Grant Mazan
Welcome back, readers! This week we’d like to introduce you to Grant Mazan, our Assistant Poetry Editor and Assistant Arts and Design Editor. Originally from a town in Kansas just outside of Kansas City, Grant Mazan currently attends Lewis University and is studying Psychology with a minor in Creative Writing, which he hopes to use as a further means of expression. Grant’s other artistic experience includes photography (both digital and film), video production, jewelry making and metalworking, and music and recording/editing songs for himself and his acquaintances. In his free time, he listens to music and reads since he does not own a television or have internet. Stick around if you’d like to learn more about Grant!
Who are you and what is your role in the Jet Fuel Review?
My name is Grant Mazan. I am one of the Poetry Editors and an Assistant Arts and Design Editor. It is my job to go through the poetry and art submissions in more depth than the other editors and make insightful comments about them.
What book might we find on your nightstand right now?
At the moment, I believe I have Howl and Other Poems by Allen Ginsberg on my nightstand. It is one of those books where I can open it up and just read a poem or two before going to sleep. I am also currently reading The Book Thief by Markus Zusak.
If you had the chance to co-write with one author, who would you choose? Why?
If I could co-write with an author, it would probably be Kurt Vonnegut. I believe Vonnegut was one of the smartest writers of his generation and writing with him would give me a differing perspective on the creative process.
Describe your perfect reading atmosphere.
I read to relax. So that means that I keep the light dim and sit in a comfortable chair. Occasionally I also listen to music when I read. Usually it is something low-key like Lester Young or Charlie Parker, but sometimes Nirvana can be soothing as well.
What might your personal library look like?
My personal library would include a large poetry section and would include many works by the beat authors. It would also include many of the classics. The library would be as I like my reading atmosphere, dimly lit with comfortable chairs and has a bottle of good bourbon. (Again, feel free to omit that last part).
If you could “re-make” a poorly written movie that was based on a book, what movie would it be?
On the Road. I was looking forward to it for about a year and a half before it came out, and was sorely disappointed when I finally saw it. The main thing that was wrong with it is that it was a long movie, yet it omitted many necessary and important events that occurred in the book. I think if I had the chance to re-make it, I would make it a miniseries instead.
What piece of literature can you reread over and over again?
I always enjoy rereading Ginsberg’s Howl. I know I keep mentioning beat writers, but the material is written in a way that is relatable.
Give us a quote from your favorite (or any) book/movie.
One of my favorite movie quotes is from The Big Lebowski, where The Dude says “That’s just like, you know, your opinion, man.” I love quoting that as a response to people when they don’t have a valid argument.
If you were invited to have coffee with any fictional character, who would you most like to meet? Why?
I would probably have coffee with Satan from The Mysterious Stranger by Mark Twain. The character is presented as doing evil deeds, but the philosophy behind it is incredible. I feel like we would have some interesting conversations, even if he uses the philosophy against me.
Share your top five favorite pieces of writing (anything included).
- The Mysterious Stranger by Mark Twain
- Howl by Allen Ginsberg
- Slaughterhouse-Five by Kurt Vonnegut
- The Dharma Bums by Jack Kerouac
- Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas by Hunter S. Thompson
**********************
Thanks for stopping by! Come back next week to learn about another editor.
– Kelly Lyons, Assistant Blog Editor
