Joseph Edgecomb / The Collegian

Award-winning author David Durham is now teaching an English course here at Fresno State, and discusses with The Collegian his latest novel, his inspirations, gives advice for aspiring writers and why he decided to be a part Fresno State̢۪s creative writing program.

Question: Tell me about your latest novel, “Acacia.â€Â

Answer: “Acaciaâ€Â differs from my previous novels in that it is a fantasy rather than historical fiction. It addresses many of the problems we face today in our society and the characters are diverse and have different realistic problems.

Q: What and/or who has inspired you?

A: I think there are different stages of inspiration. “Acaciaâ€Â goes back to one of my earlier inspirations; reading fantasy as an adolescent, basically authors like [J.R.R] Tolkien and C.S. Lewis not only inspire me to write, but they got me reading. Other more recent influences have been African American, Latin, and European authors. I enjoy works of historical fiction that explore different cultures and ethnicities.

Q: How does it feel to be on 3 bests’ lists’? (Publisher’s Weekly’s “Best Books of the year,â€Â Kirkus Review’s “Best of 2007-Fictionâ€Â and Paula Guran’s “Recommended Fantasy Reads from 2007â€Â)

A: It’s a welcome surprise, especially the review from Kirkus. I’ve had my ups and downs with Kirkus. They gave my first novel, “Gabriel’s Story,â€Â a good review. Then they hated my second novel, “Walk Through Darkness,â€Â so much it almost sounded like they wanted to take the earlier star back. They liked my third novel, “Pride of Carthage,â€Â but withheld giving it a star. Now “Acaciaâ€Â has their nod as one of the best of 2007.

Q: What is the best advice you can give to young writers?

A: You̢۪ve got to read, read a lot, write a lot, experience a lot, and when you have an idea carry it through and don̢۪t just sit on in. Many young writers start out writing a story and stop after a few chapters. Don̢۪t, just let the story line carry you to an ending. It̢۪s hard to get your writing to a place where you can both inform and entertain an audience, but don̢۪t get discouraged. Rejection is often a necessary part of the process. I̢۪ve been humbled by the whole experience.

Q: What made you decide to come to Fresno State?

A: I was actually a visiting author three years ago, and taught a one semester course. The creative writing program here seemed very ambitious and when I received a wonderful job offer from a great MFA [Master of Fine Arts] program it wasn̢۪t a tough decision to come onboard and be part of it.

Q: What courses are you teaching this semester?

A: I actually have a considerably light load this semester, which is great because it gives me time to focus on my writing. I̢۪m only teaching one course: English 43- Introduction to Fiction Writing.

Q: What do goals are you aiming for pertaining to your students̢۪?

A: I hope to be a positive influence to students and engage them in good literature and hopefully mentor some into publication.

Story by Valerie Nevens and Brandon Santiago