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Conversations with Tyler

Rebecca F. Kuang on National Literatures, Book Publishing, and History in Fiction

Jan 24, 2024
Rebecca F. Kuang, bestselling author of Babel and The Poppy War trilogy, shares her insights at just 27 years old. She discusses the cultural significance of Chinese science fiction and the challenges of publishing today. Kuang delves into the intricate use of footnotes in literature, critiques the publishing landscape, and reflects on the historical impacts of the Treaty of Versailles on Chinese identity. She also explores the unique dynamics of co-authorship, the influence of debate on writing, and balances this with her ongoing academic pursuits.
01:03:53

Episode guests

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

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.

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.

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