Carla Zanoni
DNAinfo Reporter/Producer
INWOOD — When Adam P. Knave was younger, he thought he might grow up to be a physicist. But his family of writers and publishers had another vision for him.
"They were like, 'Well, you’re going to be a writer, right?' and did away with the idea right then," Knave said. "I was writing like I am now, but even now I still have trouble labeling myself a writer."
But write he does. With four published books under his belt, and two new releases scheduled for next year, the 35-year-old Inwood resident can’t seem to stop himself.
"Why wouldn’t I want to do this?" he said. "Essentially you are getting paid to tell lies. It’s tall tale spinning."
Knave’s books range from modern fairy tales to horror stories told with a humorous tone. His latest book, "I Slept With Your Imaginary Friend," is a mix of short stories and ruminations on pop culture billed as "what the sound of a life far-too-examined might be."
"This is what my life sounds like in my head," he said. "I am surrounded by the madness and that goes down on the page."
Like many artists who live in New York City, Knave has a full time job outside of writing. He works in IT to pay the bills.
But once he finishes his day job, he burns the midnight oil writing and working on projects he's passionate about — comics, cartoons and pop culture.
Although Knave grew up on the Upper West Side, where the Museum of Natural History served as his "backyard," he now calls Inwood home. He's been there five years, following a short detour to Boston and Yonkers during his early 20s.
"It’s the only place on the island that still feels like a neighborhood," said Knave. "I wouldn’t want to live anywhere else.
Although his writing has not yet featured stories about life in Inwood, his newest book, tentatively called "NYCWTF," is a collection of short humorous stories about living in New York set for release at the end of next year. Another book, "A Completely Inaccurate And Awesome History Of The United States," a collaboration with writer D.J. Kirkbride, should be out in the summer of 2011.
Bucking the stereotype of a jaded New Yorker, Knave’s writing reflects a feeling of comfort and satisfaction. And while funny, his tone never tilts to snark. He embraces optimism, something he says he made a deliberate choice to embrace in his life.
"I can’t be the only person on the planet that’s had a few good years," he said. "The universe is an awesome place."
