In today’s feature, Writers N Authors sits down with Jason Stocks to discuss his latest poetry collection, Laughing is Forever, a book filled with gritty, rhythmic, and far-out poetry that offers a raw, authentic American voice. Jason dives into the experiences and inspirations that shaped this compelling collection, offering readers a glimpse into the mind of a modern-day truth-teller.
Writers N Authors: How did your experiences growing up in the Deep South influence the themes and style of Laughing is Forever?
Jason Stocks: Growing up in the Deep South, especially in Vicksburg, Mississippi, shaped the way I view the world and write about it. The South is extravagant and isolated, full of richness yet plagued by the scars of racial history, poverty, and poor education. I’ve lived surrounded by antebellum mansions and graveyards, all while being acutely aware of the legacy of the Civil War. My poems reflect these contradictions. They’re both brutal and beautiful, just like the South. The collection in Laughing is Forever is a mix of poems from many years ago and newer work that delves into my inquiries about ancient mythology and human history. All the while, I’ve been wrestling with my demons—alcoholism, poverty, and memory.
Writers N Authors: Your work has been described as gritty, rhythmic, dark, and dangerous yet also fun and quirky. How do you balance these contrasting elements in your poetry?
Jason Stocks: It’s all about embracing contrasts. My writing stems from a place of pain, but it’s also playful. I’ve always seen writing as an exploration, a way to question what we think we know. I try to balance these elements by taking risks with form, playing with rhythm, and leaving enough white space for readers to fill in the gaps. I think my style, which some might call experimental, invites readers to participate in figuring out what’s going on in the poem rather than just reading passively.
Writers N Authors: Can you share any particular moment or event that sparked the creation of this collection?
Jason Stocks: Laughing is Forever came together over nearly five years. I wrote many of the poems long ago, but they didn’t fit into my previous collection, Blameforest. As I began writing new poems, these older works started to align with the direction I was heading, so I reworked and included them. During that time, I was digging deep into ancient mythology and questioning mainstream narratives, particularly about the origins of civilizations and the manipulation of history. Those big questions fueled much of this collection.
Writers N Authors: “Laughing is Forever” touches on questioning mainstream narratives. Can you elaborate on this theme and its significance in your work?
Jason Stocks: We live in a world where most people accept narratives without question—whether about history, science, or society. I’ve always questioned what we’re taught. Whether we’re talking about ancient civilizations or modern institutions, the truth is often manipulated. This collection encourages readers to dig deeper, to question the mainstream and seek their own answers, because real change doesn’t happen until we start asking the right questions.
Writers N Authors: What has been the most surprising or rewarding feedback you’ve received from readers who typically don’t enjoy poetry?
Jason Stocks: The most rewarding feedback has come from my students. Many of them didn’t grow up reading books. They’re driven by technology and are often new to the English language. When they discovered I had written books, they gave poetry a chance. Some of them even came by my classroom to talk about my work. It’s mind-blowing to see students who’ve never been interested in reading suddenly engage with poetry—and that makes the whole journey worth it.
Writers N Authors: How do you see the evolution of your poetic voice from Blameforest to Laughing is Forever?
Jason Stocks: Blameforest was my attempt at perfection. I poured everything I had into that book because I wanted it to be my legacy if I never wrote again. With Laughing is Forever, I relaxed a little. I didn’t edit myself to death—I had more fun with it. There’s a sense of redemption in this collection because by this time, I had become a father and found some humor in life. The poems in Laughing is Forever are riskier, more experimental, and perhaps more relatable to a wider audience.
Writers N Authors: Which poets or writers have had the most significant influence on your work, and why?
Jason Stocks: Fiction writers like Faulkner, Barry Hannah, Flannery O’Connor, and Dickens had a massive impact on my writing. I didn’t start seriously reading poetry until I studied creative writing, but once I did, poets like James Dickey, Anne Sexton, and Etheridge Knight really spoke to me. What I love about these writers is their ability to break rules and push boundaries—something I strive to do in my work.
Writers N Authors: Are there any upcoming projects or themes you are excited to explore in your future work?
Jason Stocks: I’m planning to take a break from poetry for a while and return to fiction. I’ve been working on a novel that’s been sitting on the back burner since poetry took over. There are stories and characters I miss, and I need to return to them. I’m also working on a collection of short stories, though that will take some time to complete.
Writers N Authors: What message or feeling do you hope readers take away after reading Laughing is Forever?
Jason Stocks: I hope readers walk away with a sense of curiosity and the courage to question what they think they know. I want them to feel like they’ve engaged in something real—something that isn’t afraid to take risks or delve into uncomfortable truths. And maybe, just maybe, they’ll see that humor and light can be found even in the darkest places.
Jason Stocks’ Laughing is Forever is a bold, experimental collection that challenges readers to rethink their perceptions of the world. It’s poetry that speaks to the gritty reality of life, while also offering moments of levity and deep reflection.
Call to Action:
Experience the grit and rhythm of Laughing is Forever. Buy it on Amazon and discover more about Jason’s work.
