By Matt Weiss

Terrance Hayes, an award-winning author and poet, told University students the best way to improve as writers is simple:

“Read.”

Speaking to an intimate gathering of both students and faculty at the University on Feb. 8, Hayes told students that many of his poems often come from “obsessions” of his.

“Reading everything and anything is my advice to future poets,” he said, adding that anyone serious about being a poet should read “broadly.”

The 35-year-old said reading small things such as cereal boxes to more difficult things like a dictionary would improve writing skills.

Though he is the author of several award-winning literary works, including Wind in a Box, which won National Poetry Series, Hayes told students and faculty that the awards did not mean much to him.

“With or without awards, I would still love to write anyway,” said Hayes, who also won the Kate Dufts Discovery Award for Muscular Music.

Hayes also told his audience about the difficulties of writing poetry and where he often looks when he needs inspiration.

“I often go to the crossword puzzles of any newspaper and try to find a word I can work with,” he said. “It’s difficult to think about poems and topics sometimes.”

Students and faculty had positive comments about the event. Many in attendance, like freshman Devon Wilder, were hoping to learn from Hayes in order to improve their own writing.

“I came tonight because I have a general interest in writing and would like to take some advice from Mr. Hayes to improve my own work,” Wilder said.

Francis Avnets, a graduate student, echoed Wilder’s sentiments.

“I came tonight because I wanted to hear where he gets his inspiration from,” Avnets said.

Participating in this yearlong series of lectures and readings from various writers titled “Great Writers, Great Readings,” Hayes read and discussed several of his works.

Before taking the podium, Hayes was introduced by Phillis Levin, an English professor at The University.

“I don’t just admire his work, I’m often crazy about it,” Levin said. “He knows the power of being no one and everyone all at the same time.”

Hayes then quickly caught the audience’s attention with his quick wit and improvisational humor. “I won’t go more than five hours,” Hayes said jokingly. “I’m very insecure and need to see people smile when I speak.”

The University’s series of “Great Writers, Great Readings” will continue on March 14, when acclaimed playwright Richard Greenberg visits.