Today we’d like to introduce you to Kristian Zenz

Hi Kristian, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?

I am a writer, an author, and a student of life.
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The latter sounds strange, but it is only true. I was 15 when this website was born; now 20. I am an English and philosophy double major, and the author of three books.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Since then, I have published my first novel, along with taking endeavors in short stories, poetry, and more.

In a world that is slowly becoming plagued by an absence of creative thinking, I aim to be the light in a surrounding, revolving darkness.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?

It has been both. I have had the freedom to be creative thanks to my family, but have definitely struggled to distribute my art to the masses. This may be partially due to the image I give off- whatever a writer or a poet or a creative type looks like, whatever expectations people develop, I tend to fall far away from those.

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?

I have been primarily a poet since the end of 2019, but am looking to finish a new novel by 2025. I would say I am most well known for my theatrical, emotional delivery when reading on stage. I would attest to the latter also being the very thing that sets me apart. I have a confidence and a poised presence and strong belief in my words. I want those that may be watching to become lost in these words and forget about whatever may be troubling them at the time.

If we knew you growing up, how would we have described you?

I like to say that I am more similar to my young self now than compared to middle and high school. I am still growing up, and will be until my final day. I was always interested in the creation of something, whether that’s with LEGO, words, the world around me, a paintbrush, or a pencil. The medium is always changing but the spirit never dies. I consider myself a deeper thinker, sometimes to my disadvantage. I consider myself a hard worker, sometimes to my disadvantage. I consider myself poetic and clever, usually to my advantage.

Pricing:

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

Contact Info:

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

Image Credits

Photography by Kristian Zenz, Keanu Moua. Artwork by Kristian Zenz, Jean Dexter Sobon.