Victoria Lilienthal

Since childhood, Victoria Lilienthal has been captivated by symbols, rituals and the myths that inspire growth. She studied Intellectual History at University of Colorado at Boulder and is a certified sound healer, a practice that uses sound to relax the mind and body. It is with an appreciation for silliness, sex and the sacred that Victoria draws upon her studies, and her mentorship with cultural anthropologist Angeles Arrien as inspiration for her first novel, The T Room. She lives in Northern California along with her husband and their senior citizen dachshund, Luigi.

Are there particular films that have influenced your writing?

I enjoy writing about the often silly yet seductive nature of the spiritual journey. I’m crazy about Wanderlust with Jennifer Aniston. A rom-com spoof, complete with the prerequisite bad guru, the story inspired some mischief making in my own writing. I also love all vampire films, the creepier and sexier the better. Anything from the magical realism genre appeals to me. Like the Shape of Water where the main character is enraptured with the extraordinary.

Is your go to comfort food sweet or savory? Is it something you make yourself? Does food inspire your writing?

As my protagonist Vera West sustains life on GMO pizza, food, isn’t a thing in my writing yet.  If I need some nurturing, my go to is mashed potatoes. Not just any old potatoes. Best case scenario are potatoes procured at the farmer’s market. The potato guy sells German butterballs, fingerlings, and my personal favorite Yukon golds. Once mashed with the potato masher that I’ve literally had since college, they are whipped with some ridiculously expensive butter. If the need for comfort is acute, this version of adult baby food is taken to bed.

Do you collect anything? If so, what, why, and for how long?

I have a ceramics problem. The obsession began while living in Paris in the 1980’s where I developed a passion for old French green glazed terra cotta pottery. Already a foodie, anything culinary and utilitarian—jugs, pitchers, confit pots, bowls—were fair game. Eventually I just had to say no which is not to say that I still don’t feel the urge.

What piece of clothing tells the most intriguing story about your life?

When my daughter was eleven, in a moment of maternal insanity, I travelled with her across the state of Rajasthan in northern India. Along the way I bought two large handwoven scarves to cover our heads. Years later, I left my well-travelled scarf on a bench at a gas station. When I dashed back to pick it up, it was sitting on the counter next to an icon of the Hindu Indian god, Ganesha. This god is known for bringing luck, removing obstacles and in my case, for securing and recovering scarves.

What brings you great joy?

So many things give me joy. Watching my daughter grow into a sensitive, creative, and competent adult.  Getting married at sixty to a man that I’ve known for almost thirty years. Watching our old dachshund run off leash. Singing and dancing, nurturing my family - especially my nieces and nephews - giving back, loving my friends dearly, and last but not least, having the opportunity to cook for everyone I know.