Some of our NAWA Signature Artists are also recognized authors who have published their work in books, articles, and papers both online, and offline. Their writing is as diverse as their artwork, covering fiction, non-fiction, academic research, poetry, children’s books and more.

A standard set of questions has been proposed to each of our Artist/Authors. These are Victoria’s replies.

NAWA is pleased to introduce Victoria Twomey.

Victoria Twomey Reading Poetry

1-What are you focused on in your writing?

Poetry that explores the subjects of death, transformation, love, loss, spirituality, nature, and hope.

2-What drew you to the subject matter of your work?

It is something that comes naturally to me. I often have poetic lines, or almost whole poems, come to me while driving, walking, etc. For instance, my poem “Glimpse,” was sparked when I was driving down a long country road and saw a dead animal on the side. I had watched a TV show on consciousness the night before and two merged in my mind and the poem began to form itself as I drove along. I wondered what that creature and I had in common. The poem is an exploration of how all things come into existence through transformation and will eventually all join together on a level beyond our present knowing. We come from oneness, differentiate for a time, and return into oneness. There are other themes in the poem, including the wisdom and purity of the wild that knows and accepts things, without judgement, to be as they truly are.

3-What type of writing do you do? Fiction, non-fiction, sub-sections, etc.

Poetry.

4-Who are you writing for? Who is your target audience?

I am actually writing for myself and then sharing my work. Just like artwork, all that an artist produces is really, in the end, a self-portrait. The poem often begins with a question that I feel is worth exploring through my writing. My target audience probably has the same questions or has had the same experience.

5- Is your written work related to your artwork? If so, How?

I sometimes read one of my poems and feel inspired to illustrate it. I also take an artist’s approach in my descriptions, often using color as part of the poem. Here is an excerpt from a poem that illustrates what I mean:

before I flow like dark ink into a sleeping cup of indigo blue,
what shall my final longing be?

for one more canary-colored dawn,
or the brave, burnt orange ending of the autumn leaf, flaming until the last?

will I long for warm, red-lipped poppies, kissing the air,
or to feel the vibrating bees, hovering sweet and golden over a high-spirited meadow?

6-How often do you write?

When I’m “in the zone” I will write almost every day. If not, I wait for the poem to arrive and speak to me. I don’t always know what will trigger it. I try to jot down any poetic lines that come to me and then peruse them for ideas at a later time.

7- How do you balance your writing with your studio practice?

I am very lucky that I can create my drawings and when I run out of ideas, I can take a break for a few days and turn to my poetry. When the poetry well runs dry, I turn to the drawing. It balances out most of the time.

8- When did you write your works?

I try to set time aside where I have no obligations and I can spend a few days in a contemplative mode. I need the space of peace and quiet to settle my mind before I begin. The poetry flame can sometimes be easily blown out by too much “noise.”

9- Are you currently writing articles or books for publication?

No.

10- How and where have your works been published? Online? Print?

My first book of poetry, Glimpse, was published, in print, in April 2023 by Kelsay Books. I also have work published in several anthologies, in newspapers and online, including BigCityLit, The High Window, The Long Island Quarterly, The Tipton Poetry Journal, Verse-Virtual, The Agape Review, The Trouvaille Review and The RavensPerch.

11- Do you self-publish your writing?

No.

12- How do you market your written work?

I share published poems as well as artwork alongside a related poem, on Facebook and my web site. I record readings of various poems and post to YouTube. I also submit my work to various online and print publications which expands my readership. It also helps if I win an award or if I am named a featured poet in a publication. I always share these achievements in Facebook and my site. I was honored with three great reviews for the back of my book and when I receive comments on my work, I am sure to share that also.

13- Do you do book readings? Promo tours? Library lectures?

I attend Zoom meetings in poetry groups and read my work during the open mic portion. This is a great way to meet other poets, form friendships and hear their work. I was recently honored with an opportunity to be a featured poet where I was able to share 20 minutes of my work on Zoom.

14- Where can people access your publications? Links? Libraries? Etc.

Where to buy Glimpse. From Kelsay Books, Publisher here.

From Amazon here.

Signed Copies from my Etsy Shop here.

15- In a few sentences tell us who and why people might feel compelled to read your publications.

Another poet said that when she read my book, she felt like she took a journey to the stars and then deep into her soul. Clearly, she was moved by what she read – it spoke to her. I write what I like to call “accessible poetry” that can be understood by most people. It often touches people because they may have similar feelings and they appreciate someone who can explore some of life’s deeper mysteries without attempting to provide an answer.

Thank you for sharing this Victoria! We are so pleased that you have become such a significant contributor to NAWA with this interview and your beautiful artwork.

Mary Ahern – NAWA Signature Member
Chair Public Relations Committee

Visit Victoria Twomey’s website here