MFA Writers Steven Duong — Iowa Writers’ Workshop
4 snips
Aug 16, 2022 In this engaging discussion, Steven Duong, a second-year MFA candidate at the Iowa Writers' Workshop, shares insights on his journey from poetry to fiction. He contrasts the competitive expectations of Iowa with the supportive community he found. Duong explores the relationship between poetry and narrative, discussing how constraints fuel creativity. He also delves into the blending of genres and how his diverse background shapes his writing. Listeners will find inspiration in his reflections on the transformative power of community and collaboration in the writing process.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Self-Imposed Constraints
- Duong uses self-imposed constraints in fiction, similar to formal poetry.
- For "Sandbox," he listed words related to a video game to guide his writing, pushing his work in a satisfying direction.
Beyond Language-Driven
- The label "language-driven" writer feels limiting for Duong, as all writers are driven by language in some capacity.
- He emphasizes the importance of other elements like plot, character, and the overall narrative structure.
Process and Deadlines
- Duong's writing process for fiction involves starting with lines or sentences that stick in his mind.
- He also uses outlining, color-coding, and deadlines to structure and push his writing process.