Journalist, essayist, memoirist, travel and nature writer and acclaimed humorist Ian Frazier returned to DePauw on Monday as the 2012 Mary Rogers Field Distinguished Professor of Creative Writing.
Frazier will be on campus for two weeks teaching two master classes, giving craft talks to English majors, visiting writing and literature classes and doing a public reading of his own work.
Throughout his career, Frazier has written eight books including "Great Plains," "Family, Gone to New York" and "Travels in Siberia," his latest work. He has been a contributor to "The New Yorker" since 1974, where he has written feature articles, humorous sketches and pieces for "The Talk of the Town" section.
"Ian was on campus last year and he was very well received," said Peter Graham, associate professor and associate chair of the English department. "We are thrilled to have him here."
Frazier gave his first talk yesterday afternoon, speaking on "Making a Living as a Writer." He spoke on his own career and offered advice for upcoming student writers.
He emphasized the importance of students writing according to their interests, individual personality and outlook.
"Art involves rejection. Art involves people not getting it," Frazier said during the talk. "There are all different ways to become a writer. You should find a means of writing that corresponds to your temperament. Write for what you read."
Throughout the next week, there will be many more opportunities to listen to Frazier speak. He will be visiting about 10 English classes and meeting with students. On Monday, he will be leading a conversation on ethics and memoir at Prindle Institute for Ethics at 7:30 p.m. The next night, he will be giving a public reading of his own work at the Thompson Recital Hall at 7:30 p.m.
With such a diverse career background, Frazier will entertain both serious writers and students looking for a good laugh.
"He is a very important American writer and he has a lot to offer not just to English majors, but to the entire campus and community," Graham said.