Martin Roper

Watkins Chair in Creative Writing

"The fundamental lesson to learn in a workshop is to learn to listen, really listen. This applies to both student and teacher. Just listening can effect powerful change within the young writer’s development because she is perhaps hearing herself for the first time. It is also crucial to provide a gentle and supportive environment for the group. Gentleness should not be misconstrued as softness. It is possible to be kind and intellectually rigorous at the same time. Finally, one must insist on immovable deadlines to teach the student writer the meaning of discipline.”

Martin Roper

Education

MFA, Nonfiction Writing

The University of Iowa

Books

Gone, a Novel. Henry Holt, 2002.

Highlighted Publications

“The Typewriter.” New Madrid: Journal of Contemporary Literature, Summer 2010.

“William Trevor: An Appreciation.” The Irish Echo, March 2009.

“Our House.” The New Yorker.

Novel extract published in Nerve Full Frontal Fiction, 2003.

Work in Dublines, an anthology. Bloodaxe Books, England.

“The Book.” Stet literary newspaper, Ireland.

Areas of Specialization

Creative Writing: Fiction

Creative Writing: Nonfiction

Courses Taught

ENG 341 Introduction to Fiction Writing

ENG 560/610 Advanced Writers’ Workshop

MFA Creative Nonfiction Tutorial

MFA Creative Nonfiction Residency

Awards and Distinctions

Residency at Ledig House, International Writers Colony, New York, 2003

Full Tuition Fellowship, Office of Dean of Graduate Studies, University of Iowa

Fulbright Professional Enhancement Grant, 1995

Fulbright Scholarship to attend International Writing Program

Artflight award from Irish Arts Council, 1992

Residencies at Tyrone Guthrie Centre, County Monaghan, 1991

Short listed for Sunday Tribune/Hennessy Award for best short fiction, 1991

Contact

Prof. Martin Roper

Watkins Chair in Creative Writing

7C-17 Faculty Hall

Murray State University

Murray KY 42071-3341

270.809.4671

In the Media

Listen to an interview with Prof. Roper done by our local NPR member station WKMS.

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