Welcome to BookView Interview, a conversation series where BookView talks to authors.
Recently, we talked to Cory DeAn Cowley about her writing and debut supernatural thriller Bending Reality (read the review here).
I was born and raised in Hendersonville, TN. Growing up, I have always had curious interest in spirituality and the occult. With an extensive background of theatre, I have shot a multitude of videos, as well as acted, wrote, and produced plays. It was my dream to pursue writing–in which I have now successfully written my first work. My goal is to maintain the art of literature, and keep authenticity alive. My works are a testament to the meaning of soul.
I currently live in Delray Beach, FL, with my partner, Jim. Together, we adopted two guinea pigs, Metis & Harry.
My works are an amalgamation of contemporary themes, mixed with old-school horror. Inspired by the writing style of authors such as: Clive Barker, H.P. Lovecraft, Stephen King, and Dante Alligheri.
You can follow me on all my socials here, as well as getting a more intimate look into my life:
www.facebook.com/foliumdiscognitum2
www.instagram.com/foliumdiscognitum2
First and foremost, thank you, Natasha, for allowing me to be a part of this interview. When you initially reached out to me—I truly felt honored.
Do you find writing therapeutic?
Well, truthfully, it’s the only way I can articulate what I really want to say. Anyone who knows me personally knows that I tend to stumble on my words. Ever since I was a kid, I’ve been a very nervous public speaker, and my cheeks would tend to become flushed from embarrassment. I think it’s something that has resonated within me after all these years, and writing has been the only thing that helps me say what I feel. I’ve always had this belief that my written words are my true words, and that anything written in ink by an author is their truth.
Do you try more to be original or to deliver to readers what they want?
Without thinking twice, I never write something that I think readers want. It’s important to sell, yeah, but if you aren’t selling what you love, are you truly doing what you love? Ever since publishing Bending Reality, I’ve had insurmountable questions as to why I had written what I did. The answer is simple: it came from me. As an author it’s important to stay true to who you are, but you could most certainly apply that to any profession in life. I know people who are extremely successful writing for the sake of an income, and I commend them, but that’s just not for me. I take writing to heart and there isn’t anything else more sacred in my book (pun intended.)
If asked, what would your friends and family say about you?
That’s an interesting question, being that I’m quite the quiet, shy person in reality. My horror is certainly not for the faint of heart, and I could understand why people have a certain perception of who I am based on my works; however, behind closed doors I’m a pussycat. I enjoy spending time with my partner, traveling, and meditating. Don’t get me wrong, I follow certain pathways that are not necessarily common, but I believe that balancing the dark and light side of you is the key to enlightenment. My mom sometimes razzes me about my “choice” of interior design, but she’s probably the most laidback person. I’m certainly lucky to have her as my main inspiration.
How different was your life a year ago?
This answer could go on into next week. In all seriousness, I was ready to die. I’m going back to 2019 when I was on the verge of killing myself and calling it quits. I was being abused by a man who made it a sport to torment me for the sake of nothing else than enjoyment. I was undergoing intense therapy and seeing a psychiatrist for the abuse and what it had done to me. Needless to say, I was making some very poor decisions that I’m not proud of, but they were lessons that needed to be learned. Prior to 2019 I had no real direction on what I wanted in my life, and when all those things came to an apex, I crashed and burned really hard. It took a lot of digging deep and scraping out all that pain, before I realized that I needed to change. I finally made the conscious effort into seeking help for my neuroses and it was the best thing I could have done for myself. I can say with all honesty, I never ever want to go back to that period of my life…EVER.
Is there anything you want to unlearn?
This could also be another long-winded response, but I have to say it would be all of my deprecating behavior toward myself. I didn’t love myself at all back then and I never believed I was worthy of a good life. When I was going to therapy, I learned that a lot of my toxic behavior came from the generations of poor decision making through my family. Aside from my mother, aunt and cousins, I don’t really have family. My father left me at a young age, and I sort of just chalked it up as a loss. Do I believe that my dysfunction was caused by learned behavior? I think to a degree, yes, but one thing that most people refuse to believe is that no matter your life, where you came from, who you were, everyone is accountable for the mistakes they make. It doesn’t matter the circumstance; we make our own decisions because we are our own person. I had to learn the hard way that there are always repercussions to poor decisions. If I had taken that more serious in my twenties, maybe things would have not been so bad.
Tell us some more about your book?
Point blank, if you enjoy some truly horrific scenery, then this book is for you. Bending Reality is my introduction into the literary world, forcing readers to sit down, shut up, and let the pain seep into your flesh. I am a practicing occultist; my beliefs heavily mirror my words and allow anyone interested in the left hand path to get a minor glimpse. Obviously, most of it was based on the tremendous amount of pain I was feeling right up to writing it; so, if anything, this is my way so saying, “Welcome to hell, folks.” I’ll be honest, this book is certainly not for the faint of heart, and if you are at all sensitive to language, gore, sex, and anything horrific, I highly suggest you pass.
What do you hope readers will take away from this story?
Truth; truth is all I want my readers to understand. One of the most disheartening things I see from newly published authors is their willingness to quit. People who are already established in the literary world tend to fill others heads with nonsense about doing this and doing that, but what I’m here to do is to say fuck that; do what you want and how you want, because nobody else is writing this story except YOU. My words are definitely not light and I don’t expect everyone to like my story; however, it’s written with every piece of my soul. Readers who are looking to write or writers who have already written need to know that it’s okay to be authentic. Don’t placate others or bend your knee to anybody, because you’re in charge of your destiny.
What’s next for you?
Well, I’ve just wrapped up the first draft on my second book, which is in the editing process as we speak. In my spare time away from writing, I do very extreme horror art. I’m looking to stake my claim in that field as well. Again, if you’re a sensitive soul, please refrain from looking at my work as they are…graphic. At any rate, I’ll do what I always do, which is being I. As long as I have my partner, my guinea pigs, and my art, I’m a pretty happy lady. And who knows, maybe you’ll see me again in the future. If you don’t see me, you’ll certainly remember me, and that’s all I want…
Thank you, Natasha, and Prairie Book Reviews for allowing me this opportunity again. I look forward to working with you all again, and I hope that you all stay healthy, happy and well.
From Hen to Pan,
C.D.C.
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