Bestselling author Rebecca F. Kuang discusses Chinese science fiction, effective use of footnotes, the impact of the Treaty of Versailles on China, British imperialism in Singapore and Hong Kong, the influence of Imperial Walkers in Star Wars, and how environment influences writing.
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Quick takeaways
Rebecca Kwang's writing is influenced by her sense of place and adventure, leading her to write about the places she has lived and the languages she has encountered.
Kwang's background in debate has shaped her confidence in public speaking and her ability to engage with an audience, which has translated well into her writing.
As a graduate student and successful author, Kwang emphasizes the importance of discipline, focus, and time management in striking a balance between academia and her writing career.
Deep dives
The influence of place and sense of adventure
Rebecca Kwang's writing is inspired by her sense of place and adventure, as she actively seeks out new experiences and explores different locations. This is evident in her diverse range of books and genres, as she writes about the places she has lived and the languages she has encountered.
The importance of public speaking skills
Kwang attributes her confidence in public speaking to her years of debate experience. Her debate background has taught her how to engage with an audience, connect with them, and convey her ideas effectively. This valuable skill has translated well into her writing, allowing her to engage readers and craft compelling narratives.
Challenges and expectations in graduate school
As a graduate student, Kwang acknowledges the pressure and uncertainties of pursuing a PhD while juggling her successful writing career. She navigates the demands of academia and her commitments as an author, recognizing the need for discipline, focus, and time management to strike a balance between the two.
The impact of technology and social media
Kwang explores the negative aspects of the internet and social media, particularly how it often brings out the mean side of people. She points out that the protection of anonymity and the fast-paced, reductive nature of online interactions can contribute to more divisive and harmful behavior.
The fascination with Cold War mentality
Kwang expresses her fascination with the Cold War era and the mindset that accompanied it. She is drawn to the intense fear and existential threats that shaped that time period, as it provides a rich backdrop for storytelling and understanding historical perspectives.
Rebecca F. Kuang just might change the way you think about fantasy and science fiction. Known for her best-selling books Babel and The Poppy War trilogy, Kuang combines a unique blend of historical richness and imaginative storytelling. At just 27, she’s already published five novels, and her compulsion to write has not abated even as she's pursued advanced degrees at Oxford, Cambridge, and now Yale. Her latest book, Yellowface, was one of Tyler’s favorites in 2023.
She sat down with Tyler to discuss Chinese science-fiction, which work of fantasy she hopes will still be read in fifty years, which novels use footnotes well, how she'd change book publishing, what she enjoys about book tours, what to make of which Chinese fiction is read in the West, the differences between the three volumes of The Three Body Problem, what surprised her on her recent Taiwan trip, why novels are rarely co-authored, how debate influences her writing, how she'll balance writing fiction with her academic pursuits, where she'll travel next, and more.