Rick Barot & Ann Pancake Discuss The Rainier Writing Workshop and the Impact of Creative Writing

PLU Audio

Known as the Rainier Writing Workshop, Pacific Lutheran University's Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing program challenges its students to consider difficult questions relating to artistry, self-awareness and commission. “What are your goals as a student and maker of literature, as an artist contributing to the conversation about the urgent matters of our time? What is the work you want to do, the work that is specific to your experience, talent, and imagination?” In our latest podcast, we pose these questions and others to a pair of RWW faculty members and acclaimed creative writers, Rick Barot and Ann Pancake. Learn More About the Rainier Writing Workshop at www.plu.edu/MFA Podcast Conversation Outline: 2:40 Ann discusses her “Stranger Genius Award in Literature” nomination and Rick shares what it was like to have a poem recently published in the New York Times. 5:25 Rick and Ann are asked “literature favorites” questions ranging from who their favorite poets are to the novels that had the greatest influence on each of them as teenagers. 18:00 Discussion of the many different ways creative writing can be used as a vehicle to “contribute to urgent matters of our time.” 35:00 Rick and Ann reflect on the cultural climate of the publishing industry and publishing paradigms that affect minority writers as well as writers from non-traditional places. 42:00 Discussion about PLU’s Rainier Writing Workshop. Specifically, the backgrounds, goals and writing styles of many of the students who seek out the program. 46:20 Rick and Ann share what writing projects they are currently working on.