Authors explore memory in literature at Seoul International Writers' Festival

From left, authors Seo Hyo-in, Choi Eun-young and Wendy Erskin participate in the "Writers in Conversation" talk session at the 2023 Seoul International Writers' Festival on Nodeul Island, Seoul, Sunday. Korea Times Photo by Pyo Kyung-min

By Pyo Kyung-min

The poster for the 2023 Seoul International Writers' Festival / Courtesy of the Literature Translation Institute of Korea

When literary worlds collide, magic happens.

Authors from Korea, the United States and Northern Ireland gathered on a Sunday afternoon to discuss literary experiences and share their passion for writing, focusing on the themes of memory and literary time and space during the 2023 Seoul International Writers' Festival (SIWF) on Nodeul Island, Seoul.

On its third day, the festival hosted a talk session, featuring Korean author Eun Hee-kyung and American writer Andrew J. Porter, who delved into the theme of "What Must Be Remembered?"

Eun, who rose to stardom with her debut full-length novel, "A Gift from a Bird" in 1995, and has authored 15 books over her 28-year career, spoke about the importance of memory in her work during the discussion.

She mentioned things she strives not to forget as an author.

"Upon learning that today's session focuses on the authors' memories, my mind immediately landed on the '304 Recital,' a reading event created to commemorate the Sewol Ferry disaster victims. When I think about memory, my thoughts land on my desire as a writer not to be forgotten, but it also brings to mind the essential things I must remember," she shared.

The Sewol ferry disaster happened in 2014 when a passenger ferry capsized and sank off the coast of Korea, killing 304 passengers including 205 high school students on a field trip.

Eun said she hopes be remembered as a "writer of the present times," adding, "The memories from my past connect with who I am today, allowing me to write."

"Humans are questioners. I believe we come up with questions every day by reflecting on our memories, examining our current selves, and forging new narratives. Each day's inquiries, born from our memories, shape the stories of today. This is why I find myself compelled to convey the present through my writing," she explained.

In contrast to Eun, Porter has authored only three books, but his popularity in Korea is on the rise, with two books already translated and the third underway. His work, "The Theory of Light and Matter," notably centers on the theme of memory.

"I wrote a lot about the reliability of the memory in 'The Theory of Light and Matter.' The narrators in my book are trying to deal with the past as a way of coming to understand and reconstruct current events. But as they go through it, they find that the truth of the event is elusive," Porter said.

"It's a lot about people who confront different versions of themselves at different times of life. The narrator constantly tries to accept that they are no longer the version of themselves they were before."

Porter elaborated that his works are deeply intertwined with his memories. He emphasized that he captures and records the essence of the worlds he creates within his memory, rather than constructing entirely new stories from scratch.

"Most of my stories often begin from a small memory of my life. As I progress with my writing, the narrative takes on a life of its own, frequently surprising even me. In this regard, I believe that the writer's life is not solely about crafting a novel but, rather, living inside the world of the story I've constructed in my mind," he said.

Authors Eun Hee-kyung, left, and Andrew J. Porter listen to the audience during a talk session at the 2023 Seoul International Writers' Festival on Nodeul Island, Seoul, Sunday. Korea Times Photo by Pyo Kyung-min

Role of time and space in storytelling

The following "Writers in Conversation" session, titled, "Here is Where Everything Started," featured authors Seo Hyo-in and Choi Eun-young from Korea, as well as Wendy Erskine from Northern Ireland.

The three writers offered unique perspectives on the theme of literary time and space.

Seo, famous for his poetry collection, "Yeosu," named after a city in the southwestern coast of Korea, discussed the significance of specific locations. He revealed that the setting holds a special connection for him as it's his wife's hometown.

He noted, "I aimed to delve into a theme that transcends both time and space. A specific location carries within it not only historical events of the past, but also geographical nuances of the present. I hope to offer readers the opportunity to contemplate what a particular space means to them in the present moment."

In contrast, Choi follows a unique approach to crafting stories set in fictional places. In her novel "Bright Night," she weaves her narrative around an imaginary place she named "Heeryeong."

Choi explained, "I do this to remove any preconceived ideas associated with real locations in my stories. I believe existing places can already influence a reader's perception. Unless there's a specific need to mention a particular area, I generally prefer to invent new ones."

Messages for participating writers are written on a wall inside Nodeul Gallery, where the exhibition, "Through Reader's Eyes," at the 2023 Seoul International Writers' Festival is held, are seen in this photo. Sunday. Korea Times photo by Pyo Kyung-min

Erskine, who resides in Belfast, Northern Ireland, frequently chooses this city as the setting for her works. Unfortunately, her works have yet to be translated into Korean.

While her novels may appear unfamiliar due to their Belfast-centric narratives, they welcome all readers by portraying the lives of ordinary people.

"Belfast, the backdrop of my stories, possesses an air of strangeness and even surrealism. The city is divided into the South, which achieved independence through the independence movement, and the North, which remains under British rule. This geographical division significantly influences its inhabitants. The unique circumstances make the tales of everyday people naturally appear extraordinary," the Northern Irish writer said.

Her two collections of short stories, "Sweet Home" and "Dance Move," exemplify this approach by featuring relatable characters.

Erskine shared her affection for her book's characters, saying, "In reality, none of us truly see ourselves as ordinary. We all carry our unique stories. So I invest much of my time imagining these characters and crafting stories about people inhabiting a specific space, shaped by their surroundings."

The SIWF runs through Wednesday at various venues on Nodeul Island.