Open Studio: The poetry and prose of Tracy K. Smith, John Waters and Gish Jen

A woman, who is dressed in black, stands on a stage against a backdrop of red curtains. She is holding a book, which she is reading from. In this photo she is looking up, at the audience, away from her book — Former U.S. Poet Laureate Tracy K. Smith

December 23, 2022

Updated August 09, 2023

This week on Open Studio, Jared Bowen hosts a poetry and prose special — talking to authors and poets.

Bowen begins the conversation with filmmaker and visual artist John Waters about writing his first novel, “ Liarmouth.” The book follows a cunning woman on the run who is ultimately forced to tell the truth.

From there, Bowen speaks with former U.S. poet laureate and Pulitzer Prize-winner Tracy K. Smith about her career-spanning collection of poetry, “ Such Color.” It’s a collection of work that both speaks to our tumultuous times and helps readers make sense of them.

Then Bowen wraps up the show with writer Gish Jen. In novels, short stories and essays, she has long captured the characteristics and conflicts of clashing cultures. She does it again, and often with humor, in her new book of short stories, “ Thank You, Mr. Nixon.” This collection not only tells the story of an immigrant experience, family dynamics and what it means to be caught up in history, it tells the broader story of China and America.