Freedom to Express - International Writing Program
International Writing Program for me is all about exchange.
I have felt that I have been opened to a such great universe.
It is only art and cultural exchange that can not only bring people together but also open new vistas and open new avenues for collaboration and better understanding between human societies.
The IWP is a continuing source of inspiration because you bring together talented writers from around the world each of whom has strong ideas about what makes for great literature. And in the interchange between the different writers new ideas seem constantly to be bubbling to the surface.
In the IWP I have felt absolutely free and everyone has felt absolutely free to say what they think in the classes in the readings to read any kind of thing.
And art is the only way which actually heals your wounds and a kind of therapy to the ailments human society at large is suffering from.
The writers come to the United States where the notion of freedom of expression is enshrined into our founding documents and so they see examples of it at every turn whether in readings that they attend or lectures or watching late night television and listening to comedians. Each one of these avenues opens up new vistas for them.
I met so many people that I really adore now. And I am extremely grateful for this chance to be part of this amazing residency. I’m going to miss all of them but this is good stuff also because once you are so emotionally connected you are looking for continuation. It’s like you know only good movies can have sequels. So, you know, continuation. [laughing]
