For me, a seemingly simple five-line lyric poem can have behind it years of study of the most eclectic and esoteric subjects. Instead, I believe the human imagination is unique in its ability to synthesize diverse pieces of information that are mysteriously and emotionally related to one another, with connections that only a thinking and feeling creature can make. That’s an internalization of a culture of commodification. I don’t believe in the idea that each of us has to be only one thing. How do these diverse fields of study influence your writing and teaching, and what unique perspective do you bring to your work as a writer and educator? You studied mathematics, astrophysics, and philosophy before pursuing a career in writing and education. I think a piece of writing exists to give the reader their own song, their own story.

In a novel, it often means an exploration of what is unsaid, or even unsayable, between characters. In a poem, this may mean the words allow the reader to hear their own deepest questions in the spaces between those words. It seems to me a piece of writing is successful if it shapes the silences inside it so that they are resonant and meaningful. I’m interested in silence at least as much as I’m interested in language. Can you talk to us about your approach to writing across different genres, and how your creative process differs depending on the medium? Subscribe to our newsletter so you don’t miss out! Hi Joseph, welcome to Famous Writing Routines, great to have you here with us today! Congratulations on the success of your latest novel, The Swallows of Lunetto! You’ve also written several books of poetry, as well as a previous novel, The Dark Heart of Every Wild Thing. Joseph Fasano is an author, poet, and educator who began his academic career with studies in mathematics and astrophysics at Harvard University, but ultimately found his calling in philosophy of language and poetry.įasano is the author of two novels: The Swallows of Lunetto and The Dark Heart of Every Wild Thing , which was named one of the “20 Best Small Press Books of 2020.” His books of poetry are The Crossing, praised by Ilya Kaminsky for its “lush drive to live, even in the darkest moments” Vincent, which Rain Taxi Review hailed as a “major literary achievement” Inheritance, a James Laughlin Award nominee and Fugue for Other Hands, which won the Cider Press Review Book Award and was nominated for the Poets’ Prize.Įach week, we publish a new daily writing routine from a famous author.

The swallows of lunetto