Ananda Lima, a Brazilian-born poet, translator, and fiction author, is the College’s Fall 2024 author-in-residence for the Storytellers program. This semester, she has inspired me and my classmates through a creative writing course and enriched the broader community with fresh literary insights through a book reading and author talk.
In October, Lima hosted a reading from her latest book, “Craft: Stories I Wrote for the Devil,” which has received widespread acclaim from publications like The New York Times.
C.H. Hooks, director of The Storytellers residency program at Flagler, asked Lima about what inspired the literary choices in her newest book.
“The face of the devil appears in many foundational myths, but in your stories, it’s portrayed with a unique perspective,” Hooks said during the October book talk. “How did you create this image?”
“It’s been a great adventure,” Lima answered. “‘Craft: Stories I Wrote for the Devil’ delves into the experiences of immigrants, real fears, and a deep sense of humanity, blending these elements with tones of horror and dread.”
The title, “Craft: Stories I Wrote for the Devil,” reflects Lima’s bold creativity and sparks readers’ curiosity. The book explores themes like loneliness, parental roles, empathy, and personal struggles, reflecting her real-life experiences.
Her new book has earned her an outstanding reputation among modern writers for her unique ability to narrate profound storylines. As a student in the creative writing course Lima leads as a part of her residency, I can attest to her impressive skills and talent for igniting creativity.
Lima’s class has been more than just a place for learning; it’s a space for dreaming and finding the courage to write.
Imagine a class where discussions explore hidden mysteries, mythical creatures, sudden deaths, or any idea you can imagine—that’s what we’ve experienced. Lima instilled in us the confidence to know we would be heard, flaws and all. It’s an environment that would be exhilarating for any writer.
Oct. book talk | Ananda Lima center, myself just right (blue sweatshirt)
The most beautiful part of this class for me has been connecting with peers who share a passion for writing, allowing our creativity and imagination to soar. Here, we’ve truly learned that writing means freedom.
Lima is more than a teacher; she is a compassionate guide who, with her simple yet profound insights, reminds us that we don’t always have to be at our best—we just need the courage to keep writing. Our inner worlds come to life in her class, and our words flow like a beautiful dance across our notebooks. Her wise instruction gently draws us into the boundless and captivating world of writing.
The Storytellers program has now become a cultural and literary tradition at Flagler College, providing a space for creativity, courage, and the exchange of ideas in the realms of literature and art.
