Muse & the Marketplace 2019

Only 3% of books published in the United States are works in English translation. Many writers lament this fact, but what are we doing as artists to engage with books from around the globe? What do we miss artistically when we don't read widely and across literary borders—and what do we gain when we do? What new elements of craft might we learn by going beyond American literature?

In this session, we'll examine a range of literatures—some written in English, some in English translation—to consider craft in the context of worldwide traditions and approaches. We'll discuss the importance of engaging with the world's literatures, as well as the particular obstacles writers living in the US might face when writing across cultures. This session will also serve writers looking to expand their cultural perspectives and craft toolkit, whether or not they’re writing about other countries. Through concrete examples, Q&A, and discussion, you'll leave with practical tools and the inspiration to broaden the artistic boundaries of your own work.