On the evening of Thursday, Nov. 14, Bucknell students and faculty gathered for an intimate and inspiring event featuring two remarkable literary voices: Vivian Hu, the Fall 2024 Roth Resident in Creative Writing, and Jessica Nirvana Ram, author of “Earthly Gods.” Their readings offered the audience a captivating journey through storytelling and poetry, showcasing both their unique styles and shared dedication to the craft.
Vivian Hu opened the evening by sharing drafts of her current work-in-progress. Her pieces resonated deeply, exploring the intricate relationship between humans and the world around them. With vivid, heartfelt reflections, her stories examined how people find their place in the shifting dynamics of society. Listening to Hu’s process, one could sense the vulnerability and raw emotion that accompany the early stages of creation. Her ability to connect with the audience on such a profound level made her work feel both personal and universal.
In contrast, Professor Jessica Nirvana Ram read selections from her recently published poetry collection, “Earthly Gods.” Ram’s poetry reflected a sense of personal reckoning, intertwining identity, memory and faith. What stood out most about Ram’s reading was the polished precision of her work. As a published poet, her words carried a sense of resolution and maturity, yet her process of discovery remained just as curious and open as Hu’s.
One of the highlights of the evening was hearing both authors reflect on their creative methodologies. Despite their different stages in publication—one an emerging author, the other an established poet—their processes shared surprising similarities. Both spoke about the importance of staying authentic to their voices while acknowledging the unpredictability of what might resonate with readers. In response to an audience question about maintaining distinctiveness without becoming repetitive, Hu and Ram beautifully explained how their work, rather than standing alone, weaves into a larger narrative thread.
A particularly fascinating takeaway was their discussion on the spontaneity of inspiration. Ram reflected on how poetry often arrives unannounced, demanding to be captured in fleeting moments. Similarly, Hu described the unpredictability of what “clicks” with readers, emphasizing that the beauty of storytelling lies in its organic evolution.
This event was more than just a reading—it was a masterclass in understanding the writer’s journey. Whether it was Hu’s explorations of belonging or Ram’s lyrical meditations on identity, both authors reminded us of the magic of the written word. For aspiring writers in the audience, their insights into the shared struggles and joys of writing were invaluable.
As the evening concluded, it was clear that both Hu and Ram had left a lasting impression on their listeners. Through their words and wisdom, they painted a vivid picture of the literary journey—not just as a process of creation but as a profound exploration of the self and the world.