How to Proceed

"How To Proceed" is an English-language podcast where author Linn Ullmann speaks with some of the world's foremost living authors about creativity and writing.

The podcast cover for 'How to Proceed,' featuring an illustrated portrait of Linn Ullmann
Design: Jørgen Brynhildsvoll, Illustration: Julius Vidarssønn Langhoff

You can find the podcast in your preferred podcast-player:

When the world shut down during the COVID-19 pandemic, The House of Literature and author Linn Ullmann created the podcast "How To Proceed." An English-language podcast where Ullmann and other guest interviewers talk to some of the world's foremost living authors about creativity and writing, their books, and the world they found themselves in during the pandemic.

– The idea arose from the need for literary dialogue in a time when so much has been turned on its head, with the coronavirus pandemic, the lockdown of society, stock market crashes, the climate crisis, heightened political divisions, and the mass protests that have spread from the USA around the world. This affects how we view the world, and for us authors, it also affects how we work, how and what we write, said Linn Ullmann.

Together with Ullmann, The House of Literature initiated a literary conversation across borders where renowned authors reflected on what was happening in the world, how it was affecting their writing, what responsibility authors have for what they report, and where the path should lead. In the podcast, you can hear the reflections of literary stars such as George Saunders, Ali Smith, Terrance Hayes, Arundhati Roy, and Anne Carson.

All conversations are in English. The podcast project has now concluded, but all episodes are still available for everyone to enjoy.

These authors have appeared on the podcast:

Terrance Hayes
Terrance Hayes
Rachel Cusk
Rachel Cusk
Mary Ruefle
Mary Ruefle
Joyce Carol Oates
Joyce Carol Oates
George Saunders
George Saunders
Emmanuele Carrère
Emmanuele Carrère
Edwidge Danticat
Edwidge Danticat
Édouard Louis
Édouard Louis
Deborah Levy
Deborah Levy
Arundhati Roy
Arundhati Roy
Anne Carson
Anne Carson
Ali Smith
Ali Smith
Moez Surani
Moez Surani
Jenny Erpenbeck
Jenny Erpenbeck
Valeria Luiselli
Valeria Luiselli

All illustrations: Julius Vidarssønn Langhoff