Brian Leung Launched Purdue’s 25–26 Visiting Writers Series with A Terrifying Brush with Optimism

The Purdue Creative Writing Program proudly welcomed novelist and short story writer Brian Leung as the first featured guest in the 2025–26 Visiting Writers Series. Leung read from his latest book, A Terrifying Brush with Optimism, on September 9 in Stewart Center 190, before joining audience members for a lively book signing.

This new work marks Leung’s sixth published book and his third since joining Purdue over a decade ago. Reflecting on its place in his career, Leung described A Terrifying Brush with Optimism as “testimony to keeping at the art during the ups and downs.” He noted that writing is often about persistence: “Some days writing one good sentence is as good as writing three good pages. Whether it’s one sentence or three pages, if you keep at it, over time, it’s a book.”

For Leung, the book is also a reflection of the vibrant creative culture at Purdue. “I hope it’s also a testament to the support the Department of English is a place for faculty and students to do their very best and most meaningful work,” he shared.

Beyond its significance to his own career, Leung hopes the book resonates deeply with Purdue undergraduates exploring creative writing. “I hope that any undergraduate who reads A Terrifying Brush with Optimism will experience finding a world-building ‘self’ through writing that is both personal and also, as an example of a humanities superpower to wield in every career field.”

He distilled this message into an inspiring takeaway for students: “Find the job that feeds you. Write the words that make you feel whole. These are not mutually exclusive life goals.”

Leung’s visit set an energizing tone for the year ahead, underscoring the value of creative expression and the enduring role of the humanities in shaping meaningful lives and careers.

Copies of A Terrifying Brush with Optimism are available through Sarabande Books.