Academic Profile : Faculty
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DESMOND Francis Xavier KON Zhicheng-Mingdé (b. 1971) is Senior Lecturer of Creative Writing and Publishing in the Division of English at the School of Humanities, Nanyang Technological University.
Desmond’s recent books include a quasi-memoir and guided creative journal, both published by Penguin Random House. His other authored titles span fiction, poetry, nonfiction, and experimental writing. The former journalist has also been editor on various publications and anthologies, several pro bono undertakings for non-profit organisations.
He received a BA from the National University of Singapore, and later his MTS from Harvard University and MFA from the University of Notre Dame. In addition to grants from the National Arts Council and Singapore International Foundation, he has enjoyed literary appointments at the Notre Dame Poetry Fellowship, NAC Gardens by the Bay Writing Residency, and NTU-NAC Creative Writing Residency.
As a multi-genre/cross-genre writer, he has broad interests, and remains excited by ideas in literature, art, theology, film, publishing, pop culture, pop psychology, pop sociology, pop rocks, pop tarts, and popcorn chicken.
On good days, you find him researching into contemporary Christian poetry, Eucharistic theology, and the lives of particular Saints. For the most part, Desmond tries to preserve an unhurried, quiet, hermitic life.
Desmond’s recent books include a quasi-memoir and guided creative journal, both published by Penguin Random House. His other authored titles span fiction, poetry, nonfiction, and experimental writing. The former journalist has also been editor on various publications and anthologies, several pro bono undertakings for non-profit organisations.
He received a BA from the National University of Singapore, and later his MTS from Harvard University and MFA from the University of Notre Dame. In addition to grants from the National Arts Council and Singapore International Foundation, he has enjoyed literary appointments at the Notre Dame Poetry Fellowship, NAC Gardens by the Bay Writing Residency, and NTU-NAC Creative Writing Residency.
As a multi-genre/cross-genre writer, he has broad interests, and remains excited by ideas in literature, art, theology, film, publishing, pop culture, pop psychology, pop sociology, pop rocks, pop tarts, and popcorn chicken.
On good days, you find him researching into contemporary Christian poetry, Eucharistic theology, and the lives of particular Saints. For the most part, Desmond tries to preserve an unhurried, quiet, hermitic life.
Creative Writing: Theory and Practice
Contemporary Poetry
Experimental Texts/Textualities
Life Writing
Singapore Literature
Religion and Literature
Christianity and Culture
Publishing Arts
Philosophy of Love
Happiness Studies
Contemporary Poetry
Experimental Texts/Textualities
Life Writing
Singapore Literature
Religion and Literature
Christianity and Culture
Publishing Arts
Philosophy of Love
Happiness Studies
Awards
Among other accolades, Desmond is the recipient of the IBPA Benjamin Franklin Award, National Indie Excellence Book Award, Singapore Literature Prize, Poetry World Cup, PEN American Center Shorts Prize, International Poetry Studies Institute Meniscus Award, two Illumination Christian Book Awards, two Independent Publisher Book Awards, and five Living Now Book Awards.
Courses Taught
Undergraduate Courses:
HZ5101 Introduction to Creative Writing
HZ5201 Creative Writing: Poetry
HL2020 Creative Writing Workshop
HL2044 Introduction to Publishing
Professional and Continuing Education Courses:
CET116 Introduction to Contemporary Publishing
CET117 Publishing in Contemporary Singapore
CET121 Book Editing
CET124 Editorial Theory and Practice
CET150 Author Branding
CET151 Literary Publishing
HZ5101 Introduction to Creative Writing
HZ5201 Creative Writing: Poetry
HL2020 Creative Writing Workshop
HL2044 Introduction to Publishing
Professional and Continuing Education Courses:
CET116 Introduction to Contemporary Publishing
CET117 Publishing in Contemporary Singapore
CET121 Book Editing
CET124 Editorial Theory and Practice
CET150 Author Branding
CET151 Literary Publishing