By Evan Gulden
Photo by Angie Trotter
April 25, the New Orleans native, Maurice Carlos Ruffin, visited the Willow School to give a talk to Ms. Lee’s African-American Literature class. Maurice Carlos Ruffin is an award-winning author and a professor of creative writing at LSU.
Ms. Lee, who teaches African-American Literature and English IV Honors at Willow, invited Mr. Ruffin to come talk to her students about his work. The students came up with questions to ask Mr. Ruffin prior to his visit and took notes as he spoke. “You could tell they had been inspired,” said Ms. Lee.
Ruffin, renowned for his thought-provoking storytelling, has written two notable works. His most recent novel, We Cast a Shadow, which falls under the sci-fi genre, presents a captivating coming-of-age tale. Ruffin inserts numerous allusions throughout the book, creating a homage-like experience to his teenage self. The pages of We Cast a Shadow are adorned with allusions that include references to Ruffin’s personal life experiences and even a character resembling former First Lady Michelle Obama.
Ruffin uses the setting of New Orleans as almost another character in his stories. In his writing, he incorporates specific street names, providing readers with a genuine sense of location and an unfiltered glimpse into the city. Ruffin’s vivid portrayal shatters the romanticized view of New Orleans, highlighting the everyday lives of its residents and painting a realistic portrait of the city’s unique charm.
Prior to Ruffin’s visit, students in Ms. Lee’s African-American Lit class studied the works of various post-modern authors, Ruffin being one of them. Students focused on reading short stories, including a collection entitled, The Ones Who Don’t Say They Love You. These stories exemplify Ruffin’s postmodern writing style, exploring various themes and experiences.
“When creative writers write, nothing is an accident,” said Ms. Lee, while discussing creative writing and Ruffin’s work. “Everything you do is purposeful, word by word, sentence by sentence.” The students found it meaningful to have a visit from an author from their own city who has achieved significant success by writing about personal encounters in New Orleans and beyond.
Ruffin revealed an exciting project currently in the works. Set in late 1800s New Orleans, his upcoming novel revolves around a group of black women who form a spy agency, intertwining elements of revenge and historical intrigue. His new work promises to be another immersive journey into Ruffin’s rich storytelling and his beloved city.
Maurice Carlos Ruffin’s talent has garnered him numerous accolades, allowing him to travel as a sought-after speaker and visiting professor. However, his visit to Willow demonstrated his commitment to nurturing the next generation of writers and storytellers. Through his presence and personal experiences, Ruffin reminded the students that their own voices and stories are valuable and worthy of exploration.
As the students bid farewell to Mr. Ruffin, they left the classroom with newfound inspiration and a deeper appreciation for the power of literature. Ruffin’s visit to the Willow School will undoubtedly leave a lasting impact on these young minds, encouraging them to embrace their own narratives and strive for success in their chosen paths.
