“A Day in the Life” with Toronto Writer Naomi Boshari

August 4, 2018 Joel Levy Artist Profiles, Arts

Naomi Boshari’s artistic journey has been one that embraces vulnerability. Born and raised in Toronto, she has been writing since the day she learned how to hold a pencil. From sharing her many-chaptered adventure-fantasy novels in the schoolyard, to now publishing her own collections of honest and raw stories, creative non-fiction, poetry, and confessional diary-like prose, Naomi has grown as a writer and currently channels her craft into what she most believes in: living below the surface and being seen.

Always having been one to embrace change, at 18 Naomi moved to Montreal to complete her Bachelor’s Degree in English Literature and Psychology at McGill University. During this time, she also spent a year studying (and not studying) abroad on the Geordie Shore, in Newcastle-upon-Tyne, England. She attributes most of her writing inspiration to this year, where she fell in love and then had her heart broken. After this experience, she became fascinated with the idea of leaving parts of ourselves in places away from home.

Naomi recently decided to leave the comforts of her 9-5 job corporate job in order to fully commit to her passion of writing. Now starting her journey as a freelance writer, Naomi is continuously seeking new ways to share her art with the world.

Bio by Maria Masina

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Naomi Boshari - As a freelance writer, my home is my office. Some days, I get dressed like I’m going to work. Others, I may forget to put on pants.
As a freelance writer, my home is my office. Some days, I get dressed like I’m going to work. Others, I may forget to put on pants.
My bedroom is my sanctuary. It’s where I read, write, sleep (and sometimes eat). Here, I am reading one of my favourite authors, Rupi Kaur, who has inspired much of the poetry I write.
My bedroom is my sanctuary. It’s where I read, write, sleep (and sometimes eat). Here, I am reading one of my favourite authors, Rupi Kaur, who has inspired much of the poetry I write.
I try and start my days by indulging in literature. I find it helps to warm up my writing muscles for the day, along with a strong cup of coffee.
I try and start my days by indulging in literature. I find it helps to warm up my writing muscles for the day, along with a strong cup of coffee.
I can often be found writing in Trinity Bellwoods park when I’m looking to get out of the house. My friends and I all live within 10 minutes of the park, and often use it as a meeting point to throw a Frisbee around or drink ciders on a summer evening.
I can often be found writing in Trinity Bellwoods park when I’m looking to get out of the house. My friends and I all live within 10 minutes of the park, and often use it as a meeting point to throw a Frisbee around or drink ciders on a summer evening.
I often prefer writing by hand. I find it allows my creativity to flow when I just want to get words down on the page.
I often prefer writing by hand. I find it allows my creativity to flow when I just want to get words down on the page.
My neighbourhood is so vibrant—there’s always so much to see. I love to people-watch and walk around, I’m always looking to discover new cafes and bars.
My neighbourhood is so vibrant—there’s always so much to see. I love to people-watch and walk around, I’m always looking to discover new cafes and bars.

All photography by Shannon Laliberte.

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What ‘hood are you in?

I live in Little Italy. Having grown up in East York, it’s been cool to get to know different parts of the city since moving downtown.

What do you do?

I’m a freelance writer. My areas of interest are in art and culture, health and wellness, and I specialize in working with social causes businesses. I want to change the world through writing by inspiring others to unleash their potential or by helping brands spread their mission.

What are you currently working on? 

I just released a book called ‘How is Your Depression?’. The book is a collection of stories submitted by other people about their experiences with mental health. You can find more information about it here: https://www.naomiboshari.com/how-is-your-depression/.

I’m now onto my next project, ‘Time Below the Surface,’ which is a collection of short stories about the things that keep us living life above the surface and what it means to dive below.

Where can we find your work?

I share my most vulnerable work on Instagram.
But you can also connect with me on Facebook or at my website.

 

 

About Joel Levy 2615 Articles
Editor-In-Chief at Toronto Guardian. Photographer and Writer for Toronto Guardian and Joel Levy Photography
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