R.F. Kuang Discusses Writing Process and New Novels at Author Talk at Northwestern

Kuang began the session with a personal touch, noting her connection to the university through her husband, which helped create a warm atmosphere in the room.

During the Q&A, she highlighted her experience as a minority in the publishing industry and discussed her creative process. Kuang shared that she allocates "only three hours a day" to creative writing and enjoys the interplay between her academic and creative pursuits. She described academic writing as akin to "dancing in shackles," reflecting the constraints she feels compared to creative expression.

When asked whom she wrote Yellowface for, Kuang stated that she writes primarily for herself, driven by personal curiosity. She expressed skepticism about the notion that authors should dictate how readers interpret their work, arguing that readers are capable of forming their own conclusions.

Kuang also tackled the broader implications of her work, emphasizing that Yellowface is not merely a commentary on cultural appropriation but rather critiques the notion that authors must confine themselves to their own experiences. She advocated for allowing creativity to flourish without restrictive boundaries.

In discussing the publishing industry, Kuang encouraged authors not to use comp titles that do not authentically reflect their work, emphasizing the importance of authentic comparisons based on content rather than identity.

Regarding Babel, she described it as a critique of the dark academia genre, referencing Donna Tartt’s The Secret History. The novel, set in 19th-century British imperialism, follows the character Robin, who contends with his complicity in the empire’s expansion. Kuang explained her choice to end the novel with Robin's death, illustrating his failure to make a heroic decision or assert his agency.

The session included a question-and-answer segment, where second-year student Lakshmi Sunder inquired about switching genres. Kuang advised embracing various genres without being confined, stating that categorization feels stifling to her creative spirit.

Sunder later remarked on Kuang's impactful insights, which resonated uniquely with her as an aspiring writer of color. Kuang also discussed her evolving relationship with her past work, particularly The Poppy War (2018), admitting her discomfort with it but using it as motivation to grow.

Her candid reflections on writing and the resilience of art in challenging political climates inspired many attendees. Second-year student Haarika Palacharla noted the significance of continuing to create representation for underrepresented voices. Kuang concluded the talk by generating anticipation for her upcoming novel, Katabasis, set to release in August 2025.