Join us for a conversation about the joys, and the perils and pitfalls of writing about New York. In his own writing, Jim Wunsch has surveyed the literature of what it has meant to grow up in New York and considered the problem of avoiding clichés in writing about the city and its suburbs. He will talk about what he’s learned and lead a discussion for those already writing about New York or interested in doing so. We’ll also use this opportunity to identify members working on New York-focused fiction and nonfiction who are interested in joining a Library-sponsored writing group.

After earning a doctorate in history from the University of Chicago, Jim Wunsch served on the staff of the New Jersey General Assembly and the Regional Plan Association, a private, non-profit metropolitan planning agency. He later taught high school social studies in The Bronx and history at Empire State College (SUNY) where he is professor emeritus.

The Writing Life events in 2024 are generously underwritten by Jenny Lawrence.