Author Interview: Notes Of A Denver Native Son
I had the pleasure of interviewing one of the most inspiring, motivational, beautiful, and raw writers that I’ve ever met through social media, Adrian Michael Green. If you haven’t read any of his pieces, read the awesome interview below and then check out his work here
Tell us all a little bit about yourself. (i.e. Where you’re from, age if you want, when you started writing and why, etc.)
i was born in denver, colorado nine minutes after my twin brother. a summer soul i’ll be 27 on the 12th of july. growing up i was always surrounded by storytellers, people inclined to pass on what was passed onto them. my father owns a cultural center that housed a powerful open mic poetry set in the early 90′s: when i was 10 years old i think that’s when i really started writing, trying to play with words, my effort to find my own voice. writing to me has always been a release. over the years i have seen a major transformation of what i write about and i can see my own growth just by re-reading and glancing at old (and new) pieces. that is what writing is about, self-exploration.
Your FOURTH book, Notes Of A Denver Native Son, is coming out on July 4th! How do you feel about that?
i am excited! it’s hard holding back a huge grin knowing that a body of work i have created will be, i hope, in good company and help someone. i am all about making connections and my writing journey has linked me to amazing people who i will forever be indebted to.
five years ago i was living in oklahoma. away from home for the first time. i was teaching 2nd grade with teach for america in north tulsa. in that year i turned to writing and photography whenever i needed to clear my mind. a lot can happen for your soul when you are out of your element, away from your own surroundings, it either makes you or breaks you. tulsa was an experience that challenged me and upon my return home i was a different person.
july 4, 2014 has so much significance. there is beautiful independence that we celebrate which we can never take for granted not just as a country but as individuals. i made a conscious decision to make attempts to be the best version of myself and be conscious of the relationships i have with myself and others. that choice is freedom. i choose to live on purpose and love unconditionally. the 4th also represents the day i first spent time with my love.
What inspired you to write Notes of A Denver Native Son?
i used to write only when i was sad or when something bad happened. that type of expression served me but i noticed i couldn’t write just because. so i forced myself to get out of that habit.
“notes of a denver native son” in its infancy came about 8 months ago. over the past two years most of what i had written dealt with life, love and happiness. i’ve been in a good place and blessed to be in a relationship with a partner who doesn’t give up on me ( i can be difficult and am a work in progress ). 8 months ago i began writing daily motivators each day and sharing them with whoever would read them. they were positive messages about how to live each day to the fullest and after awhile i considered putting them into a book.
the inspiration really was my desire to become self-aware. to learn more and drill down and get to know myself, my behavior, and pinpoint areas for individual growth. this self-discovery “project” gave me time and space to look within and i wrote this book as a constant reminder of what my soul needs: poetic affirmations.
at the core of these notes is sage commentary on leading a meaningful and healthy existence with yourself and others. life, love, and happiness are vital for the soul which serves as our bodies’ rich soil: as planters need fertile soil to grow crops, our souls need special ingredients to thrive.
How would you describe your writing style?
my style has changed. sometimes i will write in prose or poetry. regardless of meter most of it always comes out poetic. it is interesting how that happens. i would say it is pseudo-confessional. i have been told i can be very ambiguous with my words but i think i’ve become more direct ( i can teeter between both styles ). it is always personal.
some have asked why i don’t capitalize. it’s simply a matter of choice, style and in some ways rebellion. as a writer i choose to follow certain writing rules and rhetoric and recognize the importance of standards but the focus should be on content. as i tell students, you must learn the rules and eventually you will be able to break them.
What is your favorite food and drink?
i am one the most indecisive people you will ever meet! if a menu has too many options best believe i am going to what i know ( i have gotten better at trying new things – i recently had alligator in louisiana )
i love chinese food ( chicken fried rice ) and lemonade with a lot of ice in a mason jar.
What do you think is the hardest part to writing a book?
a challenge of writing a book is deciding what you want to write about. getting over that hurdle gives direction and scope. another big challenge is finishing what you start — a good idea is nothing without action behind it. if you want to write a book ( which is a good idea ) get to writing!
What do you feel is the easiest part?
getting the finished product and holding it in your hands is the easiest part, the work is done! that may sound corny or a reach from the question but it really is the easiest and most fulfilling part. i may write a book that no one reads but i am so ecstatic just knowing that i finished what i started and can be proud of that.
What is your dream vacation?
i would love to eventually go to the south pacific off the coast of australia to fiji. they have beautiful crystal clear waterfalls. i love being around water.
Is there anything you’ve learned while writing your books? What?
i have learned a lot about myself. i am a hopeful romantic, an old soul that believes in romance, chivalry and love. it’s embedded in my current book. i have learned to be transparent and vulnerable and that my love & light is appreciated when i thought it wasn’t.
What projects are you working on now?
right now i am focused on promoting the new book. i poured my soul into this project and every time i pick it up and read some of the passages i learn something new.
What is your favorite movie?
the count of monte cristo is my all-time favorite movie. it is a beautiful love story.
What are your feelings on Self Publishing? What inspired you to write The Art of Self Publishing in 2013?
self-publishing gives so much autonomy and control of your own work. i believe in it because of the entrepreneur in me. i wrote it because many have asked questions about the process and i am all about helping others share their story and be successful. in 2013 i held a workshop on self-publishing and i wrote the book as preparation for it. i recommend everyone get it if they are interested in writing a book.
Do you listen to music while you’re writing? If so, what artists do you listen to?
music is the soundtrack to life! i always listen to music when i write. the artists i listen to depend on my mood. but i listen to the weeknd, drake, sade, amel larrieux, usher, tank ( to name a few ) or meditation music.
What is the best piece of advice you could give to aspiring authors/writers?
keep writing! don’t worry if someone will like it or not, it’s about you and reaching your own level of expression.
Is there anything you would like to say to your readers?
i am just so appreciative of anyone that takes the time to read my words. we all have a story to tell and i am thankful that i am able to share pieces of me with you. as writers, we open ourselves up and bare our souls. i hope you will add my latest book to your collection.
namaste.
Don’t forget to follow him on Instagram @ adrianmichaelgreen and help celebrate the release of his FOURTH book coming out tomorrow on July 4th, you can purchase it on Amazon or through his website here
