I am a little different from many of my friends and colleagues who work in the field of English in that I publish both literary criticism (books about acts of literary creation) and creative work (narratives that are themselves written acts of creation). I enjoy demonstrating to students how each of these areas enriches the other and strengthens the sensibility of artist and critic alike. Because I am constantly at work on book projects, I actively share and experience with my students the ongoing joys and agonies of composition and invention. As we participate together in the fellowship of letters I enjoy providing students with opportunities to submit their work for publication. Nothing is more rewarding for me than witnessing a developing writer's passion for literature break loose from the restrictive classroom and embrace a much larger world and tradition.