Nicole Souza
SALT LAKE CITY, November 13, 2019
The latest novel by new E.L. Marker author, Nicole Souza, is a dystopian examination of the relationship between women and men. Souza was inspired by her experiences living in Brazil and especially by her own mother and father, both of whom embody traditional concepts of manhood and womanhood.
In her book, the author asks the question: what happens to a society that succeeds in breaking down masculine attributes in men and feminine attributes in women? How is life different in a society that has no place for primitie masculine and feminine energies?
Souza spends significant time meditating on her characters and stories. She has conversations with or about them in the car, doing dishes, or showering. She writes in silence, a slightly cold room, and in comfortable pants. Pleasant aromas, beautiful scenery, calming music are, for her, unbearable distractions. When she writes, she leaves her body behind and falls into the world where her story takes place.
Perhaps the reason for needing silence to write comes from Nicole’s background as the third of eight children. Among her immediate family are spoken seven languages: English, Spanish, Portuguese, French, Mandarin, Tongan, and Dutch. Nicole and her siblings have lived and/or studied all over the world. Many nieces and nephews are bilingual as well. Nicole’s husband is from Amazonas, Brazil, and they speak Portuguese at home.
While exploring publishing houses and agencies around the country, Nicole Souza found herself always circling back to the idea of the Wasatch mountains serving as a backdrop to her publishing house. The Wasatch mountains are a source of inspiration and peace for her and, with WiDo™, she’s found that same comfortable feeling the mountains bring. Her next project is a satirical piece on the centuries-old concept that men are logical and women are emotional (spoiler alert: women are both, and men are neither).
Managing Editor Karen Gowen reviewed Souza’s submission and quickly saw the possibilities in it. “At WiDo, we love to publish stories that fit a little outside the box of what everyone else is writing or reading these days. Nicole’s manuscript was such a one, with themes to make us think, and a very engaging writing voice as she introduces the characters and develops the narrative. We are so pleased she chose us.”
Growing up, music and writing served as her refuge, and still where she retreats for comfort. Nicole has played piano since the age of five and violin since age eight. Her violin is a constant friend and source of joy. Nicole does admit to singing but mostly for herself or her dogs, Glenn and Juny, who don’t particularly appreciate it unless it serves as a soundtrack for a long belly scratch.
Nicole and her husband also have a cat and two Russian tortoises. She says, “I’m currently building up the courage to tell my husband I’m awaiting a litter of bunnies to age a few more weeks so I can bring one home.”
Nicole Souza has a B.A. in Languages from the University of New Mexico with a minor in Women’s Studies. She chose a career in hospitality where she can use her language skills interacting with people from all around the globe. She currently manages a boutique hotel in the suburbs of Salt Lake City near Big Cottonwood Canyon– another personal refuge. You can read her personal cogitations at http://awomanswrites.com.