Two authors of fantasy novels Michael A Stackpole and Joe Abercrombie discuss their genre from their different perspectives on either side of the Atlantic.

Stackpole and Abercrombie will talk about their visions of what the genre requires, the traditions that need to be maintained and those which have been overdone, and the challenges of trying to find new and interesting ways to deliver stories in a genre many feel is overcrowded and tired. They will also compare authors and work that are critical to understanding the genre’s roots as well as those that point to its future.

Stackpole is the New York Times bestselling author of I, Jedi and Rogue Squadron. He has written more than 50 novels, from science fiction and fantasy to mysteries. He is best known for his work in the Star Wars, BattleTech and World of Warcraft universes. He is a writer in residence at the Virginia G Piper Center for Creative Writing at Arizona State University.

Abercrombie is the Sunday and New York Times bestselling author of The First Law and Shattered Sea trilogies.  He spent ten years as a freelance film editor, but is now a full-time writer.

The panel is chaired by author and editor Chantelle Osman.

Programme of American literature and culture.