We were lucky to catch up with A.R Brown recently and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, A.R thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Let’s jump right into how you came up with the idea?

Writing poetry has always been an outlet of expression for me. I remember reading Dr. Seuss and Shel Silverstein and loving how the words sounded, how the rhymes made sense and how I caught on to the rhythm of their flow. Also, growing up I loved to read or getting read to. English was always a favorite subject throughout my studies. Ultimately the seed of becoming a poetry author arose in high school. During this awkward phase of my life, I clung onto my poetic outlet and wrote almost daily. I was very shy and to myself (in my shell). Sharing some of my writings with a fellow classmate one day sparked the title of a future book, my first self published work, “My Thoughts Written In Words”.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

At 28 I published my first poetry collection. At this point of my life I needed something for me. Going to college but only completing my Associates Degree (collecting loads of student debt was unappealing), left a void in my soul. I was burnt out with full time jobs that over worked and under paid. My senses were screaming “there is more to life, I am more than this life!” I opened an old notebook, the one in which I wrote in large black sharpie letters “ My Thoughts Written In Words” and I finally discovered my purpose.

I have published four books of poetry, and currently working on a fictional short story piece. I’m very excited for my future creations. My major problem was being unhappy and unfulfilled in life and with life. Through writing and publishing my poetry, I have unlocked the door to my endless potential. I hope anyone who reads my work understands life is always about choices. We may not choose the chaos, but we can decide how we let the chaos affect us. I feel my poetry is very relatable and can be felt wholeheartedly because I always put everything I can offer into it.

How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?

Life always throws curve balls. We all experience loss, hurt and sorrow. The beauty of being a poet is the ability to share these experiences with words. Telling stories of the human experience allows readers to know they are not alone in struggles. One of my favorite poems I titled ‘Trying’ highlights the vulnerability we may feel when things in life do not turn out how we expect.

Trying (4)

My foolish thinking
Of trying
Not scheming
Or lying
But a real honest
Day to day
Try.
Not implying
A fake little step
But real blood and sweat,
No half assin
But an outright all-In
Try.
Are they denying
My efforts
Not sizing
My progress
To keep me
With less?
I guess
I have none of
The answers
I only suggest
& beat on my chest
Then do it again.
Try.

(-A.R Brown from “My Thoughts Written In Words 2”)

My philosophy is to never give up, dust yourself off and try again.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

The most rewarding aspect about being an artist of words is motivating others. There is a special unseen power in our words, my hope is to use my power to encourage and inspire. At this moment I’m not yet a best selling author. I do not have everything mapped out in how I will become the success I am destined for. I am not doing what I love full-time. Everyday I acknowledge that every breathe holds endless amounts of opportunities. I am aware that I can decide what my future looks like. It’s doing the little things and walking in faith that keeps me going. I hope everyone who reads my words will get fired up about their own passions and never settle. Everyone has a path for greatness, may we all walk victorious.

_A.R Brown

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://instagram.com/a.r_brown?igshid=OGQ5ZDc2ODk2ZA==
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/A.R.TheWriter1?mibextid=LQQJ4d
• Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@a.r_brown?_t=8cv1E2IYAoQ&_r=1