We had the good fortune of connecting with Devon DeMint and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Devon, you love what you do. It’s clear to anyone who knows you. Why and what about your work do you love so much?
I’ve always kind of said I have no other choice but to write because it’s sort of like a calling and sort of like a curse. I love observing people and nature, all the little details. I once saw a guy at the pharmacy with a taxidermy squirrel. How do you not write that down? People are fascinating and this world is so strange. I think even if I lived back in ancient Egyptian times I would be blowing off carrying heavy stones or fanning the pharaoh, hiding in some cave carving hieroglyphic stories into the walls. I have this compulsive need to document what happens while I’m alive, in my own way.
Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I’m a mother/writer/surfer which is a pretty specific niche. There is such complexity and intimacy to parenthood and surfing. Writing about the juxtaposition of the two seems fitting to me. I have a few poems I sell on my website – taleofamermaid.com- about miscarriage, deserving set waves, sisterhood. I try to come from a place of vulnerability in order to connect with readers. I print the poems at home on recycled paper and watercolor them. I just started printing some of the favorites on handmade paper and sewing details onto them with colored thread.
Any great local spots you’d like to shoutout?
My hometown has a bunch of unique spots. We love eating Haggo’s Tacos, Moonage Food Truck, Fish 101 and, for special occasions, Death By Tequila. We love shopping at Bing Surf Shop, Threadspun, Magical Child and The Nada Shop.
Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I’m so grateful for my family. When I first wanted to become a writer, my husband sold his sailboat so we could afford for me follow my passions. My mom has proofread almost anything I’ve ever written and my dad loves nothing more than privacy and still supports me for splattering my life all over the place. My sisters are also the biggest fans. They send my work to their friends, put heart-eye emojis on my instagram stories and help keep me grounded in who I am.
Website: https://taleofamermaid.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mermaidsightings/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/devondemint
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thetaleofamermaid/
Image Credits
Sarah Lee, Bella Glickman, Devon DeMint