Kilayla Pilon is an author and artist from Ontario, Canada who focuses on poetry and fiction. 

Q1 – What is the name of your latest project? Tell us more about why you embarked on this project. If a writer, share your synopsis.

My most recent work is titled Thread and Twine. It is a poetry collection focused on depression as well as suicide and self harm. 

Q2 – What inspired you when you encountered struggles along the way?

The dedication of my loving family. 

Q3 – Have you ever traveled as research for your work/project/story?

No but that would be amazing! 

Q4 – How has your lived experience influenced your work/project/story?

My life experiences have shaped my perspective, the power behind my words, and who I am as a person. 

Q5 – What do you want readers to take away from your work/project/story?

That recovery is possible. 

Q6 – Do you believe books can inspire social change? How?

I believe they can in the same way mass produced television can shape or mold the literary world. 

Q7 – Anton Chekhov said, “The world is, of course, nothing but our conception of it.” What is your opinion of this statement? How does it coincide or conflict with your perspective of the world?

This quote is one I’ve never heard. It does, however, coincide with my perspective. 

Q8 – What personal experience had the greatest influence on your worldview?

When I was a teenager I had gotten into a fight with my family mid summer. I walked for hours and ended up desperately thirsty. When I got to a Tim Hortons, I was 25c short for a water bottle. I asked a man for help and he offered to buy me anything I wanted and he treated me with such kindness. It helped me believe in strong hearts and reminded me that despite the cruelty of life, there are those who hold kindness. Ever since, I’ve tried to pay it forward. 

Q9 – What perspectives or beliefs have you challenged in your work/project/story?

I haven’t really challenged anything, I don’t think. 

Q10 – How do you see the relationship between writing and culture? How about the boundaries between fiction and reality?

I believe writing can be a big door opener to conversations. It offers insight into different experiences both lived and lost. 

The boundaries between fiction and reality are, I think, pretty thin. It depends on what type of fiction is being written. A fantasy novel would not compare to reality but a book about addiction, for example, could breathe with the line. 

Q11 – To what extent can fiction affect or improve the developments in science and technology in human life? What about religion and politics?

This is quite a topic. I think fiction allows us the opportunity to think, to breathe, to create even in reality. Fiction can be inspired by religion but I don’t believe it goes the same way that religion is formed through fiction.

Q12 – Eckhart Tolle said, “Awareness is the greatest agent for change.” In your opinion, what is the next step and how can writers affect this?

Awareness is desperately needed in our community. Knowing how our words can impact, how our worlds and stories can teach each other. From my experience, I use awareness in my poetry to shed light on addiction and mental illness. 

Q14 – Intolerance and divisiveness are prevalent across the globe. Our voice may not be loud enough to right every wrong, but it is enough to make a difference one person at a time. Small acts move mountains. What one thing would you ask your audience to do to help inspire social change?

Pay it forward. Help someone get groceries if they’re a few dollars short, for example. 

Q15 – Pick 1-3 social issues that are most important to you. Explain why you picked these and how we can help raise awareness/impact change.

Addiction is a disease that has been labeled as taboo, wrong, disgusting. Easy access education on addiction is something I believe we need. Addiction can strike anyone at any time. 

Mental illness is another topic that needs to be spoken more of. Mental health impacts us all and mental illness can destroy lives. Education is key to recovery. 

Q16 – Maya Angelou said, “I did then what I knew how to do, but now that I know better, I do better.” We have all made choices that we regret. We are all flawed humans. Together, we are experiencing this human story unfolding. Share a transformative experience where you learned from a mistake. How do you actively choose to make better choices?

I learned from my selfish choices and decisions that my choices impact others. I am not alone and I can cause pain any way possible, just as anyone else can. I’ve since learned to try and spell kindness in my daily life. Being a supporter with mental health, offering to help pay for dinner for someone who needs it. I give as has been given to me. 

Connect with Kilayla Pilon 

An author is only as good as their audience. Support this amazing writer by connecting with them and checking out their books.

Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@kilaylaxo?_t=8hwZ0tEvidi&_r=1

Instagram: https://instagram.com/kilaylax?igshid=OGQ5ZDc2ODk2ZA==

The Buried King: https://a.co/d/gNKHIeN

Thread and Twine: https://a.co/d/5EppoUe

When I Am Someone Else: https://a.co/d/hM33cUp

Scarlet Clock: https://a.co/d/fFFTrZJ

If you want to hear my guests’ stories in their own words, check out our video interviews on my Story Unfolding YouTube channel. Be sure to go subscribe to hear about Kilayla and other authors, creators, and entrepreneurs who are making a difference.

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