Meet R. Alan Brooks of The Burning Metronome in Baker

Today we’d like to introduce you to R. Alan Brooks.

R. Alan, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
In 2016, I was running a health insurance agency. I was doing okay at it, but I was utterly unfulfilled. So, I quit and decided that I’d pursue a career in writing comic books and graphic novels. That was the first thing I’d ever loved since I was five years old, so I really wanted to give it a try. I self-published “The Burning Metronome” graphic novel in August of 2017. It’s sort of a cross between “The Twilight Zone” and “Usual Suspects” – a supernatural murder mystery with social commentary. I wrote it and worked with artists Dion Harris, Matt Strackbein and Kevin Caron for the illustrations. The first chapter of the book deals with police brutality, and that got me interviewed by Westword, Denver Post, 9News, and Colorado Public Radio, etc.

Since the release of the book, I’ve also begun writing a weekly comic for the Colorado Sun newspaper, “What’d I Miss?”, which is illustrated by Cori Redford. It’s the story of a white woman in her 50s, who’s been in a coma for 30 years, and her black neighbor, who is in his 20s. They discuss life, society, and politics. I’ve also begun writing educational comics for Pop Culture Classroom, the non-profit that puts on Denver Pop Culture Con (formerly Denver Comic Con). And here’s a really exciting thing: in July of 2019, I’ll be in a position at Regis University, teaching graphic novel writing for their Master’s program! Oh, and I just signed with a literary agent in New York, who is pitching my book to publishers!

So, that’s great stuff. And I didn’t mention it, but I also rap with a jazz band twice a month at Ophelia’s Electric Soapbox. And I host a podcast focused on marginalized voices in the geek world, called “Mother F**ker In A Cape.” It’s available on iTunes, Stitcher, Spotify, etc.

Finally, I wrote a movie script for a director friend in Atlanta, who is working to make the film later this year.

So, life is good!

Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
The primary challenges I’ve faced have been reducing my expenses in order to pursue these dreams. For the last couple of years, I’ve made very little money and had to struggle to pay my bills. But I always saw forward progress with every effort, so I’m on the verge of those things changing!

Please tell us more about what you do, what you are currently focused on and most proud of.
My business is writing, and it seems to be going well. Primarily, I’d credit most of the recent success to the fact that I always hit my deadlines, am easy to work with, and always FINISH things.

Even if I wasn’t a good writer, those attributes would get me more work than writers who are temperamental, and consistently late with their work.

What is “success” or “successful” for you?
I suppose that my personal definition of success is living a fulfilled life, in such a way that my essential needs are taken care of.

Pricing:

• The Burning Metronome Hardcover Graphic Novel $25

Contact Info:

• Website: www.theburningmetronome.com
• Email: alan@theburningmetronome.com
• Instagram: @theburningmetronome.com
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theburningmetronome/
• Twitter: @R_Alan_writes

Image Credit:
Photo 1 by Matthew Vermillion, Photo 2 by Justine Ramirez

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