Remembering John Crowley

The great John Crowley (December 1, 1942 – August 8, 2026) taught at Clarion West in 2014, 2002, 2000, 1995, and 1992.

Through his works and his teaching, John touched readers and writers alike and was known for being a generous instructor. 

Richard Garfinkle (CW ‘92), sent in the following remembrance: 

“I was at Clarion West in 1992. John taught our sixth week. By the end of fifth week, I was feeling dispirited. My classmates and the other teachers were all great and helpful, but I had developed a sense that there was no place for the kind of writing I was trying to do.

John changed all that. He made it clear that there was a broad space of possibility for writing that did not fit the categories and assumptions and methods of writing that flowed differently.

I came out of that sixth week with the whole of the workshop changed in my awareness and ways of writing.

Two things I remember most from him that I have repeated to lots of newer writers in workshops and online:

‘Tell your story over and over until it’s told.’

‘Don’t kill your darlings. Find a way to save them. Do the art to make them fit in what you are writing.’

Recently, my wife got me a copy of John’s novel, Four Freedoms. I hadn’t gotten around to reading it until I heard that he died. I am only a third of the way through it and I am once again learning from him, seeing his beautiful and moody use of character portraiture.

I cannot thank John enough for the benefits of one week of his time and thought.”

The Class of 2014 sent in a few of the following quotes they specifically wrote down that John told them: 

“So go write stuff like that. Or not.” 

“A patterned story is not like life.” 

“If you don’t fix this story and publish it, I will come to your house and kill you.” 

“Isn’t it nice to have everyone agree on what’s wrong with your story?”

“If you want to go fast in a story, you have to tell.” 

A great teacher and writer, John will also be missed by all that new him and read his works.