Welcome to my little domain!

My name is Katherine Łyczek, I also like to go by Violet online, so either one is fine for me!

I was born and raised in Spartanburg, South Carolina. I have an interesting culture dynamic, living here and embracing my southern identity- while being strongly Polish as well. I consider myself a part of both worlds, with dual citizenship and the majority of my family still living in Poland. I like to write about my summers spent there, and my love of our food and culture.

Since I was little I was good with words. I excelled in English class, Languages, History, Religion and Philosophy classes. I never imagined I could pursue writing as a career until I had begun working as a nurse and realized I had the ability to support myself and my dreams. I’m a MFA student at Converse University while working full time. It took awhile for me to figure myself out in other aspects of my life before I came back to my first loves: reading and writing.

I’m a neurodivergent, feminist writer who draws heavily on pagan, naturalist and magical elements. I enjoy creating stories that are mythos based, using folklore and paganism to construe an assortment of tales. Nature and wildlife are some of my prime muses to write upon. I enjoy using elements of psychology, philosophy, and morality to create tension in my narratives. I like to wander with the boundaries of human kindness and compassion, mirroring the opposite to create a story that someone could reflect upon. I think in genre terms, I am going to play with magical realism first.

I would like to write with a purpose. If anything, I want to write stories that give someone a safe place to let their mind wander to. I write as someone who lives with chronic mental illness, and I would like to possibly inspire hope in others, or anyone who is suffering. I also want to make my pages and spots on the internet a “safe” cozy place. I want to create a little soft sanctuary on my pages for others who just want to relax, or have good vibes.

I haven’t had any of my work officially published yet. I am waiting to polish some stories up before submitting. I am currently working on my MFA, and forming my thesis. I am working on what I hope will be my debut novel. I am currently feeling like magical realism will be my niche. I would like to not only write and publish books, but contribute to literature. I write with meaning and intention towards literary fiction.

Being part of the Converse University Low Residency MFA has changed my life profoundly. I never took a creative writing class in college and I just picked up classes without earning credits to get experience. The staff encouraged me to apply for the MFA program and I was hesitant because I have virtually no background- but I got in! That in and of itself was a very validating moment for me that I am worthy of studying creative writing seriously. Surrounding myself in an environment with thinkers and writers like me has been so life changing and beneficial to me and my own process. I have made so many improvements and so many friends.

Alongside my academic endeavors, I am a full time inpatient wound care nurse. Wound care is my true calling within the nursing realm, and soon I will be certified. I love my nursing career and I couldn’t imagine a better place to pour my time and attention towards. It is stimulating, fulfilling, and I get to help others.

Contact:

Here’s a little collage with info about me! Thanks for stopping by!