Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
Well, I’m an oddity. I was born and raised in Hendersonville, TN and raised by a single-mom. Since three years old, my mother raised my sister and I by herself. Growing up, my mother was my hero. I had a very hard life growing up, with little to no friends at all. I was constantly bullied for being the “oddball” kid in school, and writing became my escape. Most of my free time as a kid consisted of escaping into my mind and daydreaming. I remember the days I would go off into the woods behind my home and start creating stories in my head to write down. Often times in school, the teacher would scold me for doodling art or writing a mini-poem down on my assignments. Truthfully, I did not care. I was determined to have my writing a priority. Throughout my early to late teens I became immersed in poetry, and my ideas to create became a rampant obsession. Unfortunately, I started developing depression at 16, and as a result, it led to suicidal ideation, as well as frequent dark thoughts. My thoughts were always on the peculiar side, but they developed into darker things; it did not matter to me, as I transmuted my negative obsessions into art. Throughout the years–till now–I have had tremendous ups and downs. Writing has been my savior, and there is not a day that goes by that I do not owe it my loyalty. I’m currently a sufferer of ADD/OCD/GAD/and depression. The repercussions of what I endured at a young age unfortunately cursed me with those ailments. When I look back, though, they have shaped me into who I am. Do I wish I sometimes had a better life? Yes. Do I sometime wish that I could change the past? Yes. Would I? No. The woman I am today is because I went through what I did. My mother pushed me to keep succeeding, and made me realize that my talents were worth notoriety; because of her tremendous support, I have now published my first book “Bending Reality” back on September, 23rd 2020. I am a proud author, and even more proud woman. My trials and tribulations are a testament, and my works are an extension of those.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My first book “Bending Reality” which was published back on September 23rd of 2020.
My book was inspired by the difficult life I endured as a child. I have always had a fascination with the dark, occult, and horror as a child, and wanted to create a book that reflected all of those components. Also, 2019 was the year I tried to commit suicide twice, due to the mental abuse of sociopath. I was on the verge of giving up, and I drove to a nature park near my house and wanted to die. I realized that my story wasn’t over yet, and I decided to use my pain to create a book. In January of 2020, I wrote my book in twenty-three days.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
My primary ritual during writing is listening to dark, ambient, black metal. Leviathan’s “A Silhouette in Splinters” is the main album I deviate toward to create very graphic, dark scenes. Since most of my content is very despondent, I try to convey the feeling of fear very vividly in my words. I need to be listening to music when I write, or no noise at all. Sitting in a quiet room is also a must. My auditory senses need to be completely in synch, otherwise the creativity cannot flow.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
Hands down, Clive Barker is my idol. I have admired that man since I first saw him in a Hellraiser: Hellbound 2 director’s cut VHS. His complex mind has been always inspiration to me, and there is no other author who can encapsulate beauty in the grotesque like him. Hellbound Heart, Imajica, and Mr. B. Gone where pieces of literature that I have always cherished. The art of love, murder, sex, and betrayal all rolled into one, is the perfect concoction of a good book.
What are you working on now?
As of now, I am in the midst of creating a graphic poetry book. I understand my work is highly unsuitable for younger audiences, but it is my goal to create a work of art that separates itself from societal norms. I haven’t laid the ground works completely yet, but it is an arduous process that involves my own time, effort, and focus. Between promotions, my other full-time job, and writing–it has been a slow process.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Instagram has been my main social media handle in which I promote from. I have recently started utilizing Twitter, Facebook business, and TikTok to broaden the horizon a bit. It’s all research; it takes time and patience to find your demographic and niche, but you need to promote whenever you can to find the right audience for your book.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
BE. YOU. Don’t ever write a piece of literature because you think people will like it; write a book because YOU like it. I think one of the biggest pitfalls of a good writer is bending to the confines of society. There will always be people who disagree with what you write and may even go so far to try and slander your name. But, you have to realize that their actions are not a reflection on you–it’s a reflection on themselves. Always listen to your heart, and never take the advice of someone who doesn’t have your best interest at heart. Fuck the critics, and make the best of your writing career–no matter how hard it can get–and sometimes it will. Most importantly–don’t you ever give up. There will be roadblocks, and sometimes you may think that you are not going to go anywhere, but you have to keep marching forth no matter the circumstance. Always keep going. ALWAYS.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
As stated above, my dear friend and mentor Michael Phillip Geffner once told me, “Fuck the critics.” It was such a simple response, yet it rung in my ears like tinnitus. He’s always been my source of logic for when my emotions decide to take over, and I’m thankful for his guidance everyday.
What are you reading now?
Right now I’m reading a book on Skyrim, haha. I’m a huge Elder Scrolls nerd and should be an Elder Scrolls historian at this rate. Anyone who visits my Instagram page discovers that I’m pretty damn geeky!
What’s next for you as a writer?
Creating. Plain and simple, just keep creating. The obvious answer is continuing the success of “Bending”, but I want to enjoy doing what I doing everyday as much as I can. Inspiration is my goal, and honestly, nothing brings me greater joy than hearing other people say my book inspired them.
If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
Hellbound Heart, The Giving Tree, Abarat
Author Websites and Profiles
Cory Cowley Website
Cory Cowley Amazon Profile
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