Insights for Aspiring Writers: Christopher Grimes, Interim Director of the Program for Writers
Interview with Christopher Grimes Heading link
Name: Christopher Grimes
Title: Professor and Interim Director of the Program for Writers
Department: English
Tell me a little bit about your history at UIC and in our English department. What has been your favorite accomplishment in your time here?
It’s unbelievable to me, but I’ve been at UIC for 18 years. It’s all kind of a blur, frankly. But, yes, I feel like I’ve had many, many accomplishments here. What I mean is this: lots of times it’s like we’re just floating in the vacuum of space. And then we have a conversation with another, and the result of that interaction can glow like a newly formed star cluster. That star map of my own space is my biggest accomplishment, I think, and it’s all thanks to those around me—students, staff and faculty alike.
How did you personally become interested in creative writing?
I don’t remember, really. I remember being a reader more so than a writer, per se, for a long, long time. After that period of apprenticeship to my predecessors, the impulse to try my own hand with the forms I was studying was to write what I couldn’t locate in the traditions I was reading, to make my own contributions (such as they were) to the forms themselves. The more I did both, the better I think I got. Also I tend to get bored easily and look for novelty, so when I can’t find it, I try to make it, something new, that is.
You recently began your term as the Director of the Program for Writers in the English Department. What does taking on this new role mean to you?
I’m just now figuring that out. All I know is that I’ve big shoes to fill. Cris Mazza, my predecessor, was an absolutely amazing Director. What I do know is that I’m incredibly proud of the Program and our English Department. I’m getting used to not having all the answers, but I’ve the utmost confidence in those around me, those who can steer me in the right direction. Check back with me in a few months!
Tell me more about the Program for Writers. What do you hope students gain from participation in this unique program?
Our writers are so diverse and have such varied interests that it’s super hard to generalize. So let me just address the skills a student leaves the Program with: we graduated exceedingly well-rounded professionals, adept at teaching literature, composition, and, of course, creative writing, as well as some who can teach professional writing, even. Our students usually enter the job market with a book or two, but that’s not necessarily enough to get a toehold in the profession these days. I’m a good example of this, as I graduated from a very similar program as UIC’s. My first job was at a four-year college. Meanwhile, I worked on my art and published. From there, I was hired at a Research II institution. Meanwhile, I worked on my art and published. Then I was hired at UIC, a Research I university. Why? Because of the experience I accrued and the work that I produced after that first job, which was definitely generalist in orientation: two courses of comp, a sophomore survey and a multi-genre creative writing course. Allowing for some variation, I think my trajectory is pretty typical of our students’ experience.
What role does research have in your role as a faculty member at UIC?
I’ve always been encouraged to pursue my interests here, without any kind of limitations whatsoever. That pursuit is my research.
Advice to new students?
Be present. I know that there are moments in a semester when you feel like you’re stuck in the mud a little. But believe me, whether you’re an undergraduate, Masters or PhD student, the experience goes by lightening fast. So be present. Be open. Be kind to yourself. Try not to take everything so seriously, at least occasionally. Take completely seriously that which requires it, including your physical and mental health. We all need help now and then, so don’t be afraid to reach out for it. You’ll be relieved that you did.