Today we’d like to introduce you to AR Brown.
Hi AR; it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for sharing your story with us- to start, maybe you can share some of your backstories with our readers.
My story begins with my definition of ordinary. I was born to unmarried teenage parents. Being raised by a single black mom placed me in categories surrounding a lot of negative stereotypes. My father was murdered when I was four. His death brought a new awareness to my young mind. As a child, I loved reading. I was drawn to music and poetry; (HipHop & RnB), Dr. Seuss and Shel Silverstein (author of Where the Sidewalk Ends). The melodies and rhymes provided an escape from the chaos surrounding me. It cultivated my creative side which would shield me from a path of destruction.
Can you talk to us about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Being a teenager is hard. Drowned with adult knowledge but locked in a child’s perspective, it can be very impressionable. In my first year of high school, I became a military brat. I was forced to move away from my home, my family, and familiar environment. Moving from the west coast to the south was a huge culture shock. Everything was different from the life I was used to. Depression and suicide occupied my mind a lot during those times. Poetry became my dearest friend. A lot of what was published in my first title, “My Thoughts Written In Words,” reflects this time period. Life is obstacle enough, but I am a survivor. After self-publishing my first poetry collection I gained a new sense of purpose. I realized I was not a robot only alive to collect and pay off debts. With my poetry I had a voice.
Please tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others.
My first book proved that anything I really put my mind to, could and would be accomplished. I was eager to continue creating. The second
poetry collection was followed quickly after the 1st in 2019 titled “My Thoughts Written In Words 2.” This collection reflects a time of discovery in my early adulthood until turning 30. My hunger and passion sprung out of my frustrations. I had to find meaning in my life, writing poetry gave me just that. Currently putting the last touches on my fourth collection “Consciously Poetic” I reflect on my journey and appreciate all my experiences as I look forward to conquering new ones.
Any advice for finding a mentor or networking in general?
We all have difficulties and hardships. I want my writing to reflect hope and inspire change. Through my poetry, I want others to see themselves and recognize the madness that keeps them held back and stuck. I hope my poetry can inspire hundreds, and my words enhance ordinary lives. I want my poetry to reflect the struggles and triumphs of our modern society. Ultimately, my advice is always stay true to yourself while loving hard and laughing harder.
Contact info:
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/young.brown.94
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/a.r_brown?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=https:/
- Other: www.tiktok.com/@a.r_brown?_t=8XP4CN3i9s6&_r=1
