It makes sense that fictional writers mostly write from what they know. Author Kenneth R. Brydon does just that.
“The intent of my writing is to provide reflection on life — that what is the ‘norm’ of society. Isn’t always the reality lived out?” Brydon said.
His more than three decades of experience as a prisoner in California’s prison system has earned him the ability to tell stories about it with authority.
Brydon’s short story, Consensus of Death, confirmed this by winning third place in the prestigious PEN American Center Award in the fiction category. For more than 40 years, PEN has been conducting contests for prisoners serving time in federal, state and county jails across the nation.
“Zoe Mullery has been an amazing instructor to me; her mentoring has made this award possible,” Brydon said. He has attended Mullery’s Creative Writing Workshop since 2004.
Consensus of Death is a story about a prisoner who is sent to the hole after his cellie commits suicide. It is a dialogue-driven work of fiction that grapples with the intricacies about prison life, unknown to the outside world.
Fellow prisoners, who read Brydon’s take on the experience, might say that he’s preaching to the choir; however, its authoritative and impactful storyline carries an understanding of circumstance, no matter who is the reader.
“Writing untangles my thoughts,” Brydon said.
His story could easily be script for a play or short movie.
Brydon is the author of more than 30 short stories and three full length novels.
Consensus of Death is available to prisoners upon request by writing to San Quentin News. Free society can read it by going www.brothersinpen.wordpress.com.
Editor’s Note: Brydon was editor-in-chief of San Quentin News in 2008.
Juan’s Book Review