The Writing University conducts a series of interviews with writers while they are in Iowa City participating in the various University of Iowa writing programs. We sit down with authors to ask about their work, their process and their descriptions of home.

Today we are talking with Lydia Meth, a second-year in Cinematic and Screenwriting Arts. 

1. Can you tell us a little bit about what brought you to the University of Iowa? 
I wish I could say I've always wanted to go to UIowa, but unfortunately, as a kid, I was so stubborn. At my home town, nearly everyone went to UIowa or Iowa State and I thought if I stayed in the state, then I'd be stuck here forever. (I've grown to love my home state, but I do want to explore.) I'd always known I wanted to go into creative writing, whether that was in a prose style or script way, I didn't really care. I remember my dad was watching a Superbowl commercial and he saw an ad for UIowa showcasing its alumni's projects and he knew before I did that I was going to end up here. What sealed the deal though, was when I visited. There was something so beautiful about the campus and the way the entire city seemed to glow and support its students. I fell in love with the literary walk downtown and the numerous cafes that undoubtedly housed so many aspiring writers. Suddenly, it wasn't a question of whether I wanted to attend UIowa but when I could call it my home. 

2. What is the inspiration for your work right now? 
Right now, it's hard to see past where we are in socio-economic political state, so a lot of my work has been inspired about the concept of freedom and finding hope in stifling times. I think a big part of finding that hope is being open to inspiration from everything around you. So, honestly, I'm inspired by the people around me, my home both in Iowa City and Sioux City, and just the little details around me, like a trio of birds doing figure eights in the air. There's inspiration pretty much wherever you look.  
 

3. Do you have a daily writing routine? 
I don't know if I could say I have a writing routine, but I do have a writing commitment. With as busy as I am, I try to block out at least 30 minutes to an hour to write for pleasure. Sometimes, that's in the morning if I wake up early, other times it's right before I go to bed. It's important for me to write for pleasure as well as for my major so I try to have at least one passion project going on at all times. 
 

4. What are you reading right now? Are you reading for research or pleasure? 
Right now, I'm reading for pleasure. I've been reading V.E. Schwab's Vicious as well as Priory of the Orange Tree by Samantha Shannon. I like to have a mix of fantasy and modern settings in my readings.
 

5. Tell us about where you are from - what are some favorite details you would like to share about your home?
I'm from Sioux City, Iowa. It's in the northwest corner of Iowa right where South Dakota and Nebraska touch. Some of my favorite parts about Sioux City is the Rose Garden — a beautiful space filled with all sorts of flowers in the spring and has a huge performance dome that hosts singers during the annual Saturday in the Park event. Overall, Sioux City has a special place in my heart because I grew up in it. Even if a lot of people call it Sewer City (because of its smell), I will always love it. 

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Thanks Lydia!