Episode 123—Elena Passarello on Listening to the Book, Polaroids, and Self-Doubt

Elena Passarello, author of “Animals Strike Curious Poses,” stopped by (literally) CNFPod HQ for Episode 123.

By Brendan O’Meara

Tweetables by Elena Passarello (@elenavox on Twitter):

“I loved going to the library and getting lost.”

“I wanted to dig deeper into the essay collection as the essay.”

Welcome wayward CNFers, it’s the Creative Nonfiction Podcast, the show where I speak to bad ass writers, filmmakers, movers and shakers about the art and craft of telling true stories. Here you’ll learn the story, tips, and tactics that will inspire you to greater heights in your own own work. I’m your host Brendan O’Meara, hey, hey.

Yeah, it’s Elena Passarello, not only is she wicked smaht, but we had a super fun, loose, entertaining conversation about her essays from Animals Strike Curious Poses, as well as the writing process, Metallica, and a host of wide-ranging topics. This was one of the rare in-person interviews so we had a ton of fun riffing with each other.

I probably talk a little too much about myself in this show, but that was the nature of the conversation, so do with that what you will.

In the course of speaking with Elena, she recounts studying under Lee Gutkind and Patsy Sims. Mary Karr, Nikki Schulak, and Andre Dubus III came up. As well Ted Conover and Susan Orlean. 

You can follow Elena on twitter @elenavox. Feel free to follow me as well @BrendanOMeara and @CNFPod. FWIW, I always respond to tweets. There’s also a Facebook page if you hang out on FB.

Since you’re here, why don’t you consider A)Subscribing to the podcast wherever you jam and B) Subscribe to my newsletter in the pop up or the Smaht Bah. It’s once a month, no spam, can’t beat that.

This seems like as good a point as any to let you get to know the incomparable Elena Passarello. One more riff for good measure, ooooo….

Thanks to our sponsors Goucher College’s MFA in Nonfiction and Creative Nonfiction Magazine for the support!

Hey, if you dig the show, consider sharing it with a CNFin’ buddy. Why? Because I don’t want to rely on social networks to do the work. We are the social network and if we email and share with friends we are tethered by something more than algorithms. Right?

Don’t forget about my newsletter. It’s a fun bit of monthly goodness. Head over to brendanomeara.com (hey, hey) and subscribe. You can unsubscribe at any time, but know that I take it wicked personally if you do. No pressure.

Remembah! If you can’t do….interview! See ya!

Books by Elena Passarello

Let Me Clear My Throat: Essays (Sarabande Books, 2012)
Animals Strike Curious Poses (Sarabande Books, 2017)

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