Paperrepublic.org is a new blog dedicated to English translations of Chinese literature.[Photo: Paperrepublic.org]

Paperrepublic.org features translated works by Chinese authors like Yan Lianke. [Photo: Paperrepublic.org]

More on "Voices from Other Lands"

Paperrepublic.org is a new blog dedicated to English translations of Chinese literature. Considering the relative obscurity of most Chinese authors to foreign publishers and readers, this is definitely a good thing. The site has information on Chinese authors, books and literary translators, and it features excerpts from works by celebrated writers like Yan Lianke and the late Wang Xiaobo. Paper Republic is run by three Americans living in Beijing: Cindy Carter, Brendan O'Kane and Eric Abrahamsen. They are all prolific and passionate translators of Chinese literature, poetry, films and even rock lyrics.

So today on the program, I'll be speaking with Eric Abrahamsen about the difficulties of publishing Chinese authors abroad and what makes a good literary translator. And later in the program, a phone interview with Cindy Carter on the joys of translating poetry.