Victoria Margrethe Bencsik

What is your cultural background and upbringing?
I was born and raised in Norway, but my grandfather is Hungarian, so I’ve always felt a strong
connection to Europe. I moved to Alabama at 16, which was...let’s just say a very different
world. Later I studied in New York City which was my teacher and home for five years,I lived in
Brooklyn, it was magnificent. I eventually moved to Paris where I lived four years, and I feel like
these years showed me who I really was, I came back to myself while living in France. I feel
more at home in France than Norway. Each place taught me something different about people,
life, and myself sometimes the hard way, sometimes the hilarious way. This is where I draw a
lot of inspiration for my writing.
Growing up, I was encouraged to be curious, independent, and open-minded, though some of
that independence was thrown at me because life demanded it. I’ve come to deeply appreciate
how people live all over the world, the little differences, the big surprises, the beauty found in
different languages & cultures.
Oh, I should also say, the library has always felt like a parent figure to me. I spent hours there
as a kid, and honestly, it still feels like one of the best places on earth. So many portals to
different wisdom. I fucking love the library.



What does a typical morning look like for you? Do you have any rituals, habits, or
routines that help you start your day with intention?

Here is a list because you know I love them lists:
1. Wake up, no phone.

2. Walk around the house, stretch, and listen to affirmations. This is necessary. I do this
almost every day.

3. Brush teeth, brush hair, deodorant, serum, face cream, sunscreen. (I shower at night)

4. Clothes pre-laid, yes please. Let’s dress up and feel great.

5. Coffee, really good coffee.

6. Pack essentials: red lipstick, leather wallet, agenda, pen (0.38), book, scrunchie,
headset, keys.

7. Walk slowly to a cute spot to work and write.

How do you take care of your physical, mental, and emotional well-being? Are there
specific practices you return to when you need to reset, recharge, or reconnect with
yourself?
Writing is soul medicine. Movement is essential—doing sports, dancing to fun music, exploring
areas (mentally and physically). I love scrolling TikTok because I think I have the best algorithm.

I absolutely love going thrift shopping; it brings me immense joy. Then of course, the number
one winner for feeling well: Swimming, especially in the Mediterranean Sea, is just, I mean,
nothing beats it! I feel like I’ve lived there in past lives


With your new book, your first book, Bad Days Are Also Part of a Very Good and Sexy
Life, could you share what the process has been like and the challenges you faced?

The process has been both exciting and confusing. Writing has been my practice since I was
little, through lists, diaries, and reflections, and I’ve shared my lists online since 2018. A few
years later, I thought, “Why not turn them into a book?” I teamed up with friends of friends at
Edition Studio, and what seemed simple took far longer than anyone expected. The book is
essentially my diary, and sharing something so personal with the world was much harder than I
imagined. Seeing how much joy it brings readers makes it worth it, but at times it still feels
overwhelming.

I’m completely new to all of this. I’ve never self-published before and never handled marketing
or shipping at this scale, so naturally I’m learning as I go. That means making mistakes, moving
slowly, and getting confused. On top of that, I’m managing full-time work, freelance projects, and
my own health. The world keeps spinning, but my world has felt extra fast lately. I am not sure if
I love it, but I’m adapting. What was once my safe, private writing practice has become a
business with expectations, and navigating that has been challenging.
Through it all, I have learned the value of setting boundaries, thinking carefully before doing
something, and just remembering that in the end— I’m doing this for me. This is my work. This
is my life. Balancing personal art with making it a job is tricky. Small setbacks can feel
devastating, but despite the confusion and the extremely steep learning curve, it has been
incredibly rewarding, and I think the path I’m on now is where I want to be; Writing and sharing it
with you, doing it as a full-time job. Mhmmm. Sexy!



If you could share one piece of wisdom with younger people especially those
beginning their creative or professional journeys what would it be?


Be consistent. Do the work for yourself, not for anyone else. If it makes you happy and you
believe in it, keep going, even if no one notices. Suddenly, in the blink of an eye, someone does,
and you find your people.

Are there any podcasts you regularly listen to or would recommend?
I do not listen to podcasts. It is physically impossible for me. I’m sorry!


What’s something you’ve learned about growing a meaningful and engaged
community online?
If you keep being yourself, treat social media as a business tool, learn a bit as you go, and post
without fear of being cringe, you’ll find success. Don’t post for family or friends. Focus on your
kind of audience and create a community. Even if you don’t have one yet, visualize them. If they
like it, and you like it, keep going—yes, baby, keep going.

In a world that’s increasingly digital, how do you create boundaries around your
screen use? Do you have any practices that help you stay grounded and present in your
offline life?

The digital world is a tool, for business, inspiration, and keeping up with faraway friends.
Mindless scrolling is death, and I’ve really trained myself to avoid it. I use the internet to work
and to learn new things, not to endlessly watch other people live their lives, unless it is fun or
inspiring videos on TikTok, hehe. That’s key, if possible.
I also have a physical hobby, reading and writing, which takes up so much time that I naturally
spend less time online. Lifehack. Beyond that, I make sure to do sports, take my vitamins, write
with a physical pen, read physical books, cook, laugh, travel, and just be present, literally be
where my feet are. It’s the best way to stay grounded. Also a lifehack.

What have you learned from instagram's algorithm over the years?
You can never really understand Instagram’s algorithm, but if you post for yourself, it doesn’t
matter, just do you, have fun. It can connect you to amazing people and opportunities, and I
think this part of social media is so cool.
Can you share a list of women who deeply inspire you and whom you see as
expanders?
I can’t really name-drop, but I’m endlessly inspired by women who are true to themselves and
dare to stand up against the patriarchy. I deeply admire women who choose motherhood, as it’s
one of the craziest things to do in the world. My best friends and the women in my family are
extraordinary. Most female writers are extraordinary. Women are extraordinary.

Is there a video or short film online that you think everyone should watch something
that moved, taught, or inspired you in a lasting way?

I love watching artist interviews on the Louisiana Channel—they’re endlessly fascinating with
different people. If not that, I’m inspired by Disney classics like The Skeleton Dance (1929) and
Flowers and Trees (1932, a Silly Symphony short). They’re iconic.












 What music do you have on repeat right now? 

Right now, my playlist that goes with my book is an endless, inspiring stream of beautiful artists,
songs, and worlds I love to immerse myself in. Here it is: