Tayari Jones and Ann Patchett on the books they quit writing

NPR | By Elena Burnett,

Mary Louise Kelly, Justine Kenin

Published August 25, 2026 at 4:41 PM EDT

The National Book Festival brought together two greats — Ann Patchett and Tayari Jones — listen in on part of their conversation about writing!

Elena Burnett

See stories by Elena Burnett

Mary Louise Kelly

Mary Louise Kelly is a host of All Things Considered, NPR's flagship afternoon newsmagazine. She is also the host of NPR's national security podcast, Sources & Methods.

See stories by Mary Louise Kelly

Justine Kenin

Justine Kenin is an editor on All Things Considered.

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