About: Atticus is a New York Times best-selling author who has penned three books of poetry: The Dark Between Stars, The Truth About Magic and Love Her Wild. It’s been said he’s the most tattooable poet, with tens of thousands of people permanently engraving his words on their bodies, he lives in Zilker Park and likes to write in Barton Springs. But, you wouldn’t know him if you saw him sitting with a notebook beneath a tree because he’s successfully chosen to remain anonymous. Although, the reason isn’t to conjure mystery, as much as preservation of himself and his work. “When I first started writing I didn’t want it to blur into the rest of my life and I felt I could be more vulnerable and honest and write better if I stayed anonymous,” he shared with Austin Life, adding, ”Around the time the (Instagram) account grew and I was getting more recognition I lost a friend who struggled with the problems of fame and it became apparent and important for me that while I wanted to spread the art of Atticus, I don’t want the fame and recognition. Fame’s a fickle friend.”
Atticus began writing poetry about 5 years ago after a trip to France where he met actor Michael Madsen. “He and I became friends and he told me a lot about his life and his struggles with fame and addiction and he said poetry saved his life, that opened up a whole new world for me because here was this American badass writing poetry. It gave me permission to explore that more vulnerable and poetic side of myself and that’s when I started writing.”
Social: @atticuspoetry
Writing Advice:
-Bukowki had a good suggestion when he said ‘Don’t try.’ What he meant was don’t worry about writing the most profound piece of poetry that’s ever been written, write for the wastepaper basket and enjoy it because the magic will come out of that.
-Don’t be afraid to break the rules to find your own voice.
-Like Hemingway said, “Write drunk, edit sober,” although I find my writing is generally better when I drink coffee or team
Favorite Wine (instead of Pets)
- Lost Poet red blend.
- Or a Chateau Margeaux 88 if I’m trying to bankrupt myself.
Words I Live By:
“Live the full life of the mind, exhilarated by new ideas, intoxicated by the romance of the unusual.” Hemingway
And “This too shall pass.” My grandfather used to say it when I was struggling and I always come back to it.
What I’m Obsessed With:
- Pickle Ball
- Swimming at Barton Springs
- Wake surfing
- My MOD e-bike. It’s a local Austin-based company. it’s better than a car!
- Smartish Phone case. Super cheap holds your cards on your phone. No wallet needed.
Favorite Restaurants:
Sammie’s - best Italian. My fave is the spicy Caesar and the Bolognese with some nice red wine.
Sota Sushi - best sushi in Austin. Get the truffle risotto and the Saki
What I’m Reading (instead of Listening to)
- A Gentleman In Moscow/ Amor Towles
- Wall & Peace/Banksy
- Mating in Captivity/Esther Perel
- Band of Brothers/ Stephen E. Ambrose
- The Last Lion/Winston Churchill by William Manchester