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" as a way to explore the motivations behind marriage.

"When I was writing 'Hourglass' I thought of it as an inquiry," Shapiro said to MPR host Kerri Miller during 

Shapiro was thoughtful in her characterization of her marriage, but not dishonest. Her husband is also a writer, and she reported that she would read him pages of her manuscript every day.

One day, he said to her, "I'm an OK guy, but you're not being hard enough on me."

"I knew he was right. I was being too careful. I was being circumspect, and circumspect does not make for good literature ever," said Shapiro.

Enjoy this throwback conversation between Shapiro and Miller as you prepare for this Friday’s Big Books and Bold Ideas, which will feature Shapiro on stage for Talking Volumes, discussing her new novel, “

To listen to the full conversation you can use the audio player above.

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This Friday’s Big Books and Bold Ideas will feature last week’s Talking Volumes conversation between host Kerri Miller and author Dani Shapiro, where they ponder family secrets, shame and regret. While you wait, enjoy this archive discussion between Miller and Shapiro after the release of “Hourglass,” Shapiro’s memoir about marriage.

From the archives: Dani Shaprio ponders marriage in 'Hourglass'

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