April 2010
Thomas Lux is Bourne Professor of Poetry at the Georgia Institute of Technology (Georgia Tech) and his most recent book is The Cradle Place .

How do you start a new piece?
With a rhythm, or an image, or a word coupling, a title, and a “lump in my throat.”

What is more frightening: a blank page or a manuscript in need of a complete rewrite?
Blank page, it’s a terrible responsibility to try to improve upon it.

In Richard Hugo’s essay “Writing Off the Subject,” he states, “When you start to write, you carry to the page one of two attitudes, though you may not be aware of it. One is that all music must conform to truth. The other, that all truth must conform to music.” In your writing practice, have you taken a position on this? In your teaching?
I agree, and take a strong position on music in writing and teaching. I wasn’t aware of the Hugo quote, but he says it precisely.

How does teaching influence your work as a writer?
Teaching is fun, teaching something you love makes it more fun.

What’s your favorite in-class writing prompt?
I don’t use writing prompts.

Are there any aspects of writing that you feel can’t be taught?
Metaphor: Aristotle (I think) said that a long time ago. He was right. But you can help people develop a nascent seed of it.

When you are teaching, what pet peeves do you come across frequently?
No peeves in classroom, always a pleasure. College/university bureaucracy can be a pain in the ass.