Barbara Kingsolver Shares Journey of Writing The Bean Trees During Pregnancy

In a recent appearance on the podcast Books, Beach, & Beyond, bestselling author Barbara Kingsolver reflected on the remarkable circumstances surrounding the creation of her debut novel, The Bean Trees. Written while she was pregnant with her first child, Kingsolver’s journey into motherhood and literature coincided in a profound way. This personal narrative highlights the challenges and triumphs she faced as she balanced impending motherhood with her aspirations as a writer.

Writing in the Closet

Kingsolver shared that insomnia during her pregnancy led her to carve out time for writing in an unconventional space. “I wedged my desk into a closet so I could go in there and close the door,” she recalled. This determination to write despite personal challenges showcases her commitment to storytelling.

“I felt like life was giving me extra hours, so I wedged my desk into a closet so I could go in there and close the door and turn the light on,” Kingsolver said. “So I wrote this whole book in the closet at night … I had a hard deadline because I was gonna have a baby in March, and my daughter was very, very obliging.”

“I finished it just in the nick of time,” Kingsolver added. “And I thought, well, I’ll send it to this agent because I have to get it out … I just put it in the mail with absolutely no expectations. I included a letter of apology. I said, ‘You probably don’t wanna read this. It’s probably not any good.’”

The Surprise of Publication

After sending her manuscript to an agent with little expectation, Kingsolver received exciting news shortly after giving birth. “My answering machine was blinking, and the message said, ‘Your book is going to be published,’” she recounted. This serendipitous moment marked a pivotal point in her life as she became both a mother and a published author on the same day.

Reflecting on her writing journey, Kingsolver emphasized the importance of authenticity in her work. “If I wanted to write anything good, it would have to come from a real place,” she explained. This understanding has shaped her career and contributed to her success as an influential voice in literature, inspiring generations of readers and writers alike.