Information Technology Services (ITS)
IT@UofT People — Lisa Chen
Published on: March 21, 2025
The backbone of any successful team is its hard-working people. The University of Toronto’s information technology professionals are no exception. IT@UofT is made up of a diverse range of people with an even greater diversity in their interests and talents.
In this segment, entitled “IT@UofT People,” we will get to know our IT@UofT community across all three campuses and find out more about their hidden or not-so-hidden talents and/or pursuits outside of work.
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Department: Enterprise Applications & Solutions Integration (EASI)
Title: Information Management Analyst
How long have you worked at U of T?
I started in August of 2021. My primary role is offering SharePoint assistance to the University.
What is your secret or not-so-secret talent or hobby outside of work?
I pursue creative writing, usually in the fantasy, sci-fi and horror genres.
I’ve been published in magazines and anthologies; some of my short stories are available to read online.
I’m also the co-head of Toronto Writing Month, a challenge where participants attempt to write 50,000 words in November. I’ve been on an eight-year streak of completing the challenge.
How and why did you get involved in this hobby?
When I was a sixth grader, my teacher assigned his students to write stories. Since then, I’ve been hooked. I have a lot of ideas circulating in my head and I want to tell tales so others can read them too! In fiction, everything is limitless with your words and imagination.
Do you have any professional training in this field?
In high school, I took a course called The Writer’s Craft and afterwards, I took Introduction to Creative Writing at York University. I’ve also attended small talks and workshops either online or at literary festivals.
So long as you dedicate time to read and write, you’ll find your voice, discover the themes you want to explore and accomplish a lot without formal training.
Do you have any outstanding memories or accomplishments from this hobby?
In the short fiction world, the most noteworthy magazines you can get accepted by are professional/semipro ones. This is usually defined by their rate of pay. I’ve been published in two professional markets: The Dark Magazine and Diabolical Plots. I pushed myself and did a lot of research to write stories suitable for those venues.
In 2023, I was invited to speak at the Brockton Writers Series. That’s the first time I read one of my stories aloud in public.
Who/what are your inspirations?
I find inspiration from the non-fiction I’ve read, especially history books. But, reading other people’s fictional works gives me ideas too. I enjoy Amal El-Mohtar’s writing, as she has amazing prose. I recommend people check out the novella she co-wrote This Is How You Lose the Time War.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
If you’re interested in following my creative journey, my list of publications is on my blog.