Celebrity Media Report: On September 4, at The Korea Society in New York, two distinguished novelists Ed Park and Mira Jacob engaged in a captivating conversation. Both online and in-person audiences participated, creating a lively atmosphere.
Celebrity Media host Lucia Liu interviewed novelist Mira Jacob, who moderated the event, asking her to share her writing journey and motivations. Jacob recalled her first novel published in 2014 and her widely acclaimed 2019 graphic memoir Good Talk. She revealed she is currently working on a mystery novel centered on an “Indian American woman with a white appearance,” inspired by her father’s passing—an experience that profoundly reshaped her writing purpose and themes.
When asked about the most beautiful part of writing, Jacob emphasized: “The real joy is not in awards or book tours, but in immersing myself alone in the world of the manuscript.” In response to criticism, she said: “I know exactly who I am writing for. As long as they feel seen and understood, I have fulfilled my mission.”
Guided by novelist Mira Jacob, Ed Park shared his latest short story collection. He recalled that many of the works were written during breaks from his novels, serving as a kind of “escape” and relaxation. He noted that compared with novels, short stories are more concise and direct due to their limited length.
Moderator Mira Jacob highlighted that Park’s stories often make readers laugh, with humor that feels both natural and profound—a key charm of his work. Park responded that humor is an immediate way to connect with readers. “When reading aloud, the audience’s laughter is the most direct response.” He also read an excerpt from his short story Bring on the Dancing Horses, filling the room with laughter.
This dialogue not only allowed the audience to appreciate the creative journeys of the two writers but also demonstrated the vital role of literature in exploring identity, culture, and artistic innovation. The Korea Society provided the platform for this exchange, while the Celebrity Media host guided the discussion with questions, making the event more interactive and thought-provoking.
The intellectual exchange between Jacob and Park offered the audience a literary feast, affirming the unique power of literature to transcend cultural and identity boundaries.
