Meet VA-based Novelist Preslaysa Williams
PRESLAYSA WILLIAMS is a novelist and actor based in Virginia Beach, VA. Visit her website to find social media and information on her latest novels!
CATHOLIC ARTIST CONNECTION: Where are you from originally, and what brought you to Virginia Beach?
PRESLAYSA WILLIAMS: I am originally from New Brunswick, New Jersey. I ended up in Virginia Beach because my husband was in the military, and so we moved to Virginia.
Do you call yourself a Catholic artist? What do you see as your personal mission as a Catholic working in the arts?
I see myself as a Catholic and an artist. I let my faith naturally flow through my creations as the Creator sees fit. My mission as a Catholic working in the arts is to "let my light shine before men, so that the people who see it may praise my Father in heaven.”
Where have you found support in the Church for your vocation as an artist?
I haven't found much support in the Church for my vocation as an artist. It often feels as if I'm floating between two worlds: artistic and sacramental. I would love to find venues where these two aspects of myself can be merged together.
What is your daily spiritual practice?
I started praying the Liturgy of the Hours during this Lenten season. I hope to continue doing so after Lent is over. I pray the rosary and/or various chaplets daily. I also spend time reading the Bible and the Catechism of the Catholic Church. I participate in the sacramental life of the Church. For example, I attend Mass about 2-4 times a week. I go to Confession about 1-2 times a month, sometimes more frequently if I feel led.
I also started attending a Holy Hour (Eucharistic Adoration) once a week during Lent. I hope to continue that practice after Lent, as well as take my children to the Holy Hour.
What is your daily artistic practice?
My daily artistic practice has been spotty since COVID started in March 2020. I'm hoping that my spiritual disciplines will reignite my artistic disciplines. I usually like to write Morning Pages daily. I aim to write about 500 words of fiction each day. I also read a lot of books, fiction and non-fiction.
Where have you found support among your fellow artists for your Catholic faith?
I've met one Catholic novelist in my 14 years as a writer. I would love to find more. (Editor’s Note: If this describes you, email us at catholicartistconnection@gmail.com!)
How can the Church be more welcoming to artists?
I would love to see more ministries like Catholic Artist Connection in the Church.
How have you found or built community as a Catholic artist in Virginia Beach?
I haven't found or built community as a Catholic artist in my city. I would love for that to happen.
What are your top 3 pieces of advice for Catholic artists post-graduation?
Continue in the sacramental life of the Church.
Bring God into your creative process.
And continue to practice your art!