SpotLight – Fia Naturie

I’m Damian DeadLove. You might know me from Backstage, or possibly from right here at DU. This is a new show that’s meant for DU, it’s called, SpotLight. It’s a Q&A show, or an interview kinda vibe, if you follow. Where I will interview one lucky poet or poetess, and let them rap with me about writing ideas, or whatever comes to mind.

Our first guest is a poetess who’s been a member here since, March of 2024. She’s a brilliant writer, and has a personality no one would dare deny. I’m talking about the sexy and sassy: Fia Naturie.. Round of applause for, Fia. 

Question 1: Fia, I did some research on this first question. Under influences you’ve got, Maya Angelo, Laurel Hamilton, and JRR Martin. What are some of your other influences? And how did they inspire you in your writing style?

Hey Damian, I’m glad to be your “first.” One thing that immediately comes to mind is the Sunday comics when I was a child. Weird, right? If you read them today, you can see a lot of angst and adult themes that we consumed. Music, of course, there was nothing subtle about secret lovers by Atlantic Star and Push It by Salt and Pepa. (haha). A movie/musical called Camelot. That came out of nowhere, but certain things stick with you. 

So you have angst, eroticism, and romance. I used to shy away from writing about in-depth sexual scenes. I was afraid to take the training bra off. Realizing if I don’t release the beast then I will never develop into my true potential.

You had to be the first, Fia. I’m just honored you said, yes. Very interesting. The Sunday Comics, huh? Actually I can see that, it’s like old school cartoons. They were loaded with adult content as well. Especially if you watch them now. lol. I remember Salt -N- Pepa, very catchy tune, that song was a big hit. You caught me off guard with Atlantic Star, i vaguely remember them. You’re giving me homework now, gonna have to check them out again. As far as musicals they were never my scene in less you count, The Blues Brothers. I can’t imagine you being afraid of anything, but I get it, sometimes it takes a while to put the pieces together of finding yourself as a writer.  

Question 2: I’ve been writing for over 30 years now, and I was not a natural at it. Of course I was 16 when I first picked up the pen. It’s taken a lot of hours practicing my craft, to do what I do now. How long have you been writing, what age did you start? 

I have been writing since I was thirteen. I received my first reprimand for a poem I wrote. Which at the time I thought it just portrayed sadness. Not to their eye’s. The nun and the priest (went to catholic school) called my mother to the principal’s office, and I guess it was early intervention. Till this day I have no clue what I made them feel. But it must have been intense. 

My first short story was created out of spite. My English teacher pushed me to my limit, and I do not like to be pushed. I won an award for that piece of work.

I wasn’t even thinking about writing when I was thirteen. lol. Well that’s like a breadcrumb isn’t it? I mean being you thought the write was sad, but nothing you thought was gonna raise any concerns. Did you ever ask your mother what it was that troubled them about the write? I mean that’s kinda gotta stick with you a little, the not knowing part. It would with me anyways. Well that English teacher learned a valuable lesson, don’t fuck with, Fia Naturie. Or you’ll end up in her trophy case. That’s the kinda vibe it gives me. lol.

Question 3: There’s always highs and lows in life, as well as the creative element. I’ve stated several times that alcohol was my vice, and it destroyed a lot more than I make known. But that was the last low, there were many before it, and I’m sure it’s not the last one I’ll ever experience. Have you ever got so fed up, that you almost said, I don’t need this drama. Have you ever given up on being a writer, and ultimately what always brings you back?

That is a three-parter on the third question. Let me give you a little insight. I will trust you till you prove not trustworthy. I trusted someone I thought was closer to me than blood relatives. I was left stranded in a city where I could not get home when I called for them to help me. Why? Because of pride. This person may have felt justified in doing what they did, but at that moment, I lost a part of me that I will never get back. After that, I did not write for six years. I couldn’t. What came easy was gone. It was like my mind locked it away. What inspired me to write was when I went back to school and started watching people interact with each other. I wrote a book that was not really good, but I pushed through. I cannot say why stories started flowing in, but it did not stop once it started.

So sorry you went through that, my friend. I understand about the trust thing though, I’m the same way. Trust is a two way street. I had a songwriting partnership deteriorate over the years. I was blind because of addiction, and he took advantage of my kindness except I didn’t notice till I got sober. Not writing for six years must have felt like a lifetime. I went two and a half years without writing. I felt like I couldn’t breathe. I know the feeling of writing something that wasn’t good. I still have a notebook filled with my early writes, and they are terrible. lol. Well it seems you persevered, and are still doing what you love. That’s what matters.

Question 4: This is the last question. First, I wanna say thank you for doing this interview with me, Fia. You’ve been a wonderful guest, and so open with your answers. I feel like I know you better, and it was a pleasure interviewing you. People often talk about legacy, and their body of work. When the show is over and your story complete in this life. What’s the lasting impression you hope that readers will walk away with after reading your work?

I guess what I would like them to remember about my writing would be that I took them away from the everyday at least for a little while.

Great answer, I couldn’t agree with you more. Thanks once again to, Fia. And all the poets/poetesses here at DU, for reading. I say it all the time, We writers are just a unique breed, we built different. There will be more SpotLight down the road. Appreciate you. Peace, Love, & Lennon.

Damian DeadLove