Conversation with Translation Editor Parisa Saranj | CF Behind-the-Scenes
Translation Editor Parisa Saranj shares why she joined Consequence Forum, what she does at CF, and more!
Tell us about yourself.
I grew up in Iran and came to America after high school. It’s hard to admit it to myself, but I have lived in America most of my life. I studied journalism and women’s studies in undergrad and also have an MFA in creative nonfiction writing. My non-Consequence time is spent writing and translating both literary and nonfiction. I’m working on a memoir of growing up in Iran in the 1990s. I wish I could say that’s all I do all day, but they don’t pay the bills. I work a day job at a medical text book publishing company to support what I love, which is my writing and Consequence.
When did you join CF and what brought you to CF?
Two years ago, I started as an assistant editor. After a translation of mine was published in Consequence, I was asked to join the team. I did that for a year until I took over from the previous translation editor.
What do you do at CF?
I am the translations editor. I also work with the executive and poetry editors on an initiative called Of Consequence, where we organize virtual talks, documentary screenings, and author readings. This initiative allows us to take the conversation beyond the print and online journals. The events are a lot of fun (or at least are for me). My favorite thing about the OC events is the final stage when I log into Zoom and see how many people have shown up. It’s the best reward for our efforts.
What do you enjoy most about your work at CF?
I absolutely adore the folks I work with, even if they come and go. I am honored to be part of the team that is always teaching me something new. Also, the mission of Consequence is very important to me; it’s personal to me. I went to journalism school because of the principle of ‘being the voice for the voiceless.’ As a translator and translation editor, giving space to writers and voices from underrepresented regions is extremely important to me.
How important do you think literary journals like CF are for the literary community and aspiring writers?
It starts here. In the case of translations, it is not easy to willingly pick up a difficult topic to translate. At the same time, American readers do not read enough translations. It is up to us to give space to aspiring writers/translators who intentionally translate difficult (to write and to hear) work that bears witness to war, violence, cruelty, grief etc. On the other hand, we preserve literary heritage: Journals often serve as archives of contemporary literature and preserve works for future generations. At Consequence Forum, we witness the human cost of war and geopolitical violence. Some day, an aspiring writer will pick up a past issue and decide this is what I want to be: a witness, a voice.
Tell us about your favorite piece of literature about war and/or geopolitical violence, and why?
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