Today we’d like to introduce you to Kristian Zenz.

Hi Kristian, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.

I am a writer, an author, and a student of life.
​
The latter sounds strange, but it is only true. I was 15 when this website was born; now 21 and the author of three books.
​
In my experience, it is unusual for someone so young to have written a full length book. The statement is quite impressive, and the task to other people of the same age seems daunting. But, beyond the precipice of the matter, the simplicity of how my love of writing came to be may tell the true normality that this feat has been.
​
​
My love for writing stemmed around 3rd grade. We were told to write freely in composition notebooks, with black and white covers and a binder without a ring. It seems the stars aligned at this point, becuase the freedom of having a blank canvas to fill with words was nothing short of amazing to me.
​
I would fill those books to the brim, from cover to cover. My teachers were both astonished at my capabilites, as well as the cost to buy more notebooks. Such a simple beginning started something that will most likely be poignant for the rest of my life.
​
Since then, I have published my first novel, along with taking endeavors in short stories, poetry, and more.

The future shows glimmers of light and patches of darkness; the tumultuous nature of life shows both sides. I plan to make the best of both as I continue to pride creative endeavors. I have numerous projects planned and others as mere ideas. As someone who majored in philosophy, I cannot help but ponder all the possibilities. It’s not a matter of what I will do, but merely a matter of when.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?

The road has been cleared of most obstacles, but cracks come and go. Sometimes I have the budget to repair them via therapeutic means, like baking and Lego. Although I aim to pursue art and creative writing professionally, it is my ultimate form of release. It’s something I will continue to do regardless of how my professional career shakes out. No matter if my poetry collections find an audience— they will be written inevitably for the rest of my life. A main struggle is accepting the fact that I may never see my art get the attention I feel as though it deserves. But, I aim to create for myself first and foremost.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?

Charles Bukowski claimed that poetry, which has been my go-to art form for 6 years, has no guts. There are reasons why poetry gets neglected in terms of exposure in the art world, and I think among them is the fact that poetry doesn’t have much attitude. They say all has been achieved artistically in western culture, but I beg to differ, especially when it comes to the art of the spoken-word. To some extent, I agree with Charles. He is among my influences for my own work, and I aim to bring attitude, confidence, a poise into poems.

What makes my voice distinctive is best showcased in my two poetry collections. Deadly Grievances is a tale of heartbreak and recovery, while Vernacular Whirlwind is a story told in numerous perspectives, eventually all about the same cause. It’s politically jarring and captivating, and I believe the latter is my best work to date. These poetry collections are truly my own products. Not only do I write the poetry, but I also create complimentary artwork and photography for them. Within the books themselves, I pick the fonts, choose the layout and formatting, and do the copywriting as well. The only aspect I don’t participate in is the physical reproduction of the book copies themselves. These pretty collections are unique products truly and almost completely of my own design, and I am proud of both.

What would you say have been one of the most important lessons you’ve learned?

Much like the dunning-Kruger model, it’s safe to say that life lived the artistic way is complicated. I want my art to represent the whole of who I am as best as I can, but I also understand this may never be achieved. There are parts of me that exist in other capacities; parts of me that may never see the light of day in print, parts of me that may never get a voice via my poetry. If anything, I have learned that what I think matters most, but I cannot throw caution to the wind regarding other’s perspectives. I must remain cognizant of the other’s watching eyes, for in more ways than one, they are responsible for my rise, or demise. If I want to build an audience, I have to give them what they want. I can’t go in blind, nor can I go in with a stubborn plan set in stone. I have faith I can achieve this, I just don’t know who my audience is quite yet, nor what they want.

Pricing:

• Deadly Grievances (paperback): $15.99
• Deadly Grievances (Hardcover): $18.99
• Vernacular Whirlwind (paperback): $19.99
• Vernacular Whirlwind (hardcover) $24.99
• 2050 (paperback): $17.99

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.kristianzenz.com
• Instagram: @kristianzenz
• Youtube: @kristianzenz

Image Credits

Main image: ‘Fameless: A Podcast for the rest of us.’ Season 2, episode 2.

Photography by Keanu Moua, @areacken.