Studying a master …

… Ha Jin opens up on creative process for nonfiction work on poet Li Bai. (Hat tip, Rus Bowden.)

The style of this book is really different from my other works. The poetry of Li Bai has permeated into my narration. Some says the book is beautifully written. That is owing to Li Bai himself.I came to understand more after two years. Li’s principle in writing poetry is, in his words, “out of clear water lotus engraved by nature”. In English, we say “effortless.” It requires many years’ efforts so that it does not appear to take great pains to do it well to the eyes of the audience.Li also said, “bright moonlight shines through, and there is no space for the heart to play.” Some contemporary poetry is made foggy, leaving readers in the clouds. But the real state of being profound is as the moon spreads through and occupies our heart, instantly, we don’t have to guess. It is the sensation of the thought.

 I love Li Bai. And I just got the Kindle version of this book. Read this whole interview. It's great.