Collections by Michelle Brown WSG Author John Collins

John Collins began writing at the age of 15, keeping a small journal that held many questions surrounding his sexuality versus religious doctrine. 
He was motivated by an English teacher who encouraged him to use his talent as a storyteller to capture a glimpse of the world through his own personal life experiences as a queer man of color.
The idea of writing a novel came about after he wrote a three-page essay illustrating the outcome of his parents discovering he was Same Gender Loving (SGL). He began the manuscript “Virgin to the Life” in early 2007. He self-published this work in 2013. His follow-up novel, “Sounds of Burned Silence”, was released in 2014. The third installment, “Poetic Violence”, added more depth to the series.
“God Ain’t Call Me Fag”, is his fourth book and a departure from the series. For many in the LGBTQ community, the relationship with religion has been at best complicated but often contentious. In  “God Ain’t Call Me Fag”, Collins challenges the reader to look at this relationship by asking What do you look like to God? Free from what you’ve been called. Free from what you’ve been told to be. Free from the contradictory words of man versus God.
His literary work and activism seeks to promote self-love, by being honest, open and connected.
Originally from Detroit, MI John Collins now calls Atlanta, GA home. He is an author, activist, freelance writer, actor, playwright, and award-winning LGBTQ slam poet. He is a decorated Navy Combat Veteran who served 8 years Active duty and 6 years Active Reserve duty, before accepting an Honorable Discharge in September 2012.