Conversations with Toni Morrison

Things I learned:

Toni Morrison is a rather prickly personality. If she doesn't take a liking to a particular question, she simply won't answer it, and that's that. All stories, as it turns out, stem from a question. This makes perfect sense. But what really stood out to me was the idea that an author must 'bear witness'. I truly like that concept. Toni Morrison doesn't write with the reader in mind. Instead, she writes for her characters. It's what they would want to read. And above all else, she writes what she herself wants to read. She is very private about her marriage, which ended in divorce, and she won't talk about it. So, it's best not to ask her. She doesn't engage in wining and dining people. During the 70s and 80s, her focus was on raising children and writing whenever she had the opportunity. That was her life at that time. Toni Morrison won't force herself to write when she doesn't feel like it. If that means several months pass without her writing a single word, she is okay with that. However, when the urge to write strikes her, she'll drop everything and focus on it. This was an interesting and encouraging read, and I do feel like I gained a bit of insight into the author - her writing style, inspirations, and life.

Reading Morrison’s novels is to truly understand her brilliance. However, when we read her spoken words in interviews and conversations, it reveals not only her dedication but also her genius as both a thinker and a writer. I’ll just echo a few snippets of her ideas that deeply resonate with me. First, writing may not directly change the future, but it has the power to alter the past. It does so by addressing all those infinite, untold stories and by re-appropriating what we think we know. Second, for art to be truly good, it must be political and beautiful. It should present the truth and bring forth clarity. Third, writers and artists have a crucial role. They bear witness to the world with all its tragedies and commit themselves to all those who have been ignored and forgotten. Fourth, to be a writer means to labor hard until your work reads with an effortlessness where no seams show. Finally, for Morrison, her writing has always had a tendency to delve into the depths of love or the absence of love.

Good interviews often explore the fascinating journey of how an individual chose to embark on a particular path. In the case of this remarkable woman, it was not so much that she deliberately chose to get into writing. Instead, she discovered that writing had found her. The transition from being a publisher to a writer is no small feat. It requires an immense amount of faith and courage, especially when she is also a single mom.

Balancing the demands of motherhood with the pursuit of a writing career is a challenge that many can only imagine. But she has managed to do so with grace and determination. Her story serves as an inspiration to others who may be facing similar obstacles in their own lives.

Through her interviews, we get a glimpse into the mind of a talented writer and a strong single mom. We learn about the sacrifices she has made, the challenges she has overcome, and the joys that come with following one's passion. Her story is a reminder that no matter what our circumstances may be, we have the power to pursue our dreams and make a difference in the world.

Truthfully, I think I probably read about 1/2 to 3/4 of this when I was preparing my senior thesis. It was a crucial time for me, as I was delving deep into my chosen topic. The information I found in this source was extremely valuable and helped me to form a more comprehensive understanding of the subject matter. I spent countless hours poring over the pages, taking notes and highlighting important passages. As I read, I began to see connections and patterns that I had not noticed before. This newfound knowledge gave me the confidence to approach my thesis with a more informed perspective. I am grateful for having come across this source and for the insights it provided me with during my research.