A. Razor

A. Razor was born in Brooklyn, N.Y. in 1963, but was brought to California at the age of 1. He was raised with a strong desire to read and write, but an even greater desire to survive his circumstances, which has aided his experience and longevity so far. He began writing and publishing around 1980 in various underground zines and publications, first in the Los Angeles area, then ever expanding outward from there as he was discovered by Drew Blood Press, Ltd. in 1984, where he published 11 chapbooks up to 1995. He has read his work at many readings and spoken word events over the years and been published in many types of publications, ranging from those that are considered reputable to those that are of ill repute. He has fought hard to live and express his art in many different ways and in many different places. He became a member of the Hollywood Institute of Poetics in Los Angeles, CA in 2009. He has participated recently in the Poets In Prison panel at Beyond Baroque and the 2011 ALOUD reading series held at the Downtown Los Angeles Public Library. In 2012 he teamed up with Iris Berry to launch Punk Hostage Press, on which he released 5 titles of his own work and edited 13 more titles from as many writers, Danny Baker, Iris Berry, C.V. Auchterlonie, Carolyn Srygley-Moore, Rich Ferguson, Dennis Cruz, Frank Reardon, Alexandra Naughton, SB Stokes, Hollie Hardy, Hannah Wehr, Maisha Z Johnson and Amy Saul-Zerby. He has collaborated on book cover designs with graphic artist Geoff Melville for many of these books. He co-founded the non-profit group, Words As Works in 2013 and has brought many books and readings into shelters, jails, juvenile halls and helped raise awareness for outreach work using literary arts.

His long anticipated offering, 'Better Than A Gun In A Knife Fight' was released in May, 2012 on Punk Hostage Press, edited by Iris Berry with an introduction by Bucky Sinister.

2012 also saw the release of 'Drawn Blood: Collected Works on D.B.P.,Ltd. 1985-1995', also on Punk Hostage Press and with an introduction by Maureen McNally.

A small, 48-page, commemorative edition of A. Razor's work was released just before December and entitled 'Small Catastrophes in a Big World', edited by the author.

‘Beaten Up Beaten Down’ was released on Punk Hostage Press the 22nd of November, 2012. It features an eclectic mix of writing styles, both poetic and prosaic, that reflect on the contemporary influences on the culture of this most marginal of artists. S.A. Griffin provides the colorful and apt Introduction for this book.

2013 witnessed the release of a 50 poem collection to celebrate the author's 50th birthday, entitled 'Half-Century Status'.

In 2014 Punk Hostage Press released 'Days of Xmas Poems' which is a collection of poems based on the author's experience of being born on December 25.

2015 will see the long awaited release of the short story collection entitled 'Long Winded Tales of the Low Plains Drifter', Introduction by Jennifer Blowdryer. The highly anticipated collection of poetry, “Puro Purismo”, edited by Mk Chavez, will be coming later this year as well.

His writing has always explored the world that he has sought to be a part of and to rebel against at the same paradoxical moment. He has traveled extensively, seeking and enduring everything from homelessness and imprisonment to serenity and peace.