Today I interviewed a professor of mine in the English department, Professor Brad Lucas, about his experiences as a published author. Before our interview, I have to admit I had no idea the amount of work my professor had published in the length of his career, but man did he know what he was talking about! I found myself relating to many of his answers when it came to the writing process, and his views about how technology has affected reading and authorship through the years. We both agreed that the emergence of technology in this aspect of our lives has made a positive impact on people who write, read, and pursue publishing opportunities. Technology has made connecting with others and accessing written work by others, as well as collaborating with others, as easy as logging on to your computer, or turning on your smart phone. Connecting with people in similar fields of interest is important when looking for someone to edit, read, and appreciate your personal written work, something that before technology was difficult and only well-known authors were able to have their published work circulated. I was surprised when my professor told me he only wrote academic articles for publishing, however he later told me that he has interests in many genres of writing, but academic writing was most applicable to his academic career. I appreciate how he writes to further the knowledge of his fellow academic audience, rather than compete. He strives to have others learn something new and pool information with others in the academic circle, as well as inspire others to want to learn more about any given subject, and appreciate each others work in their collective advancement.
When I began looking for someone to interview for this project, I had not idea what I would get. However, as I've learned time and time again, there is an endless amount of creativity when it comes to writers and readers. I will always learn something new, and will always be inspired by these kinds of people. Perhaps that is why I aspire to spend my life in this way, where there is endless inspiration and willingness to learn. Hopefully one day I will have an eager student wanting to interview myself, and I will be all to willing to talk their freakin' ears off. :)
Here is my transcribed interview with Professor Lucas,
for your viewing pleasure.
