Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I currently an undergrad majoring in Linguistics and Spanish. Sensuality. is the first book I’m publishing, but I’m also almost done with revisions for my first novel. I came out of the womb wanting to be a writer of fantasy novels but it wasn’t until late high school that I got introduced to poetry. It was a rocky start but I eventually fell in love with it. Sensuality. is my first book.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Sensuality. is the name of my latest book. It’s a small book of fourteen poems concerning the relationship between sensuality and art. What inspired the idea was that despite not having much sexual experience myself, writing sensual poetry has always come naturally to me. And I feel that all art, especially music and poetry, has this sensual aspect even if it has nothing to do with sex. I think that sensuality is connected to intense emotions, which is an idea that runs through all the poems in the book.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I tend to write the last line of my poems first. Not always. But quite a lot of the time.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
One of my favorite poets is John Donne. I’m not sure if I can say that he’s directly influenced me, but I identify with how he often tied the concepts of sex and spirituality together in his poetry. I feel like I do a similar thing with my own.
What are you working on now?
I’m editing the first in a fantasy series about a girl is institutionalized when she begins feeling a presence with violent urges inside of her. A government official tells her that she’s infected by a mystical parasite and that he’s come to heal her of it. But as she learns more, she doens’t know if it’s better to trust the government official or the presence inside of her.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I like making videos on YouTube. I’m not much of a traditional social media person, so I prefer the format of YouTube because it allows for creating longer, more thought-provoking content.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
The best way for a new writer to find their voice is to forget about what everyone else thinks, including your inner editor. Take risks and write what comes to you even if you fear it might be bad or you fear it isn’t what “poetry” or “writing” should be like.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Write everyday. Not only has my writing improved from writing everyday, but I’m also more confident as a writer now.
What are you reading now?
For poetry, I’m re-reading “Double Jinx” by Nancy Reddy. It’s so good. Could not recommend more. Then, I’m also in the middle of the Dark Tower series of Steven King. I’m reading Wolves of the Calla.
What’s next for you as a writer?
Finishing my novel, and hopefully I can publish it next year.
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?
“Double Jinx” by Nancy Reddy, “The Savior’s Champion” by Jenna Moreci, and “Starflower” by Anne Elisabeth Stengl.
Author Websites and Profiles
Mary K Gowdy Website
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