NICK EAGER TO SHARE HIS PASSION FOR WRITING

APC is excited to announce that Nick Xuereb is our Writer in Residence for 2023.

Nick, who is currently completing his Masters Degree in Creative Writing at the University of Melbourne, sat down with Liberal Arts campus leading teacher Kathryn Riosa to talk about his writing.

Have you always wanted to be a writer?

I first became interested in writing through reading. When I was around 15, I started enjoying the books I was assigned to read at school. This led me to read books that weren’t part of the curriculum.

How would you describe your writing?

Broadly, I write fiction. That’s about as precise I’m willing to be on this subject. My writing style is diverse. I try not to do the same thing twice. I like to experiment with form, style and genre, though I wouldn’t describe my writing as experimental.

What does your writing process look like?

Every project is different. Lately, I’ve been trying to finish my first drafts fairly quickly so I can get on with the business of rewriting. A completed first draft is important because it gives the piece a foundation on which you can begin to build something you might eventually be willing to show other people.

How often do you write?

I try to write every day, though that’s not always possible. If I have a whole day free for writing, I like to spend the morning reading, then write through the afternoon and into the evening if it’s going well.

What is your writing kryptonite?

In the past, perfectionism has stopped me from finishing things. I’m trying to remember that it’s better to finish a piece than labour over it endlessly.

What is your favourite book?

Probably Ulysses by James Joyce, simply because I have such fond memories of reading it for the first time. Ulysses has this reputation of being a difficult modernist novel, but it’s also a lot of fun.

What advice would you give to aspiring writers?

Always write with feeling. Be ambitious. Be patient. And, as much as possible, think critically about your own position. One of the worst trends in contemporary literature is writers being unable to think outside of their own experience.

What excites you about your residency at APC?

A lot of people write when they’re young, but often lose their enthusiasm for writing as they get older. My hope is that the workshops we run throughout the year help foster a lasting passion for writing in the students who participate. I’m also excited to see what students will bring to the workshops themselves.