Tommy Orange to Write Manuscript for Future Library
- Pulitzer prize-shortlisted novelist Tommy Orange will write a manuscript for a Future Library project.
- The manuscript will not be published until 2114, making it a literary time capsule.
- Orange's involvement in this unique writing project adds a fascinating element to his literary career.
Tommy Orange, acclaimed author of *There There* and *Wandering Stars*, has been selected as the 11th contributor to the Future Library project, an initiative that invites writers to create manuscripts to be stored until 2114. Launched in 2014 by artist Katie Paterson, the project aims to compile a century's worth of unpublished works, which will be printed on paper sourced from trees planted specifically for this purpose. Orange's contribution is anticipated to resonate with readers of the 22nd century. Expressing his surprise and honor at being chosen, Orange noted that he was "floored" to join the ranks of previous contributors, which include notable authors such as Tsitsi Dangarembga, Ocean Vuong, and Margaret Atwood, the inaugural contributor. He emphasized the importance of hope for the future, stating that participating in the project reinforces his belief in a world where literature continues to thrive. The Future Library project is rooted in sustainability, with 1,000 Norwegian spruce trees planted in Nordmarka, Oslo, providing the paper for the future anthology. Orange remarked that writing for such a distant future presents a unique challenge, differing significantly from his previous works. The manuscripts are securely stored in Oslo’s Deichman Bjørvika library, specifically in a Silent Room designed for this purpose. Each spring, authors ceremoniously present their manuscripts in Nordmarka, marking a significant moment in this innovative literary endeavor. Orange's reflection on his selection, "I was born in the future," encapsulates the project's visionary spirit.