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Standing
out in an array of Harlem's talent is up-and-coming novelist Dana
Crum. A resident of Harlem, the multitalented Mr. Crum tackles
poetry, journalism, and fiction with ease. "I'm a proofreader
to pay the bills," says Mr. Crum in his brownstone apartment.
"The hours are flexible and I can stay home and write."
Growing up with a single mother
in cities like Birmingham and Washington, DC, he loved to read. But
as a child, his sites were set on becoming an aerospace engineer. Over
time those dreams began to fade and as he moved on to the prestigious
Princeton, he did not know what he wanted to do.
He dabbled around in many potential majors, but one thing remained the
same his love for language. "I went to college to move up economically,"
he say. This very mentality could have put Mr. Crum in the position
in which so many artists eventually get trapped. "I wanted to become
an investment banker and write on the side," he says. As dangerous as
that sounds, it made sense to him at the time. It wasn't until one of
his professors at Princeton told him that he was unrealistic in his
thinking that Mr. Crum realized the mistake he would have made.
Mr. Crum attended Virginia Commonwealth University, where he graduated
with a MFA (Masters in Fine Arts). It was at  VCU
where the writer's mantra "write what you know" became increasingly
important. Mr. Crum's eloquent style took notice at VCU, where he received
many awards and recognition from his classmates. He also stomached criticism,
realizing what a crucial role it took in developing his skills.
Mr. Crum attributes much of his incredible ability to manipulate language
to his silent teachers. He noted Joyce, Ellison, Wright, Morrison and
Fitzgerald as some of the many writers that influenced him technically
and creatively.
Still young at the game, Mr. Crum has built an impressive resume as
a freelance writer. Since getting his first big break in the urban magazine
The Source, Crum has successfully made a name for himself in
both commercial and underground syndication.
 When
asked what writer he would like to be compared to at his death, Mr.
Crum responded with Shakespeare. "I want my writing to be universal,"
he says. "I want everyone who reads my books to relate in some way."
Mr, Crum's advice to all aspiring writers, "learn to deal with rejection
and above all persevere!" Look out for Dana Crum, the future Shakespeare
of the streets: his words will move you.
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