Author’s Month on Clutch – A Salute to Scribes: V

Clutch: Who or what inspired you to become a writer?
V: My inspiration for writing came from my love for the arts. I have always loved drawing, playing the clarinet when I was younger and poetry. I began writing my own poetry and short stories in elementary school, and then took creative writing courses from junior high all the way to college. My inspiration for this particular project was the detachment I was feeling from someone, and the loss I felt. After my first few entries, it became an organic thing.

Clutch: If you weren’t a writer, what do you think you would be doing?
V: I don’t really consider myself a “writer”, per se, at least not to the point where it is something that’s my main focus. I have ever-present goals of finding success in the fashion and luxury goods marketing and pr industry. I also have dreams of one day opening my own patisserie. At this time I see writing as being an adjunct to my life…a creative outlet.

Clutch: In your opinion, what’s the one thing one must possess if they want to become a professional writer?
V: You must possess the confidence that you have something to say, and that there is an audience out there that wishes to hear it. There may be plenty who do not like your work, but there is always going to be someone who will…even if it is just your Mother.

Clutch: How has the Internet and Social Media helped you as a writer?
V: Wow! I can honestly say that without the Internet there would probably be no book! The only journals I have ever been able to keep are the few I’ve had online. As much as I love to write by hand, I have always struggled to keep a physical (tangible) journal past two weeks. My online journals have been the only ones to stand the test of time and hold my attention for these past few years. I believe the interaction with my readers, many of whom I enjoy immensely, have played a major role in my journey to publishing my book.

Clutch: Tell us about your current book?
V: My current book is a compilation of journal entries that express my views on the interaction of men and women pertaining to sex, love and relationships. Each entry is a true happening or thought that I experienced over this past year. Entries consist of short notes and reminders to me, love letters to ex beau’s, and thoughts on social interactions that my friends or I have encountered. Everything is written just as one would write in their own journal. Though I went through a hefty editing process, I made sure not to change the language, context or even some of the misspellings in order to maintain authenticity.

Clutch: What advice would you give to up and coming writers?
V: My advice would be to write what you know! I know this is an old adage, and may sound trite, but it’s true. Even in fiction there should be a part of your true self in it, whether you base a character on yourself, or a town you’ve visited, or a conversation you’ve had. There should be an element of your own thought process, your reactions, the reactions of others you know etc. If you put that in your work, and make it the basis, then it will read true and your reader will connect with your work more readily.