Author, Jason Beam
Poem: Bones of the Dragon
Apologue of the Immortals
Tell us a little about your background and what led you to writing.
I’m a writer, photographer, and vlogger from Oklahoma. I’ve always been drawn to stories and storytelling in any form and have been wanting to write my own stories since I could read.
How or when did you realize you wanted to be an author?
I wanted to be an author since the first time I picked up a book. It wasn’t til my teen years did I realize I mainly wanted to write poetry.
What is your writing process like?
With poetry, I tend to write it almost automatically. With fiction, it’s different. An idea will come to me as a visual scene. Then slowly, more context will come. When I feel like I know how we got to that opening scene, I’ll write it. It’s all improvisation. I never know where it’s going when I’m writing.
What inspires you to write?
A little of everything. Life, things people have said, experiences I’ve had, dreams. Mostly, because I can’t keep everything inside.
What part does writing play in your life?
It’s never an afterthought. Words and language are as part of my everyday life as food and water. I’m always thinking about the next thing I’ll write.
What are your aspirations for your writing journey?
I hope to start publishing my work. Right now, it’s only on blogs with a limited audience.
What is something you know now about writing you wish you knew when you started?
There’s no right way or wrong way to write. Your poem or story or article or screenplay or whatever will show you how to write it.
Describe your favorite character (you created). Why?
Most of my characters are just me, with some added things. So I guess I’m my favorite.
Which author(s) inspires you as a writer?
Haruki Murakami, Raymond Carver, Ray Bradbury, Stephen King, Joyce Carol Oates, Shirley Jackson, Banana Yoshimoto, Bruce Boston, Y. B. Yeats, John Crowley, and too many songwriters to name.
What advice would you give newly aspiring authors?
Write for you. Don’t worry what anyone else will think. Be open to constructive criticism but don’t compromise your vision.
What works can your readers expect to see in the near future?
I write poetry regularly on a blog (https://jasonbeampoetry.wordpress.com) and I’m in the process of trying to get my debut poetry collection off the ground.
How can your readers find more about you and your works?
Follow my blog on WordPress and I’m active on Twitter @JasonBeam14