What is the role of literary fiction in 2025? Is it simply escapism, or is it something deeper — a mirror to the world we inhabit, a lens on its inequities, contradictions, and quiet truths? In my latest episode of Some Things Considered, I spoke with Karen E. Bender, National Book Award finalist and author of The Words of Dr. L, to explore these questions.

Karen’s new collection is a meditation on our times. Her stories navigate the uneasy space between overt political urgency and narrative subtlety, achieving what only the most mature and authoritative fiction can: illuminating society without sacrificing character or craft. We talked about how her stories came together, the delicate process of unifying disparate pieces into a cohesive collection, and how she chooses between writing short fiction or novels.

We also discussed the realities of the literary ecosystem today. Universities and festivals that once nurtured writers are under threat — including the recent cancellation of the Iowa Summer Writing Festival, a hub of creative excellence for decades. Karen reflected on the growing importance of nonprofits, activism, and community support to sustain writers and their work in challenging times.

Throughout our conversation, one thing became clear: literary fiction matters now more than ever. It helps us reflect, empathize, and engage with our world in ways that journalism, social media, or fleeting news cycles cannot. Karen’s insights remind us that stories are not just entertainment — they are essential.

Website: karenebender.com
Facebook: facebook.com/KarenEBenderBooks

Award-winning author Sean Murphy in conversation with creative thinkers, spanning the literary, music, art, politics, and tech industries. As a cultural critic, professor, founder of a literary non-profit, Sean is always looking to explore and celebrate the ways Story is integral to how we define ourselves, as artists and human beings. This Substack newsletter and weekly podcast peels back the layers of how creativity works, why it matters, how our most brilliant minds achieve mastery. Join us to explore how our most successful and inspired storytellers engage by discussing craft, routines, brand, and mostly through authentic and honest expression.

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