Adrian Potter
Adrian Potter’s relationship with writing is one marked by both conflict and catharsis. Growing up in a household where art and literature were acknowledged but not fully embraced, Adrian found himself torn between the rigid expectations of his father’s military background and his own burgeoning creative instincts. "My mom developed an appreciation for the arts and literature, but my father didn’t 'get' the idea of sinking time and energy into writing," he reflects. Despite the occasional judgmental comments, both parents supported his creative endeavors, albeit out of what Adrian describes as "parental obligation."
Writing as Catharsis
The complexities of Adrian’s relationship with his father, who suffered from the lingering effects of PTSD after surviving the Korean and Vietnam Wars, have left a profound imprint on his writing. "We butted heads during my childhood, partly due to his PTSD and partly due to me simply being an asshole because I knew no better than to mimic him," he admits. His father’s death before they could reconcile has fueled countless poems and prose pieces as Adrian continues to decipher the "code" of how his father’s issues became his own unwanted inheritance. "I have visited this subject too many times in my writing, but I keep wandering back," he says, acknowledging the cathartic nature of his work.
The Balance Between Structure and Spirit
Adrian’s formal education in engineering and business provided him with a grounding in logic and analysis, yet his passion for writing persisted. "There has always been a yin and yang balance between those rigid topics and the free spirit of writing," he explains. After taking a hiatus from writing during his college years, Adrian made a promise to himself that if writing was vital, he would return to it after graduation. "A week after finishing grad school, I was a prodigal son who returned to sit in front of a computer with a pen, paper, and assorted books, praying for inspiration," he recalls. From that moment on, writing became an integral part of his life.
Although his formal literary education is limited to a minor in English and a few workshops, Adrian’s approach to writing is one of relentless self-education. "I hunkered down and read tons from writers I admire and writers the world adores," he shares. Through this process, he moved from imitation to innovation, focusing on the uncomfortable "sweet spot" where he feels other writers could have pushed further. This journey has led him to develop a unique voice, one that loiters in the space between the exquisite and the terrible, the gorgeous and the horrific.
Experimentation and Innovation
Adrian’s creative journey is defined by a willingness to experiment with different forms and mediums. "Lately, I love playing around and developing poems in the forms of other non-literary things—footnotes, indexes, liner notes, letters, prescriptions, eulogies, instructions, dialogues, etc.," he explains. For him, the challenge lies in taking something mundane and transforming it into rich farmland for literary seeds. "Life is too short to be boring," he adds, emphasizing his commitment to trying something different, failing, and then trying again until it comes together just right.
The themes and motifs that recur in Adrian’s work reflect his ongoing obsessions—toxic relationships, good music, hard liquor, racial inequality, sexual tension, angst, mythology, noir films, social commentary, ghost stories, grief, and urban legends. "I love creating things that juxtapose the exquisite with the terrible," he says. Much of his work is rooted in the Midwest, both as a place and a concept, providing a backdrop for his exploration of these themes.
Creative Process and Challenges
Balancing a demanding day job, family life, and creative pursuits, Adrian’s writing time is often shoehorned into the margins of the day—early mornings or late nights. "I usually have a few projects in the hopper that build upon each other," he notes, but he also leaves room for "loosies"—meandering one-off ideas that may not fit into a larger project. When inspiration wanes, Adrian turns to the impossible coolness of Blue Note jazz album cover art and titles for a creative spark.
One particularly rewarding project came when a co-worker asked Adrian to write an uplifting mantra during a challenging time. "I went in trying to be all YouTube-channel-self-help-like and came out the other side with something surprisingly poetic, authentic, and helpful," he recalls. This experience reminded him that not everything turns out as planned, but sometimes, that’s exactly what makes it perfect.
Reflections and Aspirations
Adrian’s work often centers on "heavy shit"—the hustle, the struggle, melancholy, and malaise. "I suppose I do have a talent for sadness," he muses. Yet, he finds fulfillment in expressing these themes, even if they reveal the aches and pains of life when least expected. While Adrian tends to shy away from grand statements about his work, he humbly hopes that his writing will continue to reflect the grace of the past and the influence of the present.
Looking ahead, Adrian is working on several projects, including a manuscript of poems threaded together by the blues, a book project leaning into the lyric essay/prose poetry slant, and notes for a novel that may or may not come to fruition. "I can dream," he says, acknowledging his fleeting attention span.
Staying True in a Challenging World
In a world full of external pressures and trends, Adrian likens his creative process to panning for gold. "You toss a bunch of dirt into the sieve, but hopefully you can sift out what’s important and relevant," he explains. For him, the challenge is to discard the distractions and trends, leaving behind the "shiny nugget" of his creative vision.
Adrian Potter’s journey as a writer is one of resilience, experimentation, and introspection. Through his work, he navigates the complexities of life, finding catharsis and meaning in the process. As he continues to write and explore new forms, his unique voice stands as a testament to the power of creativity to transform the mundane into something extraordinary.
