Member Spotlight: Victoria Marie Lowery

Why is writing important to you and why do you think it’s an important medium for the world? Words are amazing for many reasons. 1. They can literally improve your life for less than the cost of the chimichanga I ordered at the Mexican restaurant. 2. Writing words on paper is a way of materializing your thoughts and a big step in manifesting exactly what you write. 3. Because long after I’m gone, the stories we write will still be here with a life of their own working their magic.

What are your tried and tested remedies to cure writer’s block? First of all, I do not speak the term or allow myself to identify with it. I assume the words are on their way, and they always are. Being concerned, or claiming this affliction is a form of fear and fear blocks our flow. I trust I will know the words when I am to know the words.

What is your favorite time to write? The truth is – anytime. I get so focused and into the story that I do not want to quit. Sometimes I think war could break out around me and I wouldn’t notice.

What’s the best piece of writing advice you’ve ever received and would like to impart to other writers? My first editor encouraged me to read and read some more. I was only interested in my style at the time and not wanting to be influenced by anyone else. After an AI analysis of my book, “Polly Parker Meets Her Shadow” compared my writing to Suzanne Collins, “The Hunger Games,” I decided to read her book. I fell in love with her emotional rich style. I’d say reading other works is good advice to pass but I would add to follow your heart. If your heart desires to be a writer, believe that it’s for you. Do not let anything sway you. Life is to be filled with joy. Conversely, if writing brings you joy, that’s a good life. The greatest rewards, both pleasurably and materially, come from living in our joy.

What excites you most about being a writer in today’s age? There are so many more ways to publish and promote these days. I like not being bound by a singular route that must be taken or nothing. It’s a time that allows for creativity and customization in the exact path you choose to follow. You can go with a traditional publisher, an independent, self-publish, or some hybrid options may best match your goals with writing. Each method has its pros and cons. We writers get to choose. The same goes with promoting the book. Tours look much different then they used to and come in many shapes and sizes. You can focus on in-person if you like meeting people or focus on-line if that suits your style. I’d say, plan a course (in writing) that serves as your desired blueprint, and then stay flexible and open to new routes that show up along the way.

Victoria Lowery’s Polly Parker Meets Her Shadow is out now with Absolute Love Publishing.