Interview with Aubrey E. Drummond, Author of Hello Stranger

What’s the story behind the story? What inspired you to write Hello Stranger?

This book is a part of a series of books entitled: ‘Inside the circle of the sun.’ These books were inspired by my wife, Kathleen A. Welsh-Drummond, who passed away on July 31, 2023. She had always enjoyed my writings and had implored me to publish them. She always said that what I wrote was just as good as the English classics that she loved, she also added that she should know, since she was an English major who graduated at the top of her class. I never really took her seriously, although I kept half promising that I would one day, once I retired… maybe. Out of my grief, and to honor her, my lovely wife, I overcame my fear and developed the courage to publish the poems that she enjoyed. Hello Stranger is the 5th book in that endeavor.

What’s your favorite genre to read? Is it the same as your favorite genre to write?

My favorite genre to read is horror, and before you ask, I was reading horror long before the advent of Stephen King. Although his book The Stand is my favorite, I was inspired by, again, Edgar Allan Poe (I say, again, because Edgar’s poems also inspired me to write poetry), H.P. Lovecraft, and many other pulp writers. EC Comics and plenty of B&W horror magazines. And yes, I do enjoy writing horror stories; in fact, I’m currently putting together a book of short horror tales to be published sometime in the future.

What books are on your TBR pile right now?

I’m afraid I do not know the term TBR. But if you’re asking what I will be publishing in the future, it will be another poetry series with the working name of ‘Life’s Trees Spin On.’ This series of books will include poems I have written since the passing of my wife. Poems I wish we had the opportunity to enjoy together, (and perhaps in some weird way, we do).

What scene in your book was your favorite to write?

Since this is a book of poetry, there are a lot of descriptive passages I enjoyed writing. When Heaven Shakes Its Head at Night, Kiss Me, Mother’s Hold, Hello Stranger Letter Five, A Little Rain, Voices, and Living Inside My Blackness. To tell you the truth, everything in the book, or else I wouldn’t have written it.

Do you have any quirky writing habits? (lucky mugs, cats on laps, etc.)

Quirky writing habits… Just the fact that I am a writer. I think that is quirky enough, and quite frankly, if I have some, I’m too ‘cracked up’ to notice. (I was being kind with ‘cracked up.’) No, I don’t drink or smoke or do drugs, I’m 65+, well past the age of needing things for enlightenment. No, I’m just me, and if I am crazy, it is just a part of me. Which I have to say, most people I know seem to agree.

Do you have a motto, quote, or philosophy you live by?

Yes, I do. You will discover that in my writings.

If you could choose one thing for readers to remember after reading your book, what would it be?

I try to write poetry that can be enjoyed by every type of reader. Whether they are sophisticated or not, well learned or barely educated. I don’t write down to people, and I don’t write up. I write for the average person to enjoy the art of poetry, and that is what I wish for those who read my books of verse: that they don’t have to be Harvard educated to appreciate my works, and to enjoy the pleasure that the reading of poetry brings.

Aubrey E. Drummond is the author of the new book Hello Stranger

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