On the afternoon of October 20, 2024, Duke Kunshan University’s Library Tea House was the venue for an enlightening lecture entitled “The Cultivation of Reading and Creative Abilities in Contemporary Chinese Novels.” This enriching session was the result of collaborative efforts between Duke Kunshan University and Kunshan Arts & Culture Federation, and received robust support from DKU Office of Communications and Public Affairs, DKU Library, and Kunshan Writers Association. The featured speaker was the renowned novelist and literary scholar, Dr. Wei Fang, Professor at Soochow University.
Prior to the lecture, Duke Kunshan University Chancellor Yaolin Liu, the University Librarian Dr. (Helen) Hong Xu, and Ms. Yan Chen, Chair of the Kunshan Writers Association, extended a warm welcome to the attendees. Chancellor Liu greeted Dr. Fang with enthusiasm and noted literature’s pivotal role in the liberal arts education landscape, urging students to immerse themselves in such cultural dialogues to refine their literary tastes and aesthetic discernment. Dr. Xu underscored the library’s pivotal role in cultivating community engagement and intercultural conversations. She noted that today’s gathering extends the collaborative spirit demonstrated during the “Library Open Day” held two months ago, a testament to our successful community-oriented initiatives. Ms. Chen shared her warm reception remarks and took the privilege of introducing Dr. Fang to those gathered. Her words also made a lasting impact on the attendees, underscoring the substantial contributions of Kunshan writers to the landscape of Chinese literature.
In his lecture, Dr. Fang delved deeply into the aesthetics and creation of contemporary Chinese novels. He drew upon examples from his own works to demonstrate narrative techniques, such as The Heroic Age, Blood Mozart, and Stone City, to illustrate how detail and plot can be structured to build layers of aesthetic value in literary works.
Furthermore, Dr. Fang dispensed valuable insights on enhancing creative writing prowess, stressing the critical observation of everyday minutiae and profound character understanding. His references to classic works like Dream of the Red Chamber, Water Margin, and The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes, vividly illustrated the significance of character portrayal. Moreover, Dr. Fang encouraged students and literary enthusiasts to immerse themselves in life, to observe with precision, to foster curiosity, and to actively participate in both writing and literary appreciation.
The Q&A session following the lecture was lively, with the audience showing remarkable enthusiasm. The questions were thought-provoking and included topics such as “how to avoid producing homogeneous students in creative writing courses,” “how university students can begin writing novels,” and “where writers find their motivation.” Dr. Fang answered each question in depth, sharing his unique insights into both writing and teaching, further inspiring the audience’s passion for literary creation.
The event attracted a large number of literature enthusiasts from both within and outside the university. Attendees not only had the chance to engage in meaningful discussions with Dr. Fang but also received author-signed books. The event was highly praised by participants. Applauded by all involved, the DKU Library along with its partners intends to keep this intellectual momentum going by hosting similar events in collaboration with the Kunshan Writers Association in times ahead.
Dr. Wei Fang is a member of the China Writers Association and recipient of prestigious awards such as the Mao Dun Literature New Talent Award, the Baihua Literature Award, and the Contemporary Literature Award, delved deeply into the aesthetics and creation of contemporary Chinese novels. The DKU Library offers a collection of Dr. Fang’s works along with books by other Suzhou authors. This collection is currently on display in the New Book Reading area on the east entrance of the first floor, which are available for check-out.
Photographer, Shengjie Bai (Class of 2027 from DKU)
