Bryn Mawr Online School (BMOS), a top online high school for girls, ensures its students receive an inspiring and rigorous education that goes beyond academics. Reinforcing this commitment, students and faculty had the privilege of welcoming acclaimed author Bruce Holsinger for a lively virtual visit on November 3. Holsinger is the author of five novels, including Culpability, the 116th selection of Oprah’s Book Club and hailed by Winfrey as “a must-read for all generations.”
Speaking with humor, humility, and depth, the University of Virginia English professor shared stories from his unconventional path to becoming a novelist and academic—a journey that began, as Holsinger fondly recalled, with writing “dungeons” for Dungeons & Dragons as a teenager rather than any formal fiction writing. His message to students at the top online high school was both freeing and encouraging: “Life can be very accidental… let the accidents happen and don’t make a ten-year plan.”
Holsinger discussed his creative process, describing himself as a “pantser”—a writer who creates by instinct rather than through detailed outlines. He admitted that this approach often leads him into creative corners, but also to surprising discoveries. When asked about how he avoids burnout, Holsinger emphasized balance and curiosity, encouraging students to work on multiple projects and find joy in switching between them. He also shared how music, walking, and cooking help him reset and stay connected to his creativity.
The conversation turned to contemporary themes, including artificial intelligence and its influence on writing. Holsinger, whose recent novel Culpability explores the intersections of AI and ethics, spoke passionately about maintaining the “slow, deliberate” art of reading and writing in an increasingly automated world. He described his research process from interviewing AI experts to immersing himself in ethical philosophy and emphasized the importance of deep thinking and creative integrity.
Students asked thoughtful questions about revision, productivity, and how to know when a work is truly finished. Holsinger’s candid advice that “revision is 90% of writing” and that no book ever feels completely done resonated deeply with both students and teachers. He encouraged aspiring writers to “start another one as soon as you finish your first,” reminding them that persistence and passion are the true hallmarks of a writing life.
Before signing off, Holsinger offered a glimpse of his next project, which explores father-son relationships and the complexities of masculinity. The BMOS community left the conversation feeling inspired, energized, and reminded that creativity often flourishes in unexpected places. As one student said after the session, “It felt like we were talking to someone who truly loves stories and wants us to love them too.”
