Join us for this exciting event with Transversal, co-sponsored by Blue Stoop and H&H Books.
Translating literature into another language builds bridges and amplifies voices through shared stories. It's also a challenging but highly rewarding creative practice that draws on skills like knowledge of multiple languages and cultures, close reading and research, and problem solving. In this workshop, Emily Hunsberger (Mount Airy-based literary translator and member of Transversal, Philadelphia’s literary translation collective) will help pull back the curtain on different approaches to the translation process, guide participants through a practical exercise with literary texts, facilitate an affirming conversation to reflect on the experience, and suggest next steps for developing a personal translation practice.
This workshop is designed for folks with 1) an interest in creative writing and translation and 2) proficiency in English and at least one other language. No experience in literary translation is required, and texts for the translation exercise will be provided by the facilitator. Participants will have the option to translate a text into English or into their other language(s). This workshop also serves as a practical companion to the Thursdays on the Stoop workshop “Getting Started in Literary Translation” presented by Blue Stoop and Transversal in July 2025.
RSVP is required as seats are limited. You can purchase your tickets for $15 each at the link below. All proceeds will benefit Blue Stoop and H&H Books.
Accessibility: The workshop space is down 1 flight of stairs, in the finished basement of a bookstore. The event will not be recorded or livestreamed. Masks are optional, but welcome. Please reach out to request disability accommodations not addressed here.
About the Instructor
Emily Hunsberger translates literature written in Spanish by authors from all across the Americas, including the United States. Her translation of Wonderland: Crónicas of Belonging in América, a collection of essays by Melanie Márquez Adams, was published earlier this year by Mouthfeel Press. Her translations of shorter works have appeared in Latin American Literature Today, The Southern Review, The Common, and elsewhere. She lives with her family in Philadelphia.
About Transversal
Transversal is a grassroots collective of established and aspiring literary translators in Philadelphia. It was born as a virtual space during the pandemic and has since evolved to emphasize in-person connections. Our recent gatherings have included co-working sessions, mini peer workshops, and purely social hangs.
About The Head & The Hand
The Head & The Hand (H&H) is a nonprofit independent publisher and community bookstore based in the Kensington/Fishtown neighborhood of Philadelphia. Our mission is to create innovative relationships between local authors and their audiences. We publish and stock writing with the power to spark change and entertain.
About Blue Stoop
In May 2018, a critical mass of Philadelphia writers came together to create a hub for literary culture. Today, Blue Stoop offers high quality classes and inspiring events led by local writers and creatives. Today, Blue Stoop envisions a radically inclusive literary community where Philadelphia readers and writers are thriving and supported. We are fiscally sponsored by CultureTrust Greater Philadelphia, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.