AUTHOR PROFILE
Brad has degrees in biology, chemistry and law. He writes, paints, draws, photographs, hunts for mushrooms and snakes, and runs around naked in the Great Northwest. Since 1991, he has published poetry, essays and weird stuff in such publications as Edge Literary Journal, Pure Slush, On the Rusk Literary Journal, N Magazine, Sugar Mule, Barrow Street, Smoky Blue Literary Magazine, Aji Magazine and other quality publications. 2013 Pushcart Prize nominee. His art and photography have made it onto the front cover of Vine Leaves 2014 Anthology, and in nearly 20 other literary magazines.
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Why do you write?
I have too much to say, not enough time and not enough people to talk to. Besides, I just really enjoy seeing where the process takes me.
What other creative activities are you involved in?
I have been a painter and photographer, for many years, and have had some shows in the Portland, Oregon area. I was a nude model for ten years (which did entail a modest amount of creativity). I am currently a represented photo model. I play guitar, was a solo coffee house performer for 30 years, was a regional finalist in the International Songwriters’ Competition in about 2000, and nail Billy Joel and Neil Diamond at karaoke.
Who is your favorite author and why?
I would still rank Ernest Hemmingway and Joni Mitchell as my favorites because of their ability to paint with words.
Tell us about the mechanics of how you write.
Most of the time, I do not approach writing as a project, unless I am handed one. I may hear something on the news, or in conversation, or while I am running through the woods. I start with a line, and let it rip. I have had great success with prose poetry, a stream-of-consciousness exercise that is fun. It’s like dripping wet words on a sheet of paper, then tipping the paper upside down to see where they run. I am an attorney and I write all day, in a very structured and formulaic manner. So, when I sit down to write, creatively, I try to get rid of structure and let my thoughts speak for themselves.
Finally, what do you think about Carp, the fish, not our website?
Prehistoric, ancient, resourceful, hardy, functional and ok, when smoked.