Spark Spotlight Writer - Auburn Lily
Photo Credit: Dani Howard, of Once Upon a Photo.
Auburn Lily found her home in Appalachia nearly fifteen years ago. A dormant mystic, the magic in the mountains awakened her from a spiritual slumber. Fueled by a curious mind and psychic bloodline, Auburn began her spiritual journey through the lens of mysticism and magic. Introverted by nature, for years she tended to her craft in the shadows. In late 2017, she found herself answering a new and exciting call to share her magic and, most importantly, inspire others to do the same. In 2023, her debut book Appalachian Witchcraft for Beginners was published, and she now works in the healing arts, offering 1:1 oracle and astrology readings, Reiki sessions, and online trainings; and cultivating a community to support others in their magical awakenings.
1. How did you become interested in writing?
I honestly don’t remember a time that I wasn’t interested in writing. Growing up, my parents read to me practically every day, and I was immediately enchanted by reading and writing. I fancied myself a famous poet. In fact, my nana, Nancy Borjes, has the first poem I ever wrote framed in her house. I followed that sense of intrigue all throughout my education, and I wound up pursuing a Bachelor’s in Mass Communication. At this point in my life, I don’t see writing as something I’m interested in as much as I see it as something I must do.
2. What style of writing do you most enjoy?
I think I’d consider most of my writing to be prose poetry – while not a traditional poem with consistent line breaks, there may be rhyme scheme, heightened metaphor and vivid imagery. I tend to write uplifting pieces about the emotional and spiritual complexities of being alive at this time on earth, weaving in astrological or archetypal wisdom when it feels right.
3. Where do you find your inspiration as a writer?
It may sound like an oversimplification, but my greatest inspiration for writing is existence itself. I simply cannot go on through life without writing about it. I also never grew out of reading. I tend to read at least 50 books a year these days, and I am forever inspired by my favorite fantasy authors V.E. Schwab, Sarah J. Maas, Adrienne Young, and so many more.
4. What is the most rewarding part of being a writer?
If you would have asked me this question before my debut book was published, I would have said the most rewarding part about being a writer is beholding my work – my thoughts, my inspirations, my emotions – as a Real Thing, rather than just a concept floating around in my psyche. Now that I have a book out in the world, it’s clear to me that there is nothing more rewarding than having another person truly resonate with the work that I pour my heart and soul into. I’ve had readers reach out to me and bring tears to my eyes with their sweet messages. It’s life-changing to connect with people in this way.
5. What is most important to you in your writing?
The most important facet of writing, for me, is heart. I cannot put my name to something that I wouldn’t say proudly, with my full chest. That’s why I pulled away from a career in journalism and instead turned my focus to more creative exploits; I found that I could not write if I didn’t truly believe in what I was writing.
6. What are you currently working on?
Right now, I’m working on inspired pieces for The Cosmic Quill (https://auburnlily.com/the-cosmic-quill) – where I share celestial and intuitive insights that help you move in rhythm with the energy of the times. I’m also rather mesmerized by my work-in-progress, which is the first in a fantasy trilogy, but truth be told, I think I will publish another resource-style book, similar to my debut work Appalachian Witchcraft for Beginners, before anyone gets the chance to meet Alora Solaris in A Kingdom of Dream & Shadow.
For more information about Auburn Lily, visit her website: auburnlily.com
