Paul Engle Quotes

Poet
USA
1908

Paul Engle (1908-1991) was an American poet, editor, and educator. He is best known for his contributions to the literary world, particularly in promoting and supporting emerging writers. Engle co-founded the Iowa Writers’ Workshop, which became one of the most prestigious creative writing programs in the world. He also served as the director of the International Writing Program at the University of Iowa, where he brought together writers from different countries to foster cultural exchange and collaboration.Engle was a prolific writer himself, publishing numerous collections of poetry, including “American Song” and “A Woman Unashamed.” He also wrote several novels, plays, and non-fiction works, such as “The American Writer and the Great Depression” and “The Writer’s Reader.”Throughout his career, Engle received numerous awards and honors, including the National Medal of Arts and the Poetry Society of America’s Frost Medal. He was a strong advocate for the power of literature to bridge cultural divides and promote understanding. His legacy continues to inspire and shape the literary landscape today.Read Less

2 Top Paul Engle Quotes

Without vision you don’t see, and without practicality the bills don’t get paid. Feraz Zeid, December 23, 2023, Paul Engle, Bills, Paid, Vision, 0

- Paul Engle

Poet

· USA

To eat in the same room where food is cooked – that is the way to thank the Lord for His abundance. Feraz Zeid, December 23, 2023, Paul Engle, Abundance, Rooms, 0

- Paul Engle

Poet

· USA

Paul Engle Career Highlights

Founding the Iowa Writers’ Workshop: In 1936, Engle co-founded the Iowa Writers’ Workshop at the University of Iowa, which became one of the most prestigious creative writing programs in the world. He served as the director of the workshop for 24 years and helped shape the careers of many renowned writers, including Flannery O’Connor, Raymond Carver, and John Irving.
Poet Laureate of Iowa: In 1956, Engle was appointed as the first Poet Laureate of Iowa, a position he held until his death. He used this platform to promote and support the state’s literary community, organizing events and workshops to encourage aspiring writers.
Founding the International Writing Program: In 1967, Engle founded the International Writing Program at the University of Iowa, which brought together writers from around the world for a cultural exchange and to foster international understanding through literature. The program has since hosted over 1,500 writers from more than 150 countries.
Literary Awards: Engle received numerous awards and honors throughout his career, including the Bollingen Prize for Poetry, the National Medal for Literature, and the Iowa Award for Poetry. He was also nominated for the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1976.

Key Contributions by Paul Engle

Promoting Creative Writing: Engle was a strong advocate for creative writing and believed that it could be taught and learned. He played a crucial role in establishing creative writing as a respected academic discipline and helped elevate its status in the literary world.
Mentorship: Engle was known for his mentorship and support of emerging writers. He provided guidance and encouragement to countless writers, helping them develop their craft and find their voice.
Cultural Exchange: Through the International Writing Program, Engle promoted cultural exchange and understanding through literature. He believed that literature could bridge cultural divides and bring people together.

What Sets Paul Engle Apart

Visionary Leadership: Engle’s vision and leadership were instrumental in establishing the Iowa Writers’ Workshop and the International Writing Program. He had a clear understanding of the importance of creative writing and its potential to shape the literary landscape.
Dedication to Literature: Engle’s dedication to literature was unwavering. He spent his entire career promoting and supporting writers and their work, leaving a lasting impact on the literary community.
Impact on Writers: Engle’s mentorship and guidance had a profound impact on many writers, who credit him for their success. His passion for literature and his commitment to nurturing new talent set him apart as a leader in the literary world.

Takeaways

Creative writing can be taught and learned: Engle’s belief in the teachability of creative writing has influenced many writing programs and continues to inspire aspiring writers.
Literature can bring people together: Engle’s work with the International Writing Program highlights the power of literature to promote cultural exchange and understanding.
Mentorship is crucial: Engle’s mentorship and support of emerging writers demonstrate the importance of mentorship in the development of writers and their work.

In conclusion, Paul Engle was a visionary leader, dedicated to promoting and supporting literature and writers. His contributions to the literary world continue to inspire and shape the landscape of creative writing.

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