The latest episode of St Mary's University's podcast, 'Affairs of the Arts', delves into the connection between fiction and reality, featuring award-winning children's and young adult author Tony McGowan. Hosted by Mark Griffin and Dr Kim Salmons, the discussion explores how personal experiences influence storytelling and whether literature can shape our understanding of ourselves and others.
Tony McGowan, whose novel Lark won the Carnegie Medal in 2020, has authored over 50 books, many drawing inspiration from his childhood and school days in Leeds. The podcast examines how memory impacts storytelling, the potential for fiction to foster empathy, and literature's importance for young people in an increasingly digital age.
McGowan shared how his writing evolved from early novels blending personal memories with literary influences to a focus on relatable characters for young readers, particularly those with dyslexia. He described his secondary school in Leeds as a formative environment, rich with friendships, rivalries, and complex relationships, which continue to inform his characters.
The discussion highlighted how writing allows authors to revisit and re-evaluate memories, exploring emotional truths rather than just factual accounts. McGowan reflected on personal experiences, including witnessing bullying and his relationship with his younger brother, which have influenced books like The Fall and the Truth of Things series.
The podcast also considered whether reading fiction enhances empathy. While acknowledging mixed research findings, the conversation suggested that literature helps readers articulate emotions and recognise shared experiences, providing language for feelings they may struggle to express. McGowan noted the challenge of writing for contemporary teenagers while drawing on his own past, hoping the core emotions remain recognisable.
In the context of social media, the podcast contrasted the self-focused nature of online identity construction with fiction's invitation to explore other worlds and perspectives. It suggested that fiction offers young people a valuable space to experience the world through others' eyes, complementing their digital storytelling.
The enduring relevance of mythology and storytelling was also discussed, with McGowan explaining how ancient myths continue to influence modern narratives. He compared the emotional landscape of school to a mythological world, where core human experiences like bullying, friendship, and belonging remain constant, even as their forms evolve.
Ultimately, the episode explored fiction's power to evoke deep emotions and its capacity to influence our understanding of real social issues. McGowan stated his ambition is to make readers feel intensely, while Griffin highlighted how television dramas can bring social issues to public attention. The discussion concluded that fiction, while drawing on reality, can also shape our perception of it, offering profound insights into the human experience.
