Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
Hi! My name is Devon Loftus; I’m a writer, author and the founder of Moon Cycle Bakery. I’m also the co-author of The Moon Cycle Cookbook and my second book, Dwell, which is due to release Fall 2022 through Tarcher Perigee.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
The Moon Cycle Cookbook is inspired by Moon Cycle Bakery — a wellness based business that focuses on the menstrual cycle and creates sweet treats and food related products to help support women hormonally, spiritually and emotionally. Overall, the cookbook is inspired by reconnecting to our inner rhythms, destigmatizing the menstrual cycle and helping educate women when it comes to their bodies so they can make personalized, empowered choices.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Gosh, I guess every writer has a different process than the next! I wrote my first book, the cookbook, while pregnant with our first baby, which was a fun and happy part of the process. I also find a lot of inspiration comes to me while I’m most present — in nature, on a walk, in deep conversation with someone. Sometimes, I have to run for a pen and paper or my phone to write down everything that’s coming to me or I’ll lose it. I also stare out the window a lot while worlds and words come together in my head; I think that’s common for writers. When I write from an inspired space, it definitely feels guided by the muses or like I’m co-creating with something beyond myself.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
Anything and everything Yrsa Daley-Ward writes — you can feel each word, each punctuation mark, each image. I live there and I’m grateful for visceral, honest writing like hers. Letters to a Young Poet by Rainer Maria Rilke has always been my go-to for poetic wisdom and deep soul journeying. Women Who Run with the Wolves by Clarissa Pinkola Estes feels like home to me; her words are gorgeous and alive, rich in story, and her soul is centuries old. I also love Liz Gilbert for her playfulness, her vulnerability and her frankness.
What are you working on now?
I’m currently writing the manuscript for my second book, Dwell, where I personify different emotions and guide readers through journal prompts and creative exercises in doing the same. The goal is to give ourselves a space to process our emotions instead of ridicule, shame or deny them altogether. When you first step into the world of Dwell, one may assume they’d feel overwhelmed greeting a variety of very personal, very real emotions. But Dwell hits the sweet spot between conjuring up those messengers we all know and sometimes fear with a poetic softness that leaves you feeling like you’ve just had tea with a close friend. This message of further exploring and accepting our emotions comes at a time in our world when people are feeling ever more isolated and at war with the emotions they meet and greet on a daily basis. Dwell has the capability to help mend the notion that feelings are shaming or isolating through poetic beauty and journal and creative writing prompts focusing on our emotional intelligence and mindfulness. Through these essays and workbook pages, the reader will feel re-connected with others, themselves and the place inside that these complex, beautifully human emotions dwell.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I promote my books through Instagram and TikTok at @devonloftuswrites and on my website at www.devonloftuswrites.com. You can also learn more about The Moon Cycle Cookbook at www.mooncyclebakery.com.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
1. I’m a new author myself, so I’m sure I’ll have more insight to add to this next year (and forevermore), but for me believing in myself is fundamental. You have a voice and a way with words that nobody else has simply because they aren’t you. They don’t have your experience, your wisdom, your heart or your soul. There is a place here for you and people are waiting for you. Believe in that and each step of the way becomes a little easier.
2. Stay flexible while also being honest with what feels important to you. Publishing a book is a true collaboration. Learning what to stand your ground on, what to be open to and how to help problem solve is going to ensure a supportive, kind and respectful relationship between you and your editing/publishing team. And that makes the process so much more enjoyable and successful.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
In life, work, love and beyond, the best advice I’ve gathered is to stay true to who you are and move from there first and foremost. Confirming our worth through outside validation is tempting and a quick hit, but it leaves many of us feeling empty, anxious and ashamed. “See yourself first and you will feel infinite worth.” Oh, and be loving and compassionate whenever and however you can. Including and especially towards yourself.
What are you reading now?
I’m currently reading Permission to Feel by Marc Brackett for research for my second book. It’s fascinating and so deeply relatable — I’m loving it and I’m inspired by all the emotional and mental health work he’s done and is doing.
What’s next for you as a writer?
Oh, what a fun question!! I hope so much, but for the foreseeable future I’ll be excitedly promoting the publication of The Moon Cycle Cookbook this September, turning in my second manuscript early 2022 and promoting Dwell throughout the next year. And celebrating!! Lots and lots of celebrations including creating time to reflect and write some more.
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?
1. Women Who Run with the Wolves by Clarissa Pinkola Estes
2. Letters to a Young Poet by Rainer Maria Rilke
3. The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho
4. Dark Places by Gillian Flynn
5. (And I’d sneak one of Yrsa Daley-Ward’s books into my bag, because a desert island is a lonely place and her writing makes me feel less lonely.)
Author Websites and Profiles
Devon Loftus Website
Devon Loftus Amazon Profile
Devon Loftus’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile