Stats:
- Location: Brooklyn, New York
- Tenure: 13 years
- Projects: Author of Let Me Speak and Jacob’s Ladder. Co-authored Self, Crow and Crow Series and soon to be released Grey with roommate, friend, and painter Jason Griffin.
- Web: www.increase-decrease.com, www.myspace.com/48393653
1. What is your mission statement as a writer?
My mission is straightforward. Poetry without pretense. You wont need a degree to understand it. Or a dictionary. Young people, it’s only a few lines. Elders, we still write poetry. I write so we can see ourselves. All of us. Eloquent, cool, complicated, plain, and simple. Complicated, plain and simple.
2. Being a writer can be a discouraging journey. Describe a moment, where you said it’s all worth it?
I knew it was worth it when I, and Jason Douglas Griffin released a book called Self. The book cost around 30 thousand dollars to print, and we were forced to charge people 50 dollars to purchase one (so we could somehow break even). The amount of support from people all over the country was uncanny, and unexpected. The response from some of the “untouchables” i.e., publishing execs, magazines, etc. was almost surreal. Children, elders, writers, musicians, painters, photographers, the too-cools and the geeks all expressed an appreciation for what we had done. That was one moment of reaffirmation.
Oh, and when my mother told me to go to New York, and chase my dream because I was good enough. Whatever she says is golden.
3. If you weren’t working in the arts, what would you do or be?
If I wasn’t working in the literary arts, I would be a musician. A rock star! It’s probably the only other thing I would want to devote all of my time and energy to. I would love to be on stage with my guitar, singing and rocking out! Music is by far one of the most awesome gifts God has ever given to me and to the world. Who knows, I’m only 23.
4. What is the key to becoming a better writer?
The key to becoming a better writer is to READ! It’s obvious that you have to write as much as possible, but you’d be surprised at how many writers don’t read. Reading expands your vocabulary, as well gives you insight on style, and approach. It also helps you appreciate the people who have earned their stripes, and furthered the literary world, to make room for young writers. Also, it’s very important to be courageous. Have the guts to write what you want to write, the way you want to write it. Sometimes, I think writers forget that this is still a “creative” art form. Don’t be afraid to push it. After all, Shakespeare did.
5. Where do you see yourself in the next decade?
In the next decade, I see myself with a wife, and a few kids who will come hug me around the neck and tell me secrets while I sit in my office and show them pictures of all the friends I’ve made along the way. And writing.
Artist’s Work
June 19th, 2007 at 8:44 pm
J Reynolds…what’s up my man! This lyrical, Archie’s writing partner in Baltimore. I’m so glad to see the site, and to continue to hear good things about you. You know in our field, of what we do, I’m always looking to see who is doing something differnt, doing something progressive, it helps keep my hunger going. Reading your bio really hit home, because I’m in the midst of going out to Cali for grad school…and you know all the apprehensions that come with a move like that, but like I said I’m glad to see you sticking it out in N.Y. I wish you all the best homie!