Ask the Reviewer: A Conversation with Devin Meireles
Interviewed by Jen Knox
Devin Meireles (DM): Writing has always been a hobby of mine. I’ve always carried a notebook to jot down ideas. My earliest memory was in grade school when I would write horror novellas and share my books with classmates during reading time. Then in high school I wrote scripts for video production. Most recently I have been inspired by my Portuguese heritage and have published many articles, including two books, about my personal journey of finding family roots and culture. I also write nonfiction stories from life experiences.
Sometimes I write just to better understand things for myself. Writing helps to face my uncertainty, putting words that I cannot eloquently speak into something that I can share with others. Words matter so much. As a writer, I aim to evoke emotion in readers through the stories I convey. For those pieces that get published, when I’m ready to share them, not only is it rewarding for me but also cathartic. I enjoy connecting through well constructed paragraphs.
JK: What is the best piece of advice you've received as a writer/person?
DM: Just write it down. When inspiration comes, just get that concept on paper before you lose it. I suppose you can say that I’m a plotter in that regard. Sometimes I find myself trying to perfect what I’m trying to convey but the words won’t fit together. I’ve learned that jotting down the sentiment in the moment is important to capture the idea that inspired me and then the editing is when you master the art. Editing and revising is where the magic happens and that is the most crucial part about the writing process, so take your time with it!
JK: Please share with us one (or a few) of your favorite lines, either from your own work or someone else's work, and explain what strikes you about the passage.
DM: “She soaked in the tub like a duck in water. Paddling under the bubbles, working hard to keep it together, but all I saw was her calm demeanor and lamenting eyes. She was beautiful amidst tragedy, exuding so much strength. Stronger than I had seen her before. More than she ever knew.”
This excerpt was from an article I wrote about a true miscarriage story. While it was hard to accept and recognize the impact of that evening, writing about it was cathartic to healing. Those words epitomize how strong women are. Those words describe how I saw my wife in such a difficult moment. Sometimes life can be cruel but keeping afloat is what matters, and that’s how people see each other from the outside. We are paddling underwater to keep our heads above water. Just keep calm and don’t lose focus. Things will work out as long as you stay strong.
JK: How did you find your first publication?
DM: Since a lot of my content is related to Portuguese heritage, I started by submitting articles to local Portuguese cultural magazines and newspapers. It was thrilling to be published and receive positive feedback from my community. That was the catalyst to my pursuit of writing. As I wrote about culture and childhood, my work has evolved to include more personal stories.
Through Submittable, an online submission platform, my story about a paranormal experience was published in my first literary journal, and I have been featured on many more publications since then.
JK: What are you working on now? Please share any links our writers can follow to read more of your work.
DM: I continue to write articles when elicited. My blog features all my recent work and my two books are available on Amazon Kindle. Readers can follow me on Instagram @LusoLoonie and visit my website lusoloonie.ca to receive new articles, visual content and special offers.