We were lucky to catch up with Aaron D’Anthony Brown recently and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Aaron thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Can you take us back in time to the first dollar you earned as a creative – how did it happen? What’s the story?

Another stressful day at the daycare came to an end. Then came my quick jaunt over to the local grocery store. With a frown on my face, the priority was to get in, get out, socialize with no one. Then a male voice said, “You have some nice shoes.” I looked from the cheese over to a young man, probably a little older than me, staring back. He held a few groceries. I thanked him and hoped the conversation would end there. A stranger complimenting me was beyond random and strange. I didn’t trust him. Instead, I was wondering what he was hoping to sell.

He approached and asked me where I got my fancy shoes from. I answered and a conversation ensued. Unlike my fear, he didn’t have anything for me to buy. He just wanted to get some shoes of his own. Chatter about what to wear turned into curiosity about my life. A genuine curiosity. I told him that I worked at a daycare and was desperate to do something else. My heart had been aching for what I was passionate about – writing. I admitted to being desperate, to praying about it, and to being frustrated. He had good news for me.

Imagine the surprise I felt when this stranger said that he worked for a Christian publication looking for new talent. The publication was local too. We exchanged info and he promised to put in a good word for me after I sent him a sample. About two weeks later, his editor messaged me and I received my first assignment. The process required some effort as I learned the style of tone of the publication, but learn I did. I was determined. That was 2019.

All these years later, I am still writing for Salem Web Network. They run a number of different websites, and today, instead of being assigned articles, I am allowed to pick my own. They trust me, and my writing, and I’ve contributed plenty to an ever growing readership.

Aaron, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

Writing has been a passion of mine since childhood. College provided an opportunity to cultivate the talent, and professional work gave me the chance to share my skillset. I began as a freelance writer contributing pieces to Salem Web Network. From there, I tried my hand at Upwork, which provided opportunities to write for more companies and individuals. People came to me with ideas and I turned those ideas into fully-fledged manuscripts. I believe that stories are for ordinary people seeking extraordinary places. As of today, I’ve helped so many clients take their readers to that extraordinary place. My clientele includes the likes of Tanner Pharma Group, Municibid, Jay David, and many more. My portfolio includes short stories, novels, blogs, movie reviews, script writing, ghostwriting, and so much in between. There’s little that I can’t do.

In August of 2024 I self-published Honey Dreams, a collection of short stories chronicling my relationships with women both real and imagined as I sought to understand that which I desired. The experience was monumental because instead of just writing for others, I did something for myself. The plan is to make that anthology one of many more to come!

In January of 2025, the follow-up to Achromatic Chronicles: Blue will be published by Rippaverse Comics!

We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?

As many artists can probably relate to, there is a prevailing notion that being an artist is not worthwhile because of the almost guaranteed financial struggles. The term “starving artist” came into existence for a reason. There is certainly wisdom in finding stability in life, but stifling your creative ability is in fact, unwise. Sometimes we have to find an anchor while exploring new possibilities. Practically speaking, maintaining a full-time, or even part-time job, while trying to build your art, will ensure that your skills don’t die. There are too many people who have talents, but choose not to cultivate them. Sometimes sacrifices ought to be made, such as if you are taking care of a family. However, if you have the means to build your art, then make sure you make the time.

I didn’t become a freelancer until years after college, and it only happened after I prayed and took a chance. I was furloughed from my job and ended up trying the freelance thing while I could safely do so financially. One job led to another, which led to another and so on. Things worked out. I’m not rolling in millions, but I am stable and far more prosperous than I was in the previous line of work. Sometimes you just have to take a chance.

In your view, what can society to do to best support artists, creatives and a thriving creative ecosystem?

Perhaps I am in the minority, but social media doesn’t interest me, especially as I see people struggle to converse and form meaningful relationships in person. Why do we see that particular resource as the ONLY way to reach an audience or fellow artists? I wonder what life would be like if local galleries and theaters put out calls for local, unknown artists, and if the community came to support such individuals. Then perhaps some of the creatives who aren’t as talented would get less attention and those with the skills would be more likely to be discovered.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.aarondanthony.com

Image Credits

Sandra Marr, Christian Rumley