Shorties: Scott Alexander Hess and Joe Okonkwo

Scott Alexander Hess and Joe Okonkwo discuss their latest books. Hess has a volume containing two novellas—The Root of Everythingand Lightning. Okonkwo has published a collection of short stories called Kiss the Scars on the Back of My Neck. After reading selections from their books, the authors will engage in a spirited conversation: How does writing short(er) fiction compare to composing full-length novels?

Patrick E. Horrigan, author of Pennsylvania Station, calls Hess’s novellas “Historical fiction at its cutting-edge best,” while noted author William J. Mann has lauded Okonkwo’s collection as “A remarkable examination of the human condition.”