INSTRUCTORS

INTERVIEW WITH PHIL JASON
What's your philosophy about teaching a writing class?
How have you used magical realism and absurdity in your own writing?
I use magical realism as a means to highlight those things which have become so ordinary we don’t notice them anymore, such as how dream-like the waking world actually is.
I don’t read much truly contemporary absurdity. A lot of my inspiration in this department comes from quasi-contemporary writers like Douglas Adams and Donald Barthelme and a little bit from Thomas Pynchon. And a long time ago I read Catch-22, which I don’t remember that well, but I know sowed some seeds in me.
What are some great examples of magical realism and absurdity in contemporary literature?
Magical realism: Aimee Bender’s The Particular Sadness of Lemon Cake. Joe Meno’s The Boy Detective Failed. Manuel Gonzalez’s The Miniature Wife.
I don’t read much truly contemporary absurdity. A lot of my inspiration in this department comes from quasi-contemporary writers like Douglas Adams and Donald Barthelme and a little bit from Thomas Pynchon. And a long time ago I read Catch-22, which I don’t remember that well, but I know sowed some seeds in me.
INSTRUCTOR BIO
WHAT WRITERHOUSE STUDENTS ARE SAYING ABOUT PHIL
“He gave excellent feedback. Specific helpful critiques as well as encouragement.”
“The prompts were great—really made me think.”
“Instructor did a great job, gave constructive exercises, and kept a high level of energy in the class.”
“Yes, Phil’s experience and knowledge is incredibly helpful.”