
Ep 513: Maggie O’Farrell on writing for the page and screen
From What Should I Read Next? by Anne Bogel
February 10, 2026 · 46 min · Episode 513
About this episode
Anne Bogel interviews Maggie O'Farrell about the creative process and the emotional impact of stories.
Readers, we have a special episode for you today: Anne is talking with one of her favorite authors, Maggie O'Farrell. They're not just talking about one book, one film, or one story today; instead, their conversation explores the creative process, and why certain stories resonate both broadly and individually. They discuss emotional resonance and joy and sorrow and pain, and bringing worlds to life in a way that feels real and true and urgent. We hope this episode will help you think about what you enjoy, on the page and on the screen, and why you enjoy it. Find the list of titles mentioned and continue the conversation by leaving a comment on our show notes page at whatshouldireadnextpodcast.com/513. Because of the way Anne and Maggie O'Farrell recorded their conversation today, we are able to share a video as a bonus over in our Patreon community. If you'd like to see them talk books on the screen, join us at patreon.com/whatshouldireadnext to see that recording and access our full archive of other bonus episodes. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
People in this episode
Host: Anne
Guest: Maggie O'Farrell
Topics covered
- writing
- creative process
- emotional resonance
- storytelling
Keywords
- books
- films
- joy
- sorrow
- pain
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