March 2011
Quraysh Ali Lansana is author of five poetry books and editor of seven anthologies. He is director of the Gwendolyn Brooks Center for Black Literature and Creative Writing at Chicago State University, and is co-author with Georgia Ann Popoff of Our Difficult Sunlight: A Guide to Poetry, Literacy, & Social Justice in Classroom & Community.

What is the most essential part of a story or poem that makes it worth writing?
The compelling need to communicate or share an observation or idea.

How much do you revise?
I revise a great deal. I believe revision is the most important part of the creative process. It is where art and craft converge.

How do you know when a piece is done?
In truth, I guess I never really know. I suppose it’s when I sense that the poem is communicating everything I would like to share in a manner that is aesthetically congruent with the message.

How do you “practice” your craft?
Reading the work of others and employing aesthetic and/or contextual hurdles as challenges to my craft.

In your work, are you more interested in the language or the message?
I am always concerned with the balance of message and aesthetic. Always.

What’s your favorite part of the writing process?
Becoming so immersed in a poem that it consumes me.

What book have you read recently that you couldn’t put down?
My Kill Adore Him by Paul Martinez Pompa.

Are there any aspects of writing that you feel can’t be taught?
Everyone can write a sonnet but not everyone can write a truly successful sonnet. I believe that one’s relationship with musicality is personal.

How does teaching influence your work as a writer?
I learn from my students in every interaction. Additionally, I often am provided new ways of seeing and thinking from my review of student work.

What’s your favorite in-class writing prompt?
I don’t have a favorite. I employ many, some of which are born in the moment.

How do you create lessons to appeal to as many students as possible?
By engaging in conversation with students and accessing their wants and needs.

Do you stick to lesson plans or follow the class dynamic wherever it takes you?
A combination of the two.

How much of yourself—your personal interests, your approach to writing—do you share in a classroom?
A great deal when appropriate.

What are your grammatical pet peeves?
Spelling and abuse of commas.