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Story perspectives

Novelist Maggie O’Farrell Teams Up with Chloé Zhao

12/23/2025

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Summary

Story summary

Maggie O’Farrell, novelist, describes a collaboration with Chloé Zhao, filmmaker, on a script after she planned to decline during their first Zoom call.
Chloé Zhao persuaded her to write the first draft, turning hesitation into agreement.
The partnership spanned continents and relied on voice notes to guide their creative process.
O’Farrell notes the collaboration blends their voices and marks a shift for her as a novelist.

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Story summary

Maggie O’Farrell, novelist, describes a collaboration with Chloé Zhao, filmmaker, on a script after she planned to decline during their first Zoom call.
Chloé Zhao persuaded her to write the first draft, turning hesitation into agreement.
The partnership spanned continents and relied on voice notes to guide their creative process.
O’Farrell notes the collaboration blends their voices and marks a shift for her as a novelist.