In November, Aspen Words announced the longlist for the fifth annual Aspen Words Literary Prize, a $35,000 award recognizing a work of fiction that addresses a vital social issue. The selected books explore questions of freedom and identity, exile and belonging, and are set against the ravages of colonialism, consumerism, and classism. While the jury works on selecting a shortlist, Aspen Words chatted with the nominees about their work, how they view their role as a writer in this cultural and political moment, and the best piece of writing advice they’ve received.

Eric Nguyen is a writer who lives in Washington, DC.  His first novel, Things We Lost to the Water features characters who are immigrants to the United States of America: a mother and two sons. It details the racism they face as Vietnamese people living in Louisiana, and the differences in assimilation between the older generation and the younger.

How do you view your role as a writer in this cultural and political moment?

In a year where anti-Asian sentiment has become more visible, my role as a writer—specifically as an Asian-American writer—is to tell stories about the Asian-American community. For too long, Asian-Americans have been left in the background and our experiences ignored or erased. Stories give us a chance to be the main character and to explore the nuances of communities and individuals. I am one voice of many, adding to what Viet Thanh Nguyen calls “narrative plenitude,” and I am happy to be part of the community and history of storytellers who are reminding other Americans that we are here, we have always been here.

Read the full article about fighting Asian hate and erasure at The Aspen Institute.