Niteblade

Posts Tagged ‘Brian Rosenberger’

Brian Rosenberger poems have been published in several anthologies and books. Visit him on the web at http://home.earthlink.net/~brosenberger/.

When did you first recognize yourself as a poet?

In my early twenties, I began writing poetry. These early efforts were influenced by Charles Bukowski and Henry Rollins. I’m still big fans of both. I also really enjoyed the work of Charles Baudelaire. Being a teenager in the 80’s, I was also a big heavy metal fan, drawn equally to the music as well as the lyrics. Bands like Iron Maiden, Slayer, Testament, Metallica, Antrax, Black Sabbath were also influences.

What draws you to speculative poetry?

I grew up on monster movies and horror films. I’ve always learned more to the darker side of fantasy. While I enjoy sword and sorcery and space opera, horror is ingrained in my DNA. I use to publish a poetry ezine called Decompositions and published a lot of well known and lesser known spec poets. That was really the jumpstart for me writing speculative poetry.

Is there a piece of writing advice you’ve never followed?

Most likely but nothing I recall specifically. The best piece of advice is the old adage, a writer writes. That has considerable weight. If you’re not putting in the time, you’re not going to yield results.

In the June 2010 issue of Niteblade, Rhonda chose to publish your poem, “Flea Market Zombies”. It was also the inspiration for the cover that month. Is there a story behind the poem?

As a kid in Smalltown, IN, I always enjoyed exploring our local flea market which was affectionately called the Sale Barn. I was usually hunting for comic books but it was always fun to rummage through the various vendors’ wares. One person could be selling socks, fruits and vegetables, roach clips, bootleg cassettes, ninja stars, rabbits, and fishing lures all out of the same van. It was a fun time. “Flea Market Zombies” was drawn from those memories.

What have you been working on lately?

No big projects. Real life has intervened as it sometimes does so writing as been on the backburner the past few months. I had three books released last year, a collection of short stories (As the Worm Turns) and two poetry collections (Scream For Me and And For My Next Trick). Once things stabilize on a personal level, I hope to resume pen to paper. In the meantime, my “Ideas” folder continues to grow. A writer writes after all.

Is there anything else you’d like to share with Niteblade’s readers?

Thanks for the opportunity for the interview. I have work forthcoming (hopefully) in Terror of Miskatonic Falls, Ruby Red Cravings, Splatterpunk is Not Dead!, and a variety of other places.

See you in the shadows.