‘Men Explain Things to Me’ author explains her thoughts on writing

As the author of 20 books, activist and historian Rebecca Solnit has explored a myriad of topics in her works, which range from a history of walking to feminist publications like Men Explain Things to Me. On Monday, March 19, Solnit will share her thoughts on writing, feminism and social change with the Tulane community as the 2018 Zale-Kimmerling Writer-in-Residence, sponsored by Newcomb College Institute (NCI).

The event takes place at 7 p.m. in McAlister Auditorium on the uptown campus and is free and open to the public.

“Every year, we bring in a renowned woman writer to engage directly with students over a weeklong visit,” said Molly Pulda, administrative assistant professor of women's literature at NCI.

“Solnit is a local hero for having invested so much time and energy into compiling this unique view of New Orleans.”

— Molly Pulda, administrative assistant professor of women's literature at Newcomb College Institute

Solnit has a full schedule of class visits, student meetings and lectures. She will additionally share her insight with one student chosen by the Tulane Creative Writing Program during a one-on-one meeting to review the student’s writing.

Pulda added that Solnit will also appear alongside Rebecca Snedeker, Clark Executive Director of the New Orleans Center for the Gulf South, on Friday, March 23, at noon in the Anna Many Lounge in the Caroline Richardson Building.

Solnit collaborated with Snedeker to publish Unfathomable City: A New Orleans Atlas in 2013.

Unfathomable City is an interesting deep dive into our city’s history. There are several maps pertaining to different aspects of New Orleans’ cityscape, ranging from Carnival parade routes to sites of rescue and abandonment during Hurricane Katrina,” said Pulda.

“Solnit is a local hero for having invested so much time and energy into compiling this unique view of New Orleans. It’s great to have her back in town, and I think students will be interested in hearing from her,” she said.