In this interview, best-selling author, columnist and MacArthur Foundation Fellow George Saunders will offer thoughtful insight on the conference theme.

He was recognized as one of the top 100 most influential people in the world in 2013 by Time Magazine. His books include “CivilWarLand in Bad Decline,” “Pastoralia,” “The Very Persistent Gappers of Frip,” “The Brief and Frightening Reign of Phil,” “In Persuasion Nation,” and a series of essays in Braindead Megaphone.

His most recent collection of short stories, “Tenth of December,” was a finalist for the 2013 National Book Award.

George Saunders will hold his interview during the Public Affairs Conference, on April 10 from 12 p.m. to 1 p.m. in the PSU Theater. This event is free and open to the public.

In addition, Saunders will be reading from his works of fiction April 9 at 7pm in the PSU theater.