William Blackburn himself was a scholar of Elizabethan poetry, a subject which he taught for many years. He also harbored a special interest in Joseph Conrad; at one point he edited Conrad's letters. Blackburn's legacy, however, arises from his instruction in the art of creative writing.

His booming laugh. His brooding temperament. According to students, these were two of Blackburn's most salient traits. But most oft mentioned in the same sentence as the name Blackburn are not characteristics of the man himself, but the things he did to bring together and direct his students. In his undergraduate classes and in his office or home, he often served tea to break through the tension and promote informality and honesty. Regular meetings at his house allowed interested students to share their writing with each other-- and their professor--and to exchange criticism and ideas. Blackburn is usually credited with the genesis of a dynamic creative writing program at Duke University which has produced some of the most talented writers working today.