Writer and Poet
Allen Keith
Allen Keith is a writer living in Winston Salem, North Carolina. His debut poetry collection, The Average American, released February 1, 2022. He is currently working on multiple projects across multiple media platforms while enjoying time loving the world around him.
Get To Know Allen
Where are you originally from?
I was born in Lynchburg, Virginia but then almost immediately was relocated to Central Florida, where I lived for 32 years before finally succumbing to the heat and landing here in North Carolina.
What genre or category would you place your writing?
I have an issue with writing. That issue is that I just can’t focus on one genre. I might write some poems one day and the next write an episode of a sitcom or a chapter or a short story. I tend to just write what comes to me when it happens, naturally, and not force myself into any sort of box.
Is there any “secret” to your process?
Actually, no. Like most other writers, I’m just a voyeur. I have the unique ability to view what I see in the world around me from multiple angles. I use what I observe to create.
Who are you favorite writers?
That depends on what we’re talking about. As far as storytelling goes, I’ve always been a huge Vonnegut fan. Then maybe Stephen Hunter, Tami Hoag and a few others. Comedy, I’m a fan of Tina Fey, Norm MacDonald, Seth Rogen, Kevin Smith. There’s more than a few there. Poetry, I would have to say Ice Cube, Kris Parker aka KRS-One, Chuck D and myself, really. Honestly, I try to read different poets and find that ultimately, I don’t have a real favorite, but more a bunch of favorite poems.
What do you enjoy writing most?
Words. I kid. I just enjoy writing but if I had to rank my favorite thing to write it would have to be comedy or anything with a comedic or sarcastic tone. A very close second favorite would be social commentary. My least favorite thing to write is eulogies.
Do you have any hobbies outside of writing?
I enjoy being outside, in nature, most of the time. Whether it’s hiking or camping or just walking around our property, I just love being outside, soaking up what we have around us. I think most of humanity fails to see the value of nature and our environment. I have my best ideas when on a walk through the woods. I also enjoy learning about historical events. I graduated from college with a degree in History so it has always been kin of a first love. Other than that, I’m an avid motor sports fan.
What advice would you give to a budding writer?
Just write. Write whatever comes to you. Don’t worry about what “others will think” about your writing. Write for yourself. Ultimately, some people will like and understand your writing and others won’t. Don’t get caught up in trying to appease everyone. Write for yourself and you will find your audience.
