August 3, 2016 - Adam Levon Brown Interview

Dear Readers, 

I will start  with a series of interviews to introduce  the authors that have had a great impact on the success of the literary magazine Scarlet Leaf Review by putting it on the map of the literary world. 

I am pleased that these gifted authors have accepted my request for an interview. 

Let's welcome the first author today: ADAM LEVON BROWN!

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            INTERVIEW WITH ADAM LEVON BROWN
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​BIO: Adam Levon Brown is a poet, student, and activist residing in Eugene, Oregon. He enjoys the outdoors, playing with cats, and meeting new people. He has been published in a few dozen places including Burningword Literary Journal and Yellow Chair Review.
He can be contacted via his website at www.AdamLevonBrown.org, where he offers free resources for poets.

Welcome, Adam Levon Brown!

Q: Tell us a little about yourself and your background.

I grew up in Eugene, Oregon in the United States. I dabbled in writing and wrote short stories when I was 7 years old. I have a great family who is always supportive of my endeavors. I have 2 cats that I adore to death. 

 Q: Do you think that your school years have had an impact in your writing career? If so, what were you like at school?

I didn’t like school until I got to college, where I was free to explore subjects that interested me. I studied mostly science until recently.

 Q: Were you good at English or like Einstein you excel now in a field that was a nightmare for you as a student?

I think I’ve always had a knack for writing and reading. My reading comprehension was at a college level from age 12, or so I was told. I loved reading and did so a lot when I was younger. I only started writing close to 2 years now, and I can’t get enough of it. 

 Q: What are your future ambitions for your writing career?

I want to spread my words to as many people as possible. I also want to win some kind of award eventually.

Q: Which poets have inspired you and how? What was their impact on your work or your literary perspective?

Honestly, I haven’t read much poetry; but my favorites are Poe, Plath, and Ginsberg. Their darkness is really relatable to me, and their work has shaped the different words and images that I try to convey in my work.

Q: So, would you mind telling us what you have written so far?

I have two full collections of poetry out with Creative Talents Unleashed; “Musings of a Madman” and “Cadence of Cupid”. I also just released my first chapbook under my imprint, “Madness Muse Press” The title of the chapbook is, “These Streets Don’t Cry For Us” and is currently ranked #14 in Bestselling Death/Grief/Loss Poetry.

Q: Where can we buy or see them? 

These Streets Don’t Cry For Us Links:
https://www.amazon.com/These-Streets-Dont-Cry-Us/dp/0997859911

Musings of a Madman Links: 
https://www.amazon.com/Musings-Madman-Adam-Levon-Brown/dp/0996147667

Q: What are you working on at the minute?  What’s it about? 

I’m working on my next poetry chapbook which I’m planning to release in Mid-December around Christmas. It’s tentative title is, “Emotional Explosives” and is full of raw, hard-hitting free/experimental verse. 

Q: What genre are your books and what draws you to this genre?

If I had to classify my work in a genre, it would have to be, “Dark”. I have a lot of personal demons and I’ve spent a lot of time alone. I’ve always been drawn to darker works because I can feel them more than lighter pieces. 

 Q: When did you decide to become a poet? What was the decisive factor or you just took a pen and starting writing poems? 

I really got into poetry a year and a half ago. I started doing writing prompts from Creative Talents Unleashed and just fell in love because I was able to express myself. I really didn’t decide to keep it going until I published my first book, “Musings of a Madman.” The moment that book was released, I decided, I’m going all the way with this poetry thing.

Q: What makes you write? What’s the force behind taking your pen (or your keyboard) and put verses down?

The need to express complex emotions which may be lost if not analyzed and expressed.

Q: Do you write full-time or part-time? Do you have a special time to write or do you write every day, 5 days a week or as and when?

I’m a student and I write part-time. I don’t have a particular time I write, though most of it happens between 12 am-3 am.

Q: Where do your ideas come from? Or is it just the spur of the moment, a special feeling you experience or a specific conjuncture that offers you inspiration?

Spur of the moment, I love to twist and play with language. It’s fun for me.
 
Q: Do you ever get writer’s Block and if so do you have any tips on how to get through the dreaded writer’s block?

If you want to get rid of writer’s block, READ. Get ideas swirling around in your head by reading or conversing about deep subjects like philosophy.
 
Q: Do you read much and if so who are your favorite authors? For your own reading, do you prefer eBooks or traditional paper/hard back books?

I prefer paperback. I like a lot of Gothic fiction. My favorite authors are J.K Rowling, Laurell K. Hamilton, and Anne Rice. 
 
Q: What book are you reading at present?

Right now, I’m reading through, “The Essential Ginsberg.”
 
Q: Do you proofread/edit all your own books or do you get someone to do that for you?

I do all of my editing.
 
Q: Do you let the book stew – leave it for a month and then come back to it to edit?

Yes.
 
Q: Who edited your last book and how did you select him/her?

I edited it.
 
Q: How can readers discover more about you and you work?

Website: www.AdamLevonBrown.org
Facebook: www.Facebook.com/AuthorAdamLevonBrown
Twitter: @AdamLevonBrown
Amazon Author Page: amazon.com/author/adamlevonbrown
Book Links:
       https://www.amazon.com/These-Streets-Dont-Cry-Us/dp/0997859911


Thank you very much for taking the time out of your busy schedule to take part in this interview.


Recording: Dearly Departed

https://soundcloud.com/poet-adam-brown/dearly-departed
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