Henry Lien

J.D., U.C.L.A. Law. Mr. Lien teaches law in the Architecture-Interior Design Department and was awarded Outstanding Instructor of the Year. He practiced as an attorney, served as the Glass Garage Gallery owner and as President of the West Hollywood Fine Art Gallery Association and currently works as a private art dealer. Mr. Lien also teaches for the Writers' Program. His Peasprout Chen middle grade fantasy series has received New York Times acclaim and starred reviews from Publishers Weekly, Kirkus and Booklist.

Instructor Statement My strengths as a writer are unique concepts, memorable voice, vivid world building and tight plotting. My strengths as a teacher are brainstorming unconventional techniques to tap into your own creativity and an emphasis on exercises and examples over abstract discussion. I also feel that writing should be wildly fun when you’re doing it right. 

Our Students Say it Best!

“Henry is a gracious, giving and extraordinarily intuitive teacher, I believe anyone could gain knowledge and structure from him. If you are looking to understand how to format what’s ruminating in your mind, I would recommend Henry highly. He has an uncanny ability of recall, it seems he knows my story better than myself at times. The information he provides is systematic and ties a story together.” — Writers’ Program Student

“I have taken a lot of writing classes but this is by far the best. Henry is completely engaged and committed to our stories and thoughtfully directs us with his keen insights. I am absolutely thrilled with the content and quality of this class and actually feel like I am making very real and tangible progress with my writing goals. This class is a real winner and is going to be VERY coveted once word gets out how valuable it is.” — Writers’ Program Student

“Henry has a very unconventional approach to teaching. He tries to challenge the students, gives them honest feedback and is a sincere aspirant of making each of us succeed in our dream of writing a novel. The empathy, the sincerity and the passion for his work is unmatchable. I really think I'm blessed to have taken a class from Henry.” — Writers’ Program Student