Bestselling Novelist and LSU Professor Maurice Carlos Ruffin on Writing, Teaching, and the Power of Storytelling
April 02, 2025
Educators in Maurice Carlos Ruffin’s life have always encouraged his passion for the written word. That support ultimately led to a successful writing career and his national bestseller historical fiction novel, “The American Daughters.”
Ruffin says he strives to do the same for his creative writing students at LSU, teaching and inspiring them to chase their dreams, whether they aspire to be professional writers or not.
“Writing ability is an awesome tool for any student on the job market,” he said. “Whether they will become lawyers, doctors, teachers … it’s a huge advantage over their peers to be a good writer.”
Ruffin first realized his personal dream of becoming a published author was within reach while studying creative writing in graduate school at the University of New Orleans. His three novels to date have all been New York Times Editors’ Choice selections and contenders for multiple literary awards. His widely acclaimed “The American Daughters” landed on the American Book Association’s National Bestseller list in 2024.
“I love working with LSU students because they’re so hardworking and talented. I learn a lot from them through the stories, poems, and essays they write.”
— Maurice Carlos Ruffin
At LSU, Ruffin balances writing with his role as an associate professor in the Department of English in the College of Humanities & Social Sciences. While his students can benefit from his experience and guidance, he said he’s often energized by classroom discussions, which can lead to his own productive writing sessions later in the day.
We asked Ruffin about writing and teaching and how his two roles complement each other.
What sparked your decision to become a writer, and were there any early experiences that set you on this path?
I always really loved to read. Some of my teachers in high school and college told me that I could write. Later on, LSU professors like Roger Kamenetz and Moira Crone, both now retired, were very supportive of my writing. Educators gave me the encouragement to study writing in grad school, which led to the publication of my first book.
Was there a turning point in your writing journey — an experience or moment that really propelled your writing career?
Going to graduate school to get an MFA in Creative Writing was a hugely important decision. It taught me how to pursue my dream of becoming a published author.
What attracted you to the creative writing teaching role at LSU, and how did that decision fit into your overall career as an author?
I love working with LSU students because they’re so hardworking and talented. I learn a lot from them through the stories, poems, and essays they write.
How do you incorporate your personal writing journey and experiences into your classroom discussions?
I convey to the students that they can publish a book, if that’s their goal. I’ve been fortunate to be successful, so I can offer plenty of advice from my experiences and the experiences of countless authors I’ve met.
What are some of the themes that are important to you in your writing? How do you help your students find themes that are meaningful to them?
America is the land of the free and home of the brave, so many of my characters are trying to find ways of following that very American path to freedom of expression and self-actualization. I always encourage my students to focus on topics they really care about and to use their authentic natural voices when writing.
What do you want your students to take away from your classes? How do you hope they use what they’ve learned?
Writing ability is an awesome tool for any student on the job market. Whether they will become lawyers, doctors, teachers, etc. it’s a huge advantage over their peers to be a good writer.
How do you balance the time and creative energy needed for writing with the responsibilities of teaching?
On a teaching day, I may complete class preparations, then go to class. I often feel energized by our discussions, if I have time, I’ll read for pleasure or write later that same day.
In what ways has LSU’s academic community and its resources supported your ambitions both as an educator and as a writer?
LSU is an excellent university for writers. There’s such a range of talented people in various fields who respect each other. I can always seek out a colleague in another department if I have a question about a topic I’m not familiar with. Just the other day, I chatted with Dr. James P. Gregory, Jr., Director of the William A. Brookshire LSU Military Museum, an expert in the history of war.
How does the collaborative spirit at LSU help you refine your ideas and sustain your creative momentum?
Our creative writing students frequently put on readings and festivals, (for example, the Delta Mouth Festival and the Underpass Reading Series) where they present their work to the public. Engaging with good writing is always inspirational.
Are there any specific people, programs, or initiatives at LSU that have been particularly influential in supporting your creative work?
The College of Humanities & Social Sciences is a wonderful incubator for a variety of hard-working scholars and storytellers.
What new themes or projects are you excited to explore in your upcoming work?
I’m writing a book set during WWII about the work of local African American women who supported the war effort. It’s a unique story that I’m happy to share.
How do you envision your role evolving in both the literary and academic worlds over the next few years?
I’ll continue to produce work and support my students in improving their writing skills so that they can publish and find employment opportunities.
Is there anything else you’d like to add?
LSU is truly a fantastic university for strong scholarship, and I’m happy to be a part of it.
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