Alvin Chen
New York City,NY
Summary
Current Editor Writer in New York City, NY working under New Directions Publishing. 4 Year experience working under The Paris Review including the publishing of multiple award winning short-piece fictions nominated for the Pulitzer and Nobel literature prizes. An active member of the NYU Creative Writing Program while also working for the Wylie Agency. Has attended workshops and readings at 92Y, The Strand, KGB Bar, and Poets House, learning valuable skills regarding the art of creative writing. Has Applied for fellowships and residencies for artists from the programs: Yaddo, MacDowell, and the NYSCA/NYFA Artist Fellowship.
Overview
6
6
years of professional experience
Work History
Writing Program Participant
Gotham Writers Workshop — Fiction Writing Level I
07.2024 - 10.2024
- Completed a 10-week course focused on short fiction. Workshopped original stories and received detailed peer and instructor feedback.
- Received thoughtful intel on how to break down the elements of fiction writing and put them back together in a coherent story.
- Organized time to complete all assigned works during the 10-week process, exercising self-management and self-control skills.
Editorial Intern / Submissions Reader
The Paris Review
12.2023 - 05.2024
- Reviewed unsolicited submissions, prepared editorial notes, participated in selection meetings.
- Beneficial information on producing engaging text and content was studied through the teachings of more experienced workers
- Assisted with the planning and execution of editorial calendars to ensure timely publication of materials and maintain consistency across all accessible platforms.
- Reviewed and edited over 500 stories by marking errors and presenting to writers.
- Drafted interesting pieces with up to 2000 word count.
Freelance Writer
The Sun Magazine
05.2022 - 03.2024
- Has earned up to $2,000 for essays and stories submitted to The Sun Magazine
- Collaborated and built connections within the industries with labels and agencies as a rookie writer
- Learned valuable lessons on how the writing industry functions
- Introduction to this brandnew industry, assisting personal success in future work pieces
Creative Writing Intern
A Public Space
09.2023 - 12.2023
- Worked closely with program mentorship, gained valuable industry experience and received personal critics from experienced writers
- Developed soft and hard skills important for authors and writers such as communication skills, attention to detail, and organizational abilities
- Built steady Interest in literary publishing and contemporary literature
- Received personalized mentorship from authors and publishers with more than 3 million sales internationally
Personal Writing Workshop
Personal Project
07.2018 - 09.2018
- A passion project after high school graduation, teaching kids essential writing knowledge in the local area
- Total of 400 students across British Columbia attended final workshop at Vancouver
- Gained massive social media following, experiencing first glimpse of managing socials and spreading influence through the internet
- Helped 30 different schools across BC ranging from grades 3-10 on their creative writing and informative writing
Education
Master of Arts - MSt in Creative Writing
University of Oxford
Oxford, England09-2024
Master of Arts - MSt in English (1900-Present)
University of Oxford
Oxford, England09-2024
Bachelor of Arts - Creative Writing & Literature
Harvard University
Cambridge, US08-2023
High School Diploma -
Meadowridge School
Maple Ridge06-2018
Skills
- Imaginative Thinking
- Poetic Description
- Strong Base Vocabulary
- Inspired by Modern and Traditional Media
- Excellent and Effective Communication through language
- Clarity Provided through Text
- Versatile Writing Style
- Target Audience Awareness
- Originality Through Creativity
- Confident Public Speaking
- Complete Mastery of the English Language
Awards
High School Awards
- Receiver of Norman Mailer Student Writing Awards During Senior Year of High School
University Awards
- Recipient of Edward Eager Memorial Prize for Best Creative Writing
- Recipient of Charles Edmund Horman Prize for Excellence in Creative Writing and Personal Ideals
Professional Awards
- Recipient of The Discovery Prize during early career
- 2025 Pulitzer Prize for Fiction: Finalist and Winner
- Recipient of Kingsley Tufts Poetry Award for Poem: "God Gave Me A Gift"
Languages
English
Native or Bilingual
Chinese (Mandarin)
Native or Bilingual
Spanish
Professional Working
French
Professional Working
Interests
Arts and Creativity
- Music Production and Beat Creation
- Drumming
- Participant and member of percussion ensemble performing at events spreading the culture of China through art and traditional instruments
Physical Activities
- Saber Fencing at Local Clubs and Competitions
- Pickup Basketball at Local Gyms or Parks
Timeline
Writing Program Participant
Gotham Writers Workshop — Fiction Writing Level I
07.2024 - 10.2024
Editorial Intern / Submissions Reader
The Paris Review
12.2023 - 05.2024
Creative Writing Intern
A Public Space
09.2023 - 12.2023
Freelance Writer
The Sun Magazine
05.2022 - 03.2024
Personal Writing Workshop
Personal Project
07.2018 - 09.2018
Master of Arts - MSt in Creative Writing
University of Oxford
Master of Arts - MSt in English (1900-Present)
University of Oxford
Bachelor of Arts - Creative Writing & Literature
Harvard University
High School Diploma -
Meadowridge School
Similar Profiles
Colton TajalleColton Tajalle
Editing at Fan Fiction WritersEditing at Fan Fiction Writers
Haley BosséHaley Bossé
Facilitator at Hodgepodge Writing WorkshopFacilitator at Hodgepodge Writing Workshop
Rahul SahaRahul Saha
Edit on Project at Fiction & Non Fiction ProjectEdit on Project at Fiction & Non Fiction Project
Edeline Kasen VillanuevaEdeline Kasen Villanueva
Intern Doctor at Victoriano Luna Medical CenterIntern Doctor at Victoriano Luna Medical Center
Amaya FranklynAmaya Franklyn
Volunteer at NEW YORK CARES OrganizationVolunteer at NEW YORK CARES Organization