Discussing Creative Thesis Production: Insight from Edric Huang '18 through an Interview
Edric Huang, a senior in the Anthropology Department with certificates in Urban Studies and Creative Writing, is embarking on a unique creative journey. His upcoming thesis for his Creative Writing Certificate will delve into themes of superstitions, hauntings, and migration, drawing inspiration from Chinese folk traditions and his anthropological fieldwork at a migrant reception center in Paris.
Edric believes in proper representation of his work, investing heavily in the research process to ensure authenticity. His creative thesis serves as a starting point for future work, with plans to revisit topics he's been thinking about for the past three years.
Writing is an individual process for Edric, and he is still trying to find the best practices for him. He practices free-writing, spewing out lines onto a Word document with his computer screen dimmed out. Edric tries to keep his writing minimal, with each word having gravity and saying as much as possible about the poem.
The process of researching and writing his thesis involves attentively living, making connections to other life experiences or topics, and researching the works of other poets, their use of the page, and the form of poetry itself.
To succeed in this endeavour, Edric recommends reflecting deeply on your creative project’s themes, motivations, and discoveries, then identifying specific research questions informed by both your creative aims and relevant scholarly feedback. Engaging with peers and mentors for critical feedback, conducting focused library and practice-based research, and organizing complex ideas clearly and reflectively are also crucial steps.
For those interested in creative writing, classes through the Lewis Center are available. Additionally, the McGraw Center and the Writing Center can provide resources for research and writing. A Peer Arts Advisor can also be consulted for advice.
Edric's thesis will consist of 30-40 pages of poems. This year, he will be writing two theses - one being a traditional research-based thesis, and the other a collection of poems for his Creative Writing Certificate. Edric sets limits on the amount of time he spends on research to avoid getting too engrossed and forgetting his other work.
As for his post-grad plans, Edric is unsure, but he hopes to continue writing and editing his manuscript. His journey serves as an inspiration for those who wish to explore their creative potential while maintaining academic rigor.
Edric Huang, in his undergraduate research for his senior thesis, prioritizes independent work to maintain authenticity, applying his learning from anthropology and creative writing education-and-self-development, facilitating personal-growth and learning. His thesis, a collection of poems, serves as a foundation for future work, encouraging others to engage in similar personal-growth through creative writing and careful research. For those seeking resources for creative writing, various centers and advisors are available to support education-and-self-development in this field.
