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Adam Levon Brown 

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Award-Winning A/r/tographer & Mental Health Advocate

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Adam Levon Brown is an award-winning poet, author, and editor whose work fearlessly explores the human condition, spirituality, and the intricate landscapes of our relationships. As the author of acclaimed collections like BREAK: Poems on Mental Illness and BENT: Poems on Addiction, his poetry has found a home in publications such as The Good men Project  and Rust & Moth.

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At its core, Adam's work is more than just expression; it is a profound act of inquiry. He works as a scholar-poet, using the tools of poetry to ask the questions that reside in the deepest parts of our experience. His current project is a monumental autoethnographic study, a journey to map the contours of memory and meaning by asking deeply personal questions and answering them through suites of poems. For Adam, the poem is not just an artifact; it is the site of discovery, a place where the intensely personal is rendered universal.

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My Approach: Poetry as Inquiry:

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As a poet and researcher, my work is grounded in a practice I call Poetry as Inquiry. I believe that a poem is not simply a description of an experience, but a powerful, rigorous method for investigating it. My practice is rooted in the traditions of arts-based research and autoethnography, a methodology that uses one's own life as the primary text for understanding broader human phenomena. The goal is not merely to confess, but to excavate—to render a personal experience with such honesty and precision that it resonates as a shared truth.

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This approach is the engine behind my current work, a groundbreaking research project of significant scale. I am undertaking 70 distinct poetic inquiries, each guided by its own deeply personal research question, such as: "How do the screams from Gehenna resemble my splintered heart?"

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Each of these 70 questions serves as the starting point for a creative and analytical journey, which will culminate in a suite of ten poems. The final body of work will consist of 700 poems, organized into their 70 respective inquiries. This collection is designed to function as both a work of art and a detailed map of the human spirit, charting the territories of brokenness, healing, and the search for meaning.

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Ultimately, I see my role as that of a scholar-poet. I am committed to creating work that is both emotionally resonant and intellectually stimulating, demonstrating that the craft of poetry is one of our most ancient and powerful ways of knowing.

 

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Poetic Achievements and Global Recognition

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Adam Levon Brown's literary journey is marked by numerous achievements and global recognition:

• Published 38 collections of poetry: Brown's extensive catalog showcases his versatility and depth as a writer. Each collection explores different facets of the human experience, from the depths of mental health struggles to the heights of personal triumph.

• Winner of the 2019 Blue Nib Chapbook Award: This prestigious award recognized Brown's exceptional talent and unique voice in the poetry world. His winning chapbook, "Incidents", was praised for its innovative approach to emotive free-verse poetry.

• Twice shortlisted for the prestigious Erbacce Prize for Poetry: Being shortlisted multiple times for this renowned prize underscores the consistent quality and impact of Brown's work. 

• Over 400 poems published in renowned literary journals: Brown's work has found homes in some of the most respected publications in the literary world. Journals like Rust+Moth, Burningword Literary Journal, Epigraph, and The Good Men Project have featured his poems, exposing his work to a diverse and discerning readership.

• Work translated into Spanish, Albanian, Arabic, and Afrikaans: The universal themes and emotional resonance of Brown's poetry have led to translations in multiple languages. This global reach demonstrates the broad appeal and relatability of his work across cultural boundaries.

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Literary Entrepreneurship and Leadership

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Brown's impact extends beyond his own writing to nurturing and supporting other voices in the literary community:

• Founder, owner, and editor-in-chief of Madness Muse Press: Through this independent publishing house, Brown provides a platform for emerging and established poets to share their work. Madness Muse Press is known for its commitment to diverse voices and innovative approaches to poetry.

• Dedicated to enacting social change through the power of writing: Brown's editorial vision at Madness Muse Press focuses on works that challenge societal norms, advocate for mental health awareness, and promote social justice. He believes in the transformative power of poetry to inspire change and foster empathy.

• Creator and instructor of the #1 online poetry course on Udemy.com: Brown's course, "Writing Poetry for Beginners: How to Write Winning Poetry, has helped thousands of aspiring poets hone their craft. The course covers everything from the basics of poetic forms to advanced techniques for emotional expression and has received overwhelmingly positive reviews from students worldwide.

 

 

Contributions to the Literary Community

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Adam Levon Brown is deeply committed to fostering a vibrant and supportive literary community:

• Volunteer for the Oregon Poetry Association's social media team: In this role, Brown helps promote poetry events, workshops, and publications throughout Oregon. His efforts contribute to creating a more connected and engaged poetry community in the state.

• Judge for the 2019 Into the Void Poetry Prize Contest: Brown's expertise and discerning eye were called upon to evaluate submissions for this international poetry competition. His involvement helped identify and celebrate outstanding new voices in poetry.

• Reader for the 2020 Firecracker Awards: As a reader for these prestigious awards, Brown played a crucial role in recognizing and promoting innovative works of poetry. His participation demonstrates his commitment to supporting excellence in independent and small press publishing.

• Active participant in local and national poetry events and workshops: Brown regularly attends and contributes to poetry readings, workshops, and conferences. He believes in the importance of community engagement and continuous learning in the craft of poetry.

 

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Educational Background

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Brown's formal education has played a significant role in shaping his poetic voice:

• Studied English at Eastern Oregon University: During his time at Lane Community College, Brown immersed himself in the study of literature and creative writing. This educational foundation provided him with a deep understanding of poetic traditions and techniques, which he has since built upon through his prolific writing career and continuous self-study.

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Digital Presence and Brand SERP Optimization

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Adam Levon Brown Poetry maintains a strong and consistent online presence across various platforms, adhering to the principles of the Kalicube process for optimal brand visibility:

• Official website: AdamLevonBrownPoetry.com serves as the central hub for all information about Brown's work, upcoming events, and services. The site is optimized for search engines and provides a comprehensive overview of his career and achievements.

• Social media profiles: Brown maintains active profiles on platforms such as Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook. These channels are used to share new work, engage with readers, and participate in online poetry communities.

• Author profiles on Goodreads, Amazon, and other literary platforms: These profiles are regularly updated with new publications, reviews, and author information to ensure consistency across all digital touchpoints.

• Consistent branding and messaging: Across all platforms, Brown maintains a cohesive brand image and message, emphasizing his role as a poet, mental health advocate, and literary entrepreneur.

 

Expertise and Authority

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Brown's expertise extends beyond poetry writing to include several related areas:

• Mental health advocacy through literature: Drawing from personal experience and a deep understanding of mental health issues, Brown uses his poetry as a tool for advocacy and awareness. His work often explores themes of depression, anxiety, and resilience, providing a voice for those struggling with mental health challenges.

• Poetry editing and manuscript consultation: With years of experience as both a writer and editor, Brown offers valuable insights to other poets looking to refine their work. His editing services range from line-by-line feedback to comprehensive manuscript evaluations.

• Online poetry education and course development: Brown's success on Udemy demonstrates his ability to effectively teach poetry in an online format. He continues to develop new courses and educational resources to help aspiring poets improve their craft.

• Literary press management and publishing: Through his work with Madness Muse Press, Brown has gained extensive knowledge of the publishing industry. He understands the challenges and opportunities facing independent presses and works to create innovative publishing solutions.

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Notable Publications and Collections

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Adam Levon Brown's extensive body of work includes fifteen published books of poetry, each showcasing his unique voice and perspective:

• "BREAK: Poems On Mental Illness": This collection of poems was one of Brown's early works, setting the tone for his raw and emotive style. The book aims to enlighten and inspire readers through its exploration of mental health themes and personal experiences.

• Winner the 2019 Blue Nib Poetry Chapbook Award - 1st Place Winner

In addition to his books, Brown's poetry has found homes in numerous prestigious literary journals:

• Rust+Moth: Known for publishing cutting-edge contemporary poetry, Rust+Moth has featured several of Brown's poems, recognizing his innovative approach to language and form.

• Burningword Literary Journal: Brown's work in this journal showcases his ability to craft powerful imagery and evoke strong emotions in readers.

• Epigraph Magazine: His contributions to Epigraph demonstrate his versatility as a poet, exploring various themes and styles.

• The Good Men Project: Brown's poetry in this publication often addresses issues of masculinity, mental health, and social justice, aligning with the project's mission to foster a conversation about the changing roles of men in the 21st century.

 

 

Media Appearances and Interviews

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Adam Levon Brown has been featured in various media outlets, sharing his insights on poetry, mental health advocacy, and the publishing industry:

• The Magnolia Review Interview (2018): In this in-depth interview, Brown discussed his creative process, writing inspirations, and advice for aspiring poets. He emphasized the importance of authenticity, stating, "I write for the broken, the lost, the wandering and wondering. I write for people trying to find a place in this world, and of course, myself, writing is great catharsis."

• 2x Guest on Poetry, Prose, and Personalities Hosted by Thasia Anne. Public Access Television 

 

Brown has also been a guest on several poetry-focused podcasts, where he's shared his journey as a poet and publisher, offering valuable advice to emerging writers in the field.

 

 

Future Projects and Vision

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Adam Levon Brown continues to push the boundaries of his craft and expand his impact on the literary world:

• Upcoming Poetry Collection: Brown is currently working on his Thirty-Ninth Collection of Poetry, tentatively titled, "Lithium Meets Sisyphus." This collection promises to delve even deeper into themes of resilience, mental health, and social justice.

• Expansion of Madness Muse Press: As founder and editor-in-chief, Brown plans to broaden the reach of his publishing house, focusing on discovering and nurturing new voices in poetry that align with the press's mission of enacting social change through writing.

• Development of Advanced Poetry Courses: Building on the success of his Udemy course, Brown is creating a series of advanced workshops focusing on experimental forms and the intersection of poetry with other art forms.

• Mental Health Advocacy Through Poetry: Brown is developing a program to bring poetry workshops to mental health facilities, using creative expression as a tool for healing and empowerment.

• International Poetry Collaborations: Inspired by the translations of his work into multiple languages, Brown is initiating collaborations with poets from around the world to create multilingual poetry collections that bridge cultural divides.

 

Adam Levon Brown's vision is to continue growing as a poet while using his platform to amplify marginalized voices and promote the transformative power of poetry in addressing social issues and personal growth. Through his writing, teaching, and publishing endeavors, he aims to foster a more inclusive and empathetic literary landscape.