About Myself

As a writer, I offer an eclectic, disjointed collection of poetic stumblings into serendipity. When I began writing poetry at the age of 16, I had dreams of penning a novel one day. However, the harsher realities of the world kept my nose to the grindstone for many years before God recently answered my prayers for direction.

I started up an account at Writing.com in August, 2006 with high hopes of returning to my old form. It felt like I was only scratching the surface, as I've learned how thin that layer can be. I long to dive deeper and develop more as an author. The attention paid to my work with all the wonderful feedback found me with my head in the clouds. I had hopes of pursuing publication of a book after all the great reviews of my poetry. I was comparing publishers and options, but along the way I changed. I feel publishing a book of poetry by myself would be akin to the 'vanity' label associated with the types of publishers I've been left to consort with. I'd rather have a legitimate publisher make me an offer. I would still pursue self-publishing, but not to be self-aggrandizing. I would like to share my experiences with glaucoma in an autobiography. I would like to write novel length fiction.

I have tried various forms of poetry, not skillfully, but playfully, and consider myself more of a free form lyricist. I have a midwestern, more commonplace approach to dialogue, but reserve the right to word it up when the mood strikes to drive a particular poem. My inspiration came from the works of poets like Keats and Blake with the use of personification and bringing relevance to the dying world around us. My mood is often either melancholy, reflective, insightful, spiritual or inspiring.

I have been legally blind from a genetic form of glaucoma since 2000. I have wrestled with the depression, anxiety and denial associated with this disease, and have witnessed its devastation on my family. In an effort to come to grips, I've journaled off and on for over 20 years. When the time is right, I hope to compile my notes and devise an autobiography. With the advances in glaucoma research, I've had my foot in the door to access experimental medications. I’m a guinea pig of sorts in hopes that one day a permanent remedy can be made available for my children who are shadowed by this looming disease.

To share various details of my writing career in short, I worked as a news director/reporter at various Upper Michigan radio stations from 1987-1994. There were broadcasting awards, including two from the Michigan Association of Broadcasters in 1991 during my stint at a Public Radio station. I freelanced heavily with the Milwaukee Sentinel in the early 90s before their merger with the Milwaukee Journal. I've sold many freelance articles in Upper Michigan. I'm now writing city profiles for a marketing company out of California. I dabbled in the television market as a news assignment editor and producer, (1992-93 and 1997), the last job at an ABC affiliate in Green Bay.

I'm happily married to a gorgeous and caring woman who is mother to our two beautiful children. She's inspired me at this stage in my life to get myself back into shape. I'm starting to have hope of returning to the basketball arena where I fell short of making a name for myself. And maybe I'm selling myself short, because many still remind me about the legend that supposedly was me. More of a playground legend, if a 6' 2" white guy can be so presumptuous. I could dunk a basketball behind my head, shoot with either hand, and drop 50+ points in a city league game. I'd share the clippings, but I'd have to white out my real name. Then it would look like I'm just making it up!

Anyway, my goal is to drop the weight and rebuild the legs and back that once carried me to great heights. My goal is to dunk again so my kids could see the legend that was some 20 years ago. I asked my wife if she thought I could realistically achieve this goal and she is behind me all the way. Or under me, since I'll likely need a lift! Hopefully, this time I'll get some video! Or pictures.

Okay, I'm done.

Brian

ID: 1176370   (Rated: 13+) Title: In The Shadows Of Glaucoma  Description: My accounts of my struggles with glaucoma By: Brian Keith Compton

ID: 1149750   (Rated: 13+) Title: My Journal  Description: This is my pulpit. I'm no preacher, just long to be heard like the rest of us. By: Brian Keith Compton

ID: 1155112   (Rated: E) Title: Yes, you may see my photos.  Description: Pictures I have posted. By: Brian Keith Compton