In 2026, several queer poets released significant new works, including Hieu Minh Nguyen’s long-awaited collection, “Staying Still,” published by Tin House. This collection, featuring poems like “Powderhorn Park,” “Aunt Charlie’s Lounge, San Francisco,” “Crisis,” “Away Message,” “Saint Paul,” and “Reunion Speech,” showcases Nguyen’s accessible style and leaves a lasting impact on readers.

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Nguyen, based in Oakland, spoke about his journey in poetry ahead of the Miami Book Fair. When asked about the first poem that ignited his interest, he cited Maya Angelou’s “Still I Rise” and Langston Hughes’s “Mother to Son,” which he had displayed in his locker.

Currently, Nguyen finds inspiration in the works of Linda Gregg and Vievee Francis. He reflected on the significance of winning the Publishing Triangle's Thom Gunn Award for Gay Poetry in 2019 for his second book, “Not Here,” noting it was his only post-publication award, which he found affirming yet emphasized the importance of letting go of expectations once a book is published.

“Staying Still,” released in September 2026, is a culmination of poems he has written over the past eight years. Nguyen described the selection process as one involving considerable waiting, noting he often felt he needed to write the right poem to provide direction for the others.

Comparing his writing process across his three books, Nguyen stated he has developed more patience, with a tendency to write in fragments, particularly after the pandemic. He mentioned that while the poem “Portrait with Self-Portrait” was composed in one sitting and predates the pandemic, other lengthy poems like “Come On Over” evolved more gradually.

Nguyen humorously expressed his wish that singer Shania Twain would know of her mention in “Come On Over.” He also acknowledged his mother’s strong presence in poems like “The Dress” and “Assisted Living,” emphasizing that his speaking voice in these poems serves as a distinct artistic persona rather than a direct reflection of his life.

Discussing the significance of place in his poetry, Nguyen stated that his collection centers on themes of belonging, exploring the contrasts of leaving and staying. Looking ahead to the Miami Book Fair in November, he expressed enthusiasm about connecting with fellow writers while enjoying ceviche.