Aaron Burch

Aaron Burch is a writer, teacher, and editor based in Ann Arbor, MI. His career spans creative writing, teaching, and literary editing, with a distinctive approach that values the joy of creation over careerist ambition. Burch is currently a lecturer (non-tenure track) and serves as co-editor for WAS (Words & Sports) and HAD, following twenty years as editor of the literary journal Hobart.

Burch's research interests center on creative writing across multiple forms, with particular emphasis on:

• Short fiction and flash writing
• Creative nonfiction and personal essay
• Memoir and literary analysis
• The intersection of everyday life with artistic expression
• Exploring how to be 'earnest without coming across as sentimental'

His publication record shows consistent output across both fiction and nonfiction forms, with recent work appearing in venues like Pool Party, Bluestem, BULL, and The Apologist. Burch's writing often explores themes of place, memory, and the creative process itself, frequently using mundane objects or experiences as entry points to deeper reflections.

Burch's approach to his work is characterized by:

• Embracing writing as a 'hobby' done 'for fun' rather than professional validation
• Valuing the process over external metrics of success
• Believing 'you're allowed to be happy at the level you're at'
• Using failure as a learning opportunity ('in order to fail at something, you have to have done it')

As a teacher, Burch emphasizes the importance of writing groups for sustaining long-term projects and maintaining creative energy. His editorial work through Hobart, WAS, and HAD has created significant opportunities for emerging writers, particularly those whose work bridges literary quality with broader accessibility.