Writer's Symposium welcomes Pulitzer author Hua Hsu

Today, Overlake hosted Pulitzer prize winning author Hua Hsu, author of Stay True: A Memoir for the Upper School Writer’s Symposium.  

As a published author, New Yorker staff writer, and college professor, Hsu never thought he would grow up to be a writer. However, “it(writing) was always something I wanted to get better at,” Hsu says.  Though initially he just thought that it would be a skill he would use in an entirely different field.

In addition to addressing the Upper School, Hsu led writing workshops during two blocks where he invited students to practice their writing by observing their current environment. After some time writing and sharing, he pointed out that everyone wrote something different even though they had been tasked with observing the same environment. This exercise helped students see how their own voice is unique to themselves and what they see. “You’re always a character in your own writing. All writing is you, no matter what you’re writing,” Hsu says.

Students asked Hsu how he found his writing voice and how they might go about finding theirs. His first recommendation was to practice. Even going so far as to practice writing in the style of other writers they admire until they get comfortable enough with their own writing style. “Practice until you find your own voice,” he says.

To those who may not feel they write as well as others, Hsu pointed out that students write far more than they realize. While they write essays for class, take tests, and do homework, they also compose texts, write social media captions and posts, and email their teachers and friends. He says, “you’re always writing anyway, more than you realize. Why not think about it and practice?” Viewing every writing opportunity as a chance to practice writing has helped Hsu shape his own style.

Staying True is a book written about Hsu’s own personal experience about a pivotal time in his life and the loss of a friend. As Hsu considers what he wants students to take away from his visit and book, he says, “I hope that students are given occasion to think about their relationships with one another and their friendships.” Ultimately though, his advice to high schoolers facing the next phases of life boiled down to one key thought. “Remain open to change and surprise,” he says. Hsu considers all of his writing success a pleasant surprise. Not initially intending to become a writer has been the best surprise in his career. “One of the unexpected joys has been how people have read the book and adopted parts of it for their own lives and friendships. It’s been cool to experience that.”

If you want to read more of Hsu’s work you can pick up a copy of his book Staying True or read some of his work for the New Yorker.