Ian Seth Levine Member Member since 2021

The world’s foremost practitioner of tsundoku

Poetry

Ian Seth Levine’s dark, confessional poetry has been featured in SORTES, Wayne State Literary Review, Internet Void, and elsewhere. His prose has been featured on everything from the American Red Cross news platform to Jewish cooking blogs. Ian works as an English professor at a local college.

Location:: Greenville, SC
Birthdate:: 15 January (42 years old)

Interview with Ian Seth Levine

Who are your literary (or artistic) heroes?

I look up to people who push boundaries, often blurring the lines between art and their own interests. For example, professor and cultural psychologist Dr. Paul Rozin studies disgust, which means examining taboo across time and space. Similarly, professional chef and TV host Andrew Zimmern eats bizarre food around the world. Their courage inspires me and my writing, which often features food as metaphor.

How do you celebrate your successes, such as acceptances? How do you handle rejections and other setbacks?

I used to get pink slips in the mail, and hang them on the wall like art. Today, I get fewer rejection emails, but have to look at the holes in my wall.

Do you have a personal creative style? How would you describe it?

If the Confessional poets and the Romantic poets had a kegger, I would be their designated driver.

What single creative achievement are you most proud of?

Helping my students work through their writer’s block.

Are you an unreliable narrator?

Don’t believe anyone who says I’m a reliable narrator.

Last Updated: 07 Oct 2026