The Iowa Writer’s Workshop has trained hundred of writers in its 70 year history, though it is only had a handful of directors. Most recently that was Frank Conroy, by his own admission, a tough and demanding teacher. Conroy died last month and one of his former students is about to take charge.
Lan Samantha Chang is the first woman to head the workshop and she is considerably younger than her predecessor Conroy. But they share a common belief in the power of words and a dedication to the idea that writing is not just some skill one is just born with, but something that can be taught.
More than just a teacher, Samantha Chang is an acclaimed author in her own right and a model for writers in her dedication to the craft. She joins the Connection to talk about writing, teaching and learning.
Guests:
Lan Samantha Chang, author of “Inheritance” and “Hunger.”