An Interview with Anya Kless, author of “Lilith: Queen of the Desert”

Galina: Who are you hoping to reach with this work? What do you think your readers will gain? Anya: I think I have three audiences in mind. On the most basic level, I wanted as many people as possible to see that Lilith is not just a myth or an artifact. She is alive and well and claiming people today as Her own. For those who might already be part of a community Lilith tends to snatch from–feminist, kink, pagan, gender outlaws–I wanted to present Her as a source of inspiration, personal growth, and spiritual service. She has a lot to teach those that would approach Her, even if She may not be your patron. From the experiences of those I know, and some in the devotional itself, She is very willing to take one claimed by another deity under Her wing to learn a particular lesson. Finally, I wanted to compile a resource for those who have been or will be claimed by Her. They should know that they aren’t alone, and that the difficult path She asks them to walk is well worth it.

Galina: You’ve published under Knickerbocker Circus Press. What was it like to work with them?

Anya: It’s been great. I chose this press because I wanted to support a local, NYC-based company that specialized in niche texts bigger publishing houses tend to reject. They give original, unusual projects the spotlight they deserve, reaching an underserved market of readers and authors. Because they are a small, independent press, I was able to publish the devotional on a relatively quick timeline. While the book is currently only available through Lulu, it will be listed more widely through both Amazon.com and BarnesandNoble.com within a few weeks. Finally, Katelan Foisy, the owner of KC, donated her self-portrait photograph for the cover of the devotional. I really couldn’t have asked for more.

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