Swords, Heroines, and Asian Fantasy | Worth the Hype?

Important Notice

This programme/event is open to members of the National Library Board, Singapore. Please ensure you have your myLibrary username on hand before proceeding with the registration. If you do not have a myLibrary username, you can create one here: https://account.nlb.gov.sg/.

About the Programme:                                

The past decade has seen a profusion of Asian Fantasy novels. What counts as “authentic” Asian speculative fiction? Which Asia does the term refer to? Author June CL Tan will speak about her experiences writing her bestselling YA novel Jade Fire Gold. Angelica Chong will shed light on the business of publishing and how the industry acquires and markets these reads. Join us as we explore if Asian Fantasy is a helpful label or a harmful, American-centric marketing category.

"Curious about the titles that will be discussed? Borrow these bestselling works here from NLB’s online collection!”

About the Speakers:

Angelica Chong works in book publishing in New York by day, with experience in editorial and contracts departments, and writes speculative fiction at night and on the weekends. Her short fiction has been published by Sine Theta Magazine. 

June CL Tan is the international bestselling author of Jade Fire Gold. Growing up in Singapore, she was raised on a diet of classic books and wuxia movies, caffeine and congee. She holds various degrees in communication studies, education, and film. After teaching for a few years, she took a detour into the finance industry. To no one’s surprise, she soon realized her mistake and made her escape. Now, she resides in New York City, talking to imaginary people and creating fantastical worlds under the watchful eye of her crafty cat. She enjoys telling stories that draw on both the traditional and modern to create something fresh to the eye, but familiar to the heart.

About Worth the Hype?

Worth the Hype? is NLB’s brand-new literary arts series that spotlights contemporary world fiction. In these fun and candid conversations, writers, critics, and publishing insiders will weigh in on the literary merits and commercial appeal of bestselling international titles, while contemplating their wider resonances in modern society and popular culture.

Online Programme/Event Administrative Information

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