Writers often create characters different from themselves in one way or another. When such a character “belongs” to a distinct, recognizable group—perhaps a minority—challenges may arise. What—if any—is the writer’s responsibility toward representing the “other” accurately? What effort—in understanding, empathy, research—may be needed? Or, for a writer from a marginalized culture, in what ways might writing a majority-narrative differ from writing from your own background?

The International Authors series provides an opportunity for the community to meet and converse with writers from around the world who are the 2018 Writers in Residence at the University of Iowa International Writing Program. The series is sponsored by The UI International Writing Program and The Iowa City Public Library.