Literature today is a living, evolving field. Traditional forms blend with new technologies, while themes acquire fresh resonance shaped by social change and globalization. We spoke with authors from different parts of the English-speaking world to learn how they reinterpret literary traditions in their work.
— Today we have with us three remarkable authors: British essayist and novelist Emma Caldwell, innovative American poet Jackson Reed, and Canadian poet Maya Chen. Let’s start with a simple question: how do you see the role of tradition in your work?
— Emma Caldwell: Tradition is the foundation for building not a house, but a laboratory. I’m not afraid to challenge the classics, break forms, and mix genres. At the same time, I see tradition as a conversation between past and present — it’s my inspiration.
— Jackson Reed: For me, tradition is a kind of map. It shows where we came from, but my poetic duty is to find new paths. I often incorporate street vernacular and digital culture elements to connect traditional forms with today’s reality.
— Maya Chen: I draw inspiration from the folk poetic traditions of China and Canada, but in my poems they sound fresh. I experiment with structure, rhythm, and visual elements to rethink heritage and create something uniquely deep and alive.
— What contemporary themes do you think are most important in literature today?
— Emma Caldwell: I’m drawn to questions of identity and ecology. Many writers today question financial and social systems, and explore humanity’s connection with nature.
— Jackson Reed: Social justice — issues of race, gender, and political struggle — is key for me. Poetry has become a platform for brave and open expression.
— Maya Chen: Migration, cultural intersections, and memory are also extremely relevant. Literature is a bridge between worlds, and new voices must be heard.
— How do new technologies influence your creativity and how audiences consume literature?
— Emma Caldwell: Social media and digital platforms broaden audience reach and allow experimentation with formats like visual poetry and interactive texts.
— Jackson Reed: The mix of video, audio, and text has revitalized poetry. Now works live on TikTok, Instagram, Substack — it’s amazing.
— Maya Chen: I use mixed media — from print to digital art installations. It diversifies poetic language and connects generations.
— What advice would you give young writers who want to reinterpret tradition?
— Emma Caldwell: Don’t be afraid to break the rules, but know them deeply. Tradition is a resource, not a burden.
— Jackson Reed: Listen to yourself and don’t fear speaking your truth. Innovation comes from sincerity.
— Maya Chen: Explore diverse cultures and styles — this will help you build a unique voice that honors the past but lives fully in the present.
Reworking tradition in literature opens doors to new meanings that reflect the hopes and challenges of our time. The works of Emma Caldwell, Jackson Reed and Maya Chen show that literature remains a vital mirror of society — alive, growing, and transformative. Contemporary writers and poets prove that respect for tradition is not stagnation, but a catalyst for creativity and change.