Crime Writer Scott Turow Visits China to Lecture on Literature and Law
By admin on 2015-01-07

Famous US writer and attorney Scott Turow, who served as president of the US Authors Guild from 1997 to 1998, was recently in China, sharing his literary creations and explaining the ins and outs of the US legal system in a series of cultural activities. His visit included a meeting with Tie Ning, chairwoman of the Chinese Writers Association and speeches at several universities.

Author of six bestsellers of fiction including his first and most famous novel, Presumed Innocent (1987), Turow began writing when he was a teenager. Graduating from Stanford and Harvard, he received degrees in both creative writing and law.

"In the US it is unusual to find a successful author who has not been through some creative writing program, so obviously training can make a difference," Turow told the Global Times.

He said literary training is very important for a writer as the skill is a combination of both education and talent.

Nearly all of Turow's works are related to his life and interest in the law. He was partner at Sonnenschein Nath and Rosenthal's Chicago office, specializing in white-collar crime. He also devoted a substantial part of his time to pro bono matters.

Turow's first book was made into a successful movie in 1990 starring Harrison Ford and its sequel, Innocent, is set to be published by Grand Central Publishing next month.

Turow said that one of the greatest problems facing writers at the moment is the issue of piracy and free downloads.

"Copyright protections are really important for writers and the prospect of piracy of their works is something that has to be taken very seriously."

"We have moved from a world of books to a world where people read digital devices which are delivered over the Internet," he added.