Episode #4
Ep.29: CLAIRE FULLER
Hunger & Thirst: An Exploration of Art, Memory, and the Paranormal Host Elena Lappin in conversation with novelist CLAIRE FULLER about her latest novel Hunger & Thirst , weaving themes of art, memory, and the supernatural, in a 1980s setting. Claire Fuller shares insights into her creative process, her fascination with horror, and how her background as a sculptor influences her writing. Key topics: Claire Fuller’s transition from artist to novelist at age 40 The significance of physical books and the joy of making something tangible How her novel explores the link between art and perception, especially through sculpture The symbolism of the lithopedian—a calcified fetus—and its relevance to themes of trauma and the body The importance of self-contained readings and moments that can stand alone from the main narrative The influence of horror films like Rosemary’s Baby , The Shining , and The Stepford Wives on her storytelling How visual detail shapes her prose and enhances storytelling The role of domestic spaces and traces of the past in shaping identity and memory Her approach to writing horror and the necessity of foreshadowing and buildup Themes of interconnectedness, ghosts, and historical echoes in her characters’ lives Her inspiration from place, notably Winchester and her childhood home—a bungalow The emotional significance of personal memorabilia and the act of holding onto objects Her advocacy for other writers through social media and her Substack newsletter The enduring joy of creating physical books and the unique experience of writing in physical form Timestamps:00:00 - The magic of making and sharing books across the world 00:34 - Claire Fuller introduces Hunger and Thirst and reads a fragment of her novel 01:34 - The significance of a standalone scene and its thematic relevance 06:23 - Why Hunger and Thirst encapsulates the novel’s themes and character development 08:08 - The symbolism of medical conditions like the lithopedian in her narrative 09:11 - The narrative layer of contemplating mortality and the question of being "ever gone" 10:15 - Visual storytelling and the influence of her artistic background 11:48 - Observing the world through a detailed, almost forensic lens 12:49 - The "Hamlet" space of ambiguity in her storytelling and horror influences 13:27 - The horror films Rosemary’s Baby , The Shining , and The Stepford Wives and their thematic significance 15:09 - The appeal of domestic horror and slow-building tension in her work 16:38 - Character profiles: Ursula’s background and psychological makeup 17:46 - The relationship between memorabilia, memory, and storytelling 19:27 - The balance between inspiration and clutter in an artist’s physical environment 20:07 - The ethical and emotional considerations of reading private family letters 21:29 - How old photographs and ephemera inspire her writing and prompts 22:22 - The ghosts of strangers and the idea of collective memory—reflections from W. G. Sebald 23:47 - The role of horror in her storytelling and why it’s essential to her artistic expression 26:40 - How characters’ obsession with horror films serves as a reflection of their fears and anxieties 28:35 - The setting of the former crime scene house and the traces of the past in our environments 29:21 - Personal memories of living in a house full of history and its influence on her writing https://clairefuller.co.uk 32:54 - Comparing her experience as a sculptor and novelist: the physicality of creation 34:22 - The flow state in sculpture versus writing—overcoming self-imposed barriers 36:26 - The surprising journey to becoming a published author and her early art-based roots 37:16 - The inspiration behind her depiction of Winchester and her use of place in storytelling 38:39 - The mysterious Vince character and the significance of early connections among characters 40:42 - Themes of lineage, traces, and the past’s influence on present identity 44:50 - Why Claire Fuller writes: a desire to create and make tangible objects in storytelling SHOP TALK WITH WRITERS is a unique conversation with each author, about the stories behind their books. Subscribe to our monthly newsletter to find out more about each episode, and to engage with our conversations with authors Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
