“Fiction is hard if not impossible to write because fiction is so very much an incarnation art…The fact is that the materials of the fiction are the humblest. Fiction is about everything human and we are made out of dust, and if you scorn getting yourself dusty, then you shouldn’t try to write fiction. It’s not a grand enough job for you.” - Flannery O’Connor
In this episode we are joined by Shane Jenkins to discuss the mystery of the author Flannery O’Connor. We delve into her personal writing, in her prayer journal, her letters and her essays, in order to try to understand her and her writing. Much touted for her Catholicism, nevertheless many readers, especially Catholic readers, struggle with the bleak and grotesque imagery in her writing. While the power of her fiction stands on its own, in this episode we take a look at how Flannery’s personality, so vivid in her personal writing, helps position and give context to her fiction in a way that opens it up for readers today.
Hosts: Rachel Sherlock, Shane Jenkins
Follow us on social media: @seekingwatson @shanekins
Follow the podcast on Instagram: @riskingenchantmentpodcast
Find out more at www.rachelsherlock.com
Sign up for our email list at www.rachelsherlock.com/podcast
Music: Ashton Manor by Kevin MacLeod
Works Mentioned
Mystery and Manners: Occasional Prose by Flannery O’Connor
The Habit of Being by Flannery O’Connor
Prayer Journal by Flannery O’Connor
The Complete Short Stories by Flannery O’Connor
Wise Blood by Flannery O’Connor
Bishop Barron Presents | Ethan and Maya Hawke - Understanding Flannery
Wildcat (2023)
Flannery O'Connor Collection, Word on Fire Classics
What We’re Enjoying at the Moment:
Shane:
Typhoon
The 1975
John Lucas
Rachel
The Bear
