Interview with Issue 9’s Benjamin DeVos

Better late than never, right? The lateness, as always, is all mine. Issue 10’s lineup comes out tomorrow, folks. In the meantime, here’s Benjamin DeVos, author  of Issue 9’s “Honeymooners,” and if this picture is any indication, a real fucking badass.

 

How would you describe your work in 25 words or less?

Modest words starkly juxtaposed with bizarre imagery.

Tell me more about your poem “Honeymooners.”

I wrote “Honeymooners” when I was free writing over a cup of coffee. Sitcoms were very important to me as a child. Growing up in Philly, The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air was always on our television. My family owned every season of Full House. I can quote most Seinfeld episodes by heart. To me, the Honeymooners represent the enduring relevance of sitcoms, which randomly became the initial inspiration for a poem.

Who or what inspires you to write?

I’m moved by the idea of change. I enjoy developing an idea until it is unrecognizable, even distorted. At certain points in my life I have looked to people for inspiration, but once I developed the craft of writing there was no need. The strange, dark, and unnervingly normal are all inspiring to me, which includes the city where I grew up.

What do you consider to be your greatest influences?

My environment, current events, and past experiences. Music is one of my greatest influences when I’m sitting down to actually write. I use the harmonies and melodies to enhance my emotional state, and thus my writing.

Any advice for fellow writers?

Try something different. Don’t scrounge for inspiration, it will come. Listen. Go out and have experiences. Experiment. I used to be super stringent about my writing routine, but the result was too much stress.

What are you currently working on?

I finished drafting my first novel last year, but fell out of love with the project. I’m currently deciding whether or not to scrap the book, while simultaneously writing poetry and short stories.

Where can we read your work next?

This year I have work coming out in WhiskeyPaper, Pantheon, Milkfist, Cardinal Sins, and Apocrypha and Abstractions.

Anything else you’d like to add?

Thanks to Kevin and Bop Dead City. Keep on rockin’ in the free world.