Polish
First Language(s): Polish
Second Language(s):
English
Jowita Bydlowska is the author of Unshaming (March 2026). She is also the author of Monster (September 2024), Possessed, the best-selling memoir Drunk Mom, and the best-selling novel GUY. She’s also a prolific short-story writer, journalist and a mentor. Her favourite review on Goodreads is a review of Possessed, which reads, “Jesus Christ.” She was born and raised in Poland and moved to Canada with no English. She writes in her second language.
What was your favorite book as a child?
Alice in Wonderland.
What was the original reason or motivation why you started writing creatively?
I have never really had any other idea for myself other than to become a writer; I always wrote. After moving to Canada at 15, I had to take a few years to learn the language and I published my first short story at 19.
What was the most adventurous or thrilling thing you ever did/experienced?
The most thrilling thing I’ve ever experienced was giving birth. The second most thrilling thing I’ve experienced was publishing my first book, which was a memoir about my relapse into alcoholism.
Do you listen to music while reading or writing?
Occasionally — not often at all — I listen to electronic music when writing but never anything with lyrics unless they’re in the language I don’t know. But I mostly write in silence.
Short Story
Proof of Magic
Issue Spring '26
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