Exploring Identity, Memory, and Place
My writing delves into the intersections of identity, memory, and place, often viewed through a post-colonial lens. Growing up in South Africa during the late apartheid years and the nation’s transition to democracy profoundly shaped my narrative voice. Emigration and global travel have further enriched my perspective, weaving personal and collective histories into a broader cultural tapestry.
“Writing for me is a means to weave personal narratives into the larger, shifting landscapes of memory, history, and place.”
Publications and Recognitions
My published works span books, pamphlets, literary journals, magazines, and quarterly contributions, often championing the literary underground through collaborations with small presses. These pieces reflect my commitment to experimental and fragmented storytelling, tackling themes of identity, memory, and cultural history.
Books
- The Arrival of Dr. K: A Poem and Manifesto in Five Parts (Analog Submission Press, 2018)
- The Lost Stanzas of York (Iron Lung Press, 2018)
- Get it Back to Give it Away (Analog Submission Press, 2017)
“A beautiful mixture of Beat-style poetry and prose. This story is intimate and expansive, allowing the reader to feel as though they are part of its experience.”
Pamphlets
- Yamanote Loop: A Photo Sketch in 46 Parts (Analog Submission Press, 2020)
- Cockroach Hiss (Analog Submission Press, 2018)
- When the Revolution is Over, Who is Going to Clean the Toilets? (Analog Submission Press, 2018)
Journals, Magazines & Quarterlies
- The Woman from Sendai (Paper and Ink Zine, 2023)
- Stephanie (Obscure Quarterly #2, 2021)
- Photos from the Riviera (Obscure Quarterly, 2021)
- Incinerated Chapbooks (Defunkt Magazine Vol. 1, 2020)
“Brüseke’s work captures the transient beauty of memory with remarkable poignancy and precision.”
You can view a complete list of publications here.
Innovative Techniques: “Photo-Sketching”
A hallmark of my creative practice is “photo-sketching”, a technique I developed that combines visual and textual storytelling. By pairing photographs with fragmented text, I aim to reflect the fleeting and unresolved nature of memory, mirroring how we process and reconstruct the past. This approach bridges the emotional resonance of visual media with the introspection of narrative.
“Photo-sketching bridges what we see and what we feel, transforming fragments into a cohesive story that captures life’s transient beauty.”
Works in Progress
Building on the themes explored in my PhD, I am currently working on two memoir volumes:
- A South African Childhood (working title): A reflective memoir of my early years in Cape Town, grappling with post-colonial identity, family history, and the cultural shifts of a nation in transition.
- Notes from the Road: A Travel Memoir (working title): Inspired by my travels across Russia, Mongolia, China, and beyond, this work examines place, belonging, and the global intersections of identity.
Both projects continue my exploration of experimental memoir, blending personal storytelling with cultural and critical reflections.
Writing Philosophy
Writing, for me, is an act of discovery—a way to ask questions, challenge assumptions, and connect with others. Whether crafting memoir, poetry, or experimental nonfiction, I strive to tell stories that provoke thought, evoke emotion, and resonate with the fragmented and fleeting experiences of life.
“Writing isn’t just about telling stories—it’s about revealing truths, questioning perspectives, and creating spaces for connection and transformation.”
Explore My Work
You can find my published works through Analog Submission Press, and independent small presses. Whether you’re interested in collaborating, discussing my writing, or learning more about my creative process, feel free to reach out.