Several times a month we connect with our contributors showing where they have been, where they are now, and what’s up for the future.
Name: Brian Benson
Title of Pieces Published in Sweet: Please Take Your Litter Home & Love Story
Volume: 16
You can find Brian in Portland, Oregon where we are hoping he will be receiving good news from our Pushcart nomination! Find out more about Brian on his website.
What are some major accomplishments you have had since your Sweet publication?
I’ve published essays in a few stellar journals, including Pithead Chapel, BULL Lit, Scrawl Place, and Bending Genres.
Can you tell us about a current/ongoing project that you’re excited about?
I’m currently working on an essay collection about my questions around and hopes for modern masculinity. Depending on when you ask me, I’d either say it’s almost done or it will never be done.
Who is your favorite author?
Sorry to cop out here, but there’s no way I can pick one favorite, so I’m going to just rattle off five that I love: Jo Ann Beard, Kiese Laymon, George Saunders, Eula Biss, Sigrid Nunez.
What is your favorite poem/essay/book?
Very bad at favorites, so just including what first comes to mind. Poem: “Instructions on Not Giving Up,” by Ada Limon. Essay: “The Fourth State of Matter,” by Jo Ann Beard. Book: “The God of Small Things,” by Arundhati Roy.
What inspires you to write?
Reading great books, reading not-great books, watching films, walking in the forest, living through really awful moments, living through really beautiful moments, conversations with friends, listening to others read their writing aloud, listening to others, period.
What are you reading right now?
I just finished Tom Spanbauer’s “I Loved You More,” and I just began Mosab Abu Toha’s “Forest of Noise.”
What is your favorite sweet?
Mint chip ice cream. Boring, I know, but I fell in love at a young age and it’s endured. I still haven’t made it myself but someday, someday.
I love mint chip ice cream! Especially with some chocolate sauce on top. Check out this great recipe from Chew Out Loud if you want to try making your own.
Thank you, Brian, for taking the time to reconnect with us again! Congratulations on your Pushcart nomination. We look forward to seeing more of your work in the future!
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