Ep 38. Oprah & Book Club Author Sue Monk Kidd: The Soul of A Writer
- April 13, 2014
Oprah Winfrey sits down with author Sue Monk Kidd on Super Soul Sunday season 4 episode 38 titled “The Soul of A Writer”. Together, they delve into the depths of Kidd's spirituality, examining how she brings her inner world to her writing.
Over the course of the episode, Oprah and Kidd discuss the importance of embracing one's creative side, even if it doesn't seem practical or financially viable. Kidd shares how she initially resisted her desire to become a writer, instead following a more conventional path as a nurse. Ultimately, however, she found herself drawn back to writing, recognizing that it was where her true passion lay.
The conversation then turns to Kidd's work as a novelist, including her best-known book, "The Secret Life of Bees." Oprah and Kidd discuss how the novel deals with themes of motherhood and spirituality, as well as the ways in which it addresses issues of race and social justice.
Throughout the episode, Kidd reflects on the role of faith in her writing process, noting that she often feels as though she is tapping into something bigger than herself when she writes. She also discusses the importance of cultivating a sense of compassion for oneself as a writer, recognizing that the creative process can be difficult and fraught with self-doubt.
As the episode progresses, Oprah and Kidd delve deeper into the themes of Kidd's most recent book, "The Book of Longings." Set in ancient Galilee, the novel tells the story of a young woman named Ana who finds herself questioning the role that society has assigned to her as a wife and mother.
Oprah and Kidd discuss the ways in which the novel speaks to modern-day issues of gender and social justice, as well as the challenges of writing historical fiction. Kidd shares her process for researching and writing the novel, noting that it involved a great deal of historical research as well as creative imagination.
As the episode draws to a close, Oprah and Kidd reflect on the power of storytelling to connect people across cultures and generations. They reflect on the ways in which stories can help us to understand one another better and to find meaning and purpose in our lives.
Overall, Super Soul Sunday season 4 episode 38, "Oprah & Book Club Author Sue Monk Kidd: The Soul of A Writer," is a thoughtful and inspiring exploration of the creative process and the ways in which spirituality can inform our art. Oprah's gentle touch as an interviewer allows Kidd to open up about her experiences as a writer in a way that is both candid and illuminating.
