Walking across campus, you might run into Laur spending their time at the library working on their graduate thesis or perusing the downtown Moscow area for some literary inspiration. In an interview, we asked some questions about life as a graduate student in Moscow, Idaho, and dove into the most rewarding and less desirable parts of Laur’s experience.
Q: First, let’s talk about programs. You attended Carleton College during your undergrad with a focus on ecology and evolutionary biology; what inspired the transition to creative writing at the University of Idaho?
R: Well actually, I’ve wanted to be a writer since I was like ten when I read Lord of the Rings for the first time, but then when I got to college, I wanted to get into something other than English literature. Not because I don’t love it, but because I wanted another approach to fiction—I also just found ecology fascinating. I love animals and DNA is really cool. It was always in the back of my head to get back into writing eventually.
Q: Who has helped you the most during your creative journey in the M.F.A. program?
R: Woah, that’s tough. Just because so many people have done so much to support me. I have worked the longest with Daniel Orozco who retired two years ago, but he has very generously and selflessly continued to work with me. He’s on my thesis committee and has been really great about reading my stuff, suggesting books that might be interesting, providing feedback and etcetera. Also, Leah Hampton just got hired for prose. She’s been really great and helpful with the practical side of things. She gives me concrete suggestions and ideas and is one of those
people who asks really tough questions about writing. The “Where’s your soul?” type questions.
Q: Was this university the right choice for you; why?
R: Well, I very frequently make big life changes based on intuition. When I was in California (where I was before this) I got this feeling that I should be in Idaho. I started looking into the area.
The Palouse is beautiful and my stepdad worked at WSU in Pullman. I researched the current students at the University of Idaho and I knew that a lot of writers here were interested in environmental writing. It just felt right.
Q: Are you currently working on any creative projects that you would like to notify others about?
R: I am currently working on completing my short story collection Queer Monsters, Some Ghosts. It’s got nine short stories; some have been published previously but in different drafts. I do have a story coming out in Blood Orange Review, and that’s exciting!
Q: What is something you wish you would have known before attending a graduate program?
R: Oooh. I think it was something I knew intellectually but didn’t fully grasp…it’s really hard! This is something I have wanted to do my whole life, having time to really commit to my writing seriously, but there is also this intense emotional aspect where I finally get to do the thing that I have wanted to do for so long and I have to get it right.
Q: If you could give one piece of advice to students who are considering pursuing graduate school, what would it be?
R: For me, it’s been really cool and fun to take classes in other genre areas, and I think it is good for anyone going through the M.F.A. application process to keep in mind if they’ll get to do that wherever they go. My advice is to do your research. Know about what faculty you’d want to work with, and what they specialize in. Think about the students who are already there. Also, if you’re applying to an M.F.A. program, the most important part is your writing sample. Really consider what you’re sending in.
Take it from a seasoned graduate student, there is so much to be offered by continuing your educational experience; whether that be through a college program, independent study, or professional development—there is something to be said for always putting a foot forward to better yourself. YOU are in charge of your destiny. Everyone’s path looks a little different, but at the end of the day it is all about leading a life that makes you proud to be who you are.
You can follow Laur on Twitter @freyedfoods and find their work published at the following locations: Hobart, The Fabulist, Fractured/Lit, Entropy and Nightmare.