Pat Thomas and Jessica Handler

Pat Thomas and Jessica Handler

From Hear-Tell by heartell

January 16, 2026 · 47 min · Episode 24

About this episode

Pat Thomas and Jessica Handler discuss writing, memory, and the impact of grief on creativity.

In this episode of Hear-tell, Pat Thomas—MFA Distinguished Professor of Practice at the University of Georgia—joins award-winning author Jessica Handler to talk about Pat’s essay for The Bitter Southerner, “The Answer Is Yes.” Their conversation moves through memory, hesitation, and what it takes to finally write the story you’ve been quietly avoiding. Together, they reflect on how grief shapes our work and how timing, courage, and curiosity can change what we’re able to say on the page. Here is a link to Pat’s essay: https://bittersoutherner.com/feature/2024/the-answer-is-yes And here are links to Jessica Handler’s website with links to all her books: https://www.jessicahandler.com/

People in this episode

Guests: Pat Thomas, Jessica Handler

Topics covered

  • memory
  • grief
  • writing
  • courage
  • curiosity

Keywords

  • writing
  • grief
  • memory
  • courage
  • curiosity
  • The Bitter Southerner
  • The Answer Is Yes

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: University of Georgia, The Bitter Southerner, Jessica Handler

Books & works: The Answer Is Yes

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