Because I am institutionalized in the world of education, I have enrolled myself in a class to learn how to write magazine articles to strengthen that skill in my tool belt. This is the article I wrote as introduction. Thought I could share it here as an unofficial welcome if this is your first time joining me!
In between words there is a blank space filled with the unknowable, an ineffable drag of a cigarette filled with all the times you felt awkward in middle school, the murmur of the voice in the back of your head that tells you to eat the lettuce from Taco Bell. This is where my work exists, an exploration of the things you can’t fathom but try so hard to understand. Immutable truth masked by uncertainty.
Alright, I’m not that pretentious, but it’s not from lack of trying. I’m Erik Keevan, chair of the Horror Writers Association Seattle Chapter, recent recipient of an MFA in Creative Writing and Poetics from University of Washington, and writer of things too weird that my mom doesn’t read them. But that’s okay, because other people do.
While definitely horror, my work is a little less tangible than what that term often conjures. I enjoy surrealist explorations of the mind, the absurd comedy of the human condition, and the constant hunt for something new.
Look, I said I wasn’t that pretentious, not that I’m not pretentious.
In addition to writing, my passion is education and constant improvement of my craft, raising my own ship to help raise others’. I use my role within the HWA to host free and accessible craft workshops, host reading events for first time readers, and create a platform for new voices in the literary landscape. I love teaching and finding ways to connect with others. All while being spooky as fuck.
I’m taking this course largely because I’m institutionalized in education, always looking for ways to improve my writing and make it more accessible to others. I’ve written several articles published in various literary magazines, along with stories, films, and art pieces…but I’m looking to fill in the gaps I don’t know I don’t know. To help hone my voice and create articles which are informative but also entertaining, educational but not mired in academic speak. I want to show academics that there are others that can do their job while also having fun. And, preferably, make a tiny bit of money, at least.
I’m looking forward to this class and adding new tools to my writing tool kit, finding ways to parse my words into something more accessible, and to have a bit of fun along the way.
Good luck, don’t let the vampires rip your throat out.
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