Interview with Poet and Musician Keenan Rainer
‘24’ is a mind opening collection of poems written by Keenan Rainer during his 24th year around the sun. It is a unique and creative expression of what tough times can be like in today’s world, but it also gives a perspective on how one can learn and grow and adapt.
Get your copy of ‘24’ at KeenanRainer.com
We asked Keenan a few questions about what inspired him to write, some of the things he learned along the way, and advice for others looking to write.
Check out the interview below.
Who are you or what do you prefer to be known as?
I am a soul that is currently Being Human. My name is Keenan Rainer and that’s pretty much who I am. “ As above, so below. “
Can you tell us about your book?
My book is the first of an Anthology known as the Manifestation Manifesto. A collection of poems chronicling my life and thought patterns at the age of 24. (I am currently 34)
What inspired you to share this book?
My high school diaries and Shel Silverstein inspired the book. I began writing in the form of poetry as a way to channel my confused emotions. I had trouble understanding and calibrating with life in high school and that led to me ventilating through pen.
What did you learn while writing it?
Oh boy. EVERY SINGLE time I write, especially with this book, I learn more and more about myself. No matter what I plan on writing, my soul and intuition decide they prefer to write for me instead.
What does the title mean?
24 is literally the age I was when writing this collection of poems. 24 is also a very very important number in my life. I am huge into numerology and the vibration of numbers.
What surprised you the most?
I’m assuming this is asking what surprised me the most after I wrote it and honestly nothing. I had a friend tell me in college to record EVERYTHING. This was around the age of 21. I never looked back.
Do you have a certain process or ritual to get into the writing mood?
Yes. I listen to my intuition and let it guide me. If I feel it, the emotions turn into word structures… Once the word structures form I am able to match them together in patterns. So I am not really writing, but more so blocking patterns together to make them congruent with each other.
Is there any advice you have for others who wish to write a book?
YES! Follow thy intuition it’s that simple. Most people try to write how they feel they are supposed to write. In actuality you are to write how you talk and proofread later. This makes writing as simple as opening your mouth.
What books or authors inspire you the most?
Shel Silverstein is who inspired me to write. Tim Burton is who inspired me to visualize my writings. Outside of that I was literally raised by Hip Hop. It has always been my greatest teacher and almost a father figure/mentor in life.
Do you view writing as a kind of spiritual practice?
Anything that comes from the soul is spiritual I believe. I write for pleasure, but the pleasure comes from releasing thought and creating art with it. It’s a form of purging or therapy. I never chose or set out to be a writer or have any kind of entertainment recognition.
What was the most difficult part of writing your book?
I wouldn’t say it was difficult writing it, in fact that part is insanely simple. I have NEVER experienced writer's block in my 34 years of life. What was difficult was finding the motivation to get everything published and complete. I was in a very dark place mentally from 19-21 that affected my release.
Do you have any future projects you’re working on?
Yes, as aforementioned this is an anthology. The Manifestation Manifesto consists of 24, 25 and the conclusion, 27.
Anything you’d like everyone to know that we haven’t asked?
Yes! I am also a musician and dabble in photography, film-making, and music production!
Random fun facts:
I'm a happy father of two beautiful girls Willow and Rose. I have two amazing dogs Syx and Sky. I played basketball collegiality at Bluefield University and also ran Cross Country. I am a car salesman/ Investor outside of the arts. My hobbies are Running, Basketball, and Technical Analysis (Charting).
What is your favorite color and why?
My favorite color is blue because it chose me and I never deviated from its calm and cool vibration level.
Do you have a favorite food?
Not really, but I do prefer marijuana’s benefits over any drug ever created.
Do you have any pets? What's their name?
Yes Syx and Sky. Two pit bulls.
Any other fun facts you would like to share to let our audience know you better?
Yes, if you are interested in learning more about me just Google me and you kind find more music, literature, statistics and just about anything I’ve dabbled in in the past 15 years. Oh yeah I am shy and introverted so I probably won’t beg you to look me up lol.
Oh lastly when I say I am obsessed with numbers it's an understatement. Numbers are EVERYTHING to me. I had a transcendental experience regarding numbers and I was never the same after.
Check out Keenan’s interview for Shine Online!