foto by @allisongowerphotography
Writer : Artist
Mother : Resister
she : her
Loie Rawding (née ____ Merritt) grew up on an island off the coast of Maine. Her personal work exists as hybrid monster, a cocktail of prose, poetry, and personal reflection that weaves together her lived experience and the subconscious or fantasy spaces she’s been building since she was young. When necessary, she dabbles in auto-theory, critical essay, and literary review. As an artist, Loie combines paint, photography, wax, fabric, and natural objects to create works of emotional volatility and resistance.
She studied dance theater and writing at Emerson College (Boston) and Pace University (New York City). While living in Brooklyn, she worked with independent publishers and artists to cultivate a wide breadth of knowledge and diverse experience. In 2013, she moved to Boulder to pursue an MFA in Fiction at the University of Colorado. While studying, she taught undergraduate courses and served as Fiction Editor, then Art Editor, of Timber Journal. In the spring of 2016, she received her degree, completed a novel, and gave birth to twins.
The following year, she served as an adjunct professor in the CU English Department. Loie also conducts private workshops and mentorship for all ages and experience levels. To inquire about book reviews, editing or coaching services please contact her here.
In September 2017, Loie moved with her family to Nashville, Tennessee where she is pursuing new projects in Narrative Medicine, completing her next novel, and fighting for the equity and safety of the LGBTQIA+ community, among other vital campaigns. She is also a Teaching Artist at The Porch Writers Collective and an occasional Visiting Lecturer at the University of Colorado.
Loie’s debut novel, TIGHT LITTLE VOCAL CORDS, was published by KERNPUNKT Press in November 2020. She is currently available for speaking engagements.