PULITZER PRIZE WINNER NILO CRUZ

July 2003
		Nilo Cruz, winner of the 2003 Pulitzer Prize for Drama, takes your questions on his plays, playwriting and how winning the coveted prize may affect his life and work. RealAudio: Jeffrey Brown talks with Nilo Cruz, Pulitzer Prize winner for drama.

Forum introduction How much do you rely on intuition when you're composing dialogue? How much do you rely on formulas, and which do you use? Why did you feel you had to open up to the world and share your stories? Was it difficult? How did you prepare? Can I get a print copy of Anna in the Tropics? Did the idea [for the play] come to you during or soon after reading Tolstoy's masterpiece? Browse the NewsHour's coverage of Arts and Entertainment	Karla M. Bolanos of Walnut Creek, California asks: Dear Mr. Cruz: It is simply an honor to have among us, Latinos, such a talented writer. Congratulations from the bottom of my heart! My family emigrated from war-torn Nicaragua due to political persecution. Having experienced such tragic events in my very young life has left me with a burning desire to write about it. Why did you feel you had to open up to the world and share your stories? Was it difficult? How did you prepare? Nilo Cruz responds: It's important to document our stories. I certainly want to know more about Nicaragua. If you feel your stories are too personal, if you feel intimidated, try to use fictional characters and give them aspects of your life. Writing is always personal, but characters don't have to be the exact carbon copy of who you are. Writing about your life indirectly my liberate you as a writer. Try taking a writing workshop or just start on your one. Just start with a day in the life of a character. What does the character do in the morning, in the evening? Does the character work? What are her dreams? From where comes her sadness? Little by little you'll start building a story. Buena suerte!