From Abandoned Manuscript to Booker Shortlist: David Szalay on the Pain and Power of Reinvention
The path to a successful novel is rarely linear. For acclaimed author david Szalay, the journey to his Booker Prize-shortlisted Flesh began not with inspiration, but with a difficult reckoning – abandoning a four-year project. This experience, as he recounts, was a potent mix of devastation and, ultimately, liberation.
Here’s a look into Szalay’s process, the anxieties he faced, and how he transformed a moment of creative crisis into a compelling work of fiction.
The Weight of Abandonment
Imagine pouring years into a novel, only to realize it isn’t working. That was Szalay’s reality in the autumn of 2020. Over 100,000 words were scrapped, representing a significant investment of time, hope, and emotional energy.
He describes the feeling as “fatigued relief,” a testament to the agonizing struggle he’d been enduring. But the relief was quickly tempered by a looming deadline. He had just one year to deliver a new manuscript to his publishers.
Facing the Blank Page – and Self-Doubt
The pressure was immense. Staring at a blank screen, Szalay found himself paralyzed. He eventually requested an extension, a request readily granted.However, a deeper challenge emerged: the fear of failing again.
“Dogged by self-doubt,” he admits, the prospect of abandoning a second novel felt psychologically devastating. Sleep became elusive, and depression crept in. He yearned for direction, for someone to simply tell him what to write.
Finding a Starting Point
Ultimately, Szalay realized he needed to take control. He deliberately sought simplicity, a stark contrast to the “intricate” and “fiddly” nature of his previous attempt.
He settled on two core ideas:
* Bilingual Narrative: The story would weave between English and Hungarian.
* The Primacy of the Physical: The novel would explore the idea that our existence is fundamentally a physical experience, preceding and ultimately returning to the material world – as W.H. Auden famously put it, “irresponsible matter.”
These concepts served as the foundation for Flesh, the seed from which the entire novel grew.
A Testament to Resilience
Szalay’s story is a powerful reminder that creative setbacks are often certain. It’s a testament to the resilience required to navigate the uncertainties of the writing process.
His experience offers valuable insight for any writer facing similar challenges:
* Don’t be afraid to abandon a project that isn’t working. Sometimes,letting go is the most productive step.
* Embrace simplicity. Overly complex ideas can stifle creativity.
* Focus on core themes. Identifying fundamental concepts can provide a strong foundation for your work.
* Acknowledge and address self-doubt. It’s a natural part of the process, but don’t let it paralyze you.
Flesh is a compelling result of this journey, and a strong contender for the Booker Prize. The winner will be announced on November 10th. You can purchase all six shortlisted books at guardianbookshop.com and save over £28. (Delivery charges may apply.)
