Writer Nguyen Ngoc Tu: "Writers do not and should not write for awards"

Receiving the award "Best Southeast Asian Literature of 2024" presented by Dien Tri Literature Magazine (China) for his work "The Seas", writer Nguyen Ngoc Tu shared with readers of the Dat Mui publication of Ca Mau newspaper about his feelings and perspective on the award and his own work.

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Nguyen Ngoc Tu believes that writers should not write for awards. (Photo provided by the character)

The Dien Tri Literature Award was established in 2003, founded by Dien Tri Literature Magazine, managed by the Kunming Literature and Arts Federation, and awarded annually. This award always follows the principle of focusing on the quality of works, supporting talented writers, especially young writers. The "Southeast Asian Literature" category has been around since 2018. In this category, 11 countries in the region participate.

The short story "The Seas" has just been awarded the "Best Southeast Asian Literature Award 2024" in the short story collection "Fixing a Cloud" by writer Nguyen Ngoc Tu. This is a collection of 10 short stories bearing the personal mark of the writer from the Southwest region.

Writer Nguyen Ngoc Tu is famous for many works: "Island", "Splendid Sky Smoke", "Endless Field", "Single Wind", "No One Crosses the River", "Empty Luggage". Before this award, she received many domestic and international literary awards such as: 20-Year-Old Literature Award, ASEAN Literature Award 2008. Some of Nguyen Ngoc Tu's books have also been translated into Korean, English, German and Swedish.

Receiving the award "Best Southeast Asian Literature of 2024" presented by Dien Tri Literature Magazine (China) for his work "The Seas", writer Nguyen Ngoc Tu shared with readers of the Dat Mui publication of Ca Mau newspaper about his feelings and perspective on the award and his own work.

- Dear Writer Nguyen Ngoc Tu, when receiving the award "Best Southeast Asian Literature of 2024" presented by Dien Tri Literature Magazine (China), do you think your work has met their criteria?

Writer Nguyen Ngoc Tu: The award brings me comfort that my work is given more light and warmth on the wandering path and is under pressure from the erosion of time. I believe that each reader, from their position, will perceive literary works in their own way. The people in the Organizing Committee of the award are the same. I cannot fathom that vastness and diversity, so I ignore it, do not follow, or read, or guess. After all, writers do not and should not write for awards.

- Can you share your personal thoughts about the short story "The Seas" that just won the award?

Writer Nguyen Ngoc Tu: I am not really satisfied with any of my works. Maybe when I first finished writing, I was satisfied, but after reading it again, I found some parts that I was not satisfied with. "The Seas" is in the book that I consider important in the writing process. It is important because it is where I began to be seriously aware of writing techniques, and began to explore the inner thoughts of the characters instead of just telling a simple story.

- To keep readers' protection, what do you change and strive for in each work?

Writer Nguyen Ngoc Tu: "What's new about what I'm writing or about to write?", whenever an idea pops into my head, I ask myself that question. If the problem is not new, at least I should have a new perspective. The protection of readers will be linked to the responsibility of always renewing myself. I am careful with every sentence and word; I never stop learning. That's how it is for me, but each writer has a different way of thinking.

- How has your sincere, authentic, and immediately permeating writing style been refined over the years and through life experiences?

Writer Nguyen Ngoc Tu: It's hard to say, I think I had a bit of God-given luck, right from the start. There will be many writers, but to become a writer you need that luck.

- What will be the mark and difference of your work in the present tense compared to before?

Writer Nguyen Ngoc Tu: I focus more on technique, write more consciously, no longer instinctively like before, so the writing is also more complicated, no longer for the majority like before, which means I am no longer a favorite writer of everyone, of all classes. For me, this trade-off is worth it.

Image of writer Nguyen Ngoc Tu introduced at the 20th Dien Tri Literature Awards ceremony. (Photo provided by the character)

- What do you think writers from Ca Mau need to do more to create a name that represents their homeland and gain a foothold with readers like you have done among countless talented writers and authors across the country?

Writer Nguyen Ngoc Tu: I think that no writer or artist represents anyone other than themselves. Try your best, be serious, and learn constantly. I know that if you are not a genius (these people are very rare), then in addition to having a little natural talent, those who create literature and art must learn a lot. The sky up there is so big, you cannot imagine it when you are in the well.

- Sincere thanks to writer Nguyen Ngoc Tu!

Performed by Lam Khanh

Source: https://baocamau.vn/nha-van-nguyen-ngoc-tu-nha-van-khong-va-khong-nen-viet-vi-giai-thuong-a34539.html