Episode Title: The Borrowed Life of Frederick Fife
Podcast: Between The Lines
Hosts: Leanne Tran and Chelle Griffin
Guest: Anna Johnston
Episode Summary:
In this episode of "Between The Lines," hosts Leanne Tran and Chelle Griffin are joined by debut author Anna Johnston to discuss her novel "The Borrowed Life of Frederick Fife." The story centers on 82-year-old Frederick, who, due to a case of mistaken identity, takes the place of cranky Bernard Gray at a nursing home. The novel explores themes of kindness, loneliness, and the value of older individuals. Anna draws inspiration from her personal experiences and her grandfather, who influenced the character of Frederick. The book is set to release on July 2 and will also be available as an audiobook.
Key Discussion Points:
Introduction and Book Synopsis: Leanne introduces the episode and Anna Johnston, while Chelle reads the book's synopsis, highlighting Frederick Fife's unique situation at the Waddle River Nursing Home and the positive reaction from their book club.
Anna Johnston's Background: Anna shares her background as an Australian author, her career transition from medicine to aged care, and her role as a social support coordinator in a nursing home, which influenced her writing.
Anna's Career Path and Influences: Anna discusses her journey, including her decision to leave medicine, her work in aged care, and the influence of her grandfather, Fred, on her writing. She also shares her love for screenplays, theater, and creative aging.
Themes and Character Development: The hosts and Anna explore themes of kindness, invisibility, and connection in the book, emphasizing the underrepresentation of older people in literature and the relatability of Frederick's character.
Writing Process and Emotional Connection: Anna describes her writing process, including her diagnosis with ADHD, her love for creative writing, and the emotional investment in her characters. She shares her visual approach to storytelling.
Publication and Future Plans: Anna reveals her excitement about the release of her debut novel and her contract for another book. She discusses the challenges of balancing promotion with writing her second book, tentatively titled "Rat Bag."
Final Thoughts and Recommendations: The hosts express their admiration for the book and its themes. Anna shares her gratitude for connecting with readers and discusses her future plans, including potential bookstore visits for promotional events.
