The Millions editor Lydia Kiesling joins Larry and co-producer Laurie Ann Doyle in the studio this week to chat about Kiesling’s new book, The Golden State — a tale of motherhood, immigration and California, out September 4. “You have things you want to say. Do you have the correct container to put them in? When I wrote book reviews, I could fit them into essay-shaped things. When I became a parent, I had stuff, but I didn’t have the shape to put it in. A novel was the only shape I could fit it.” 9:50: Discussion of of pre-publication essays and Lydia’s work as editor of The Millions, 19:55: “Writing while mothering,” and balancing story with thematic issues, 30:42: Structural choices and narrative distance, 39:40: Drawing dramatic themes from your own life, 45:02: Lydia’s development as a writer.