Brad Listi Is Bringing the Author Back From the Dead

I was an anxious, unassuming freshman when I first learned the author was dead. My English professor explained that an influential form of literary criticism — popularized by Roland Barthes in 1967’s “La Morte de l’Auteur” — completely separates a writer’s life, background, and beliefs from interpretations of their work.

The author is dead, Barthes claimed; long live the writing itself.

Of course, there’s an inherent problem with ignoring the cultural and historical influences on an author’s work. Sure, it can lead to whitewashed, monochromatic canons, but it also obscures the meat of the creative process, the importance of community, and the fact that good writing is hard work.

Maybe that’s what first drew me to Otherppl with Brad Listi, a weekly podcast that asks writers personal questions. Even though most episodes feature a writer who is promoting a book, the conversation rarely focuses on the work itself; instead, Listi creates a space for writers to talk about their vices, their religious and personal beliefs, their families, and their processes.

Demystifying the Writing Life

Launched in 2011, Otherppl has featured diverse names like National Book Award winner Jesmyn Ward, Man Booker Prize winner George Saunders, and bestselling…