Victoria Stoklasa

Biography

Victoria Stoklasa earned a Master of Arts in Political Science with an emphasis in Public Policy from American Public University in 2012. Her thesis, “Improving Missouri’s Petition Initiative Process”, was abridged and published as the guest column “Missouri’s Flawed Initiative Process” in the Independence Examiner. Victoria’s political work includes serving as a board member for the City of Independence Citizens with Disabilities Advisory Board. She worked with Missouri Governor Jay Nixon’s successful re-election campaign in 2012 as staging location director for the Jackson County Democrats office. In 2010, she and several other Missourians circulated the petition for Constitutional Amendment to Article X, Relating to State, County, and Municipal Taxes; the petition passed by popular vote. Victoria lives with her loving mate, Thaddeus Stoklasa. To learn more about Victoria, visit www.victoriastoklasa.com.

Smashwords Interview

Where did you grow up, and how did this influence your writing?
I grew up in Rolla, Missouri--a somewhat small town with a population of 18,000 when I graduated high school. The biggest influence of growing up in Rolla was being enrolled in the public school system. When I was in sixth grade, we learned all about the 1996 Presidential election--the candidates, the issues, how voting works. I was enthralled by the entire process, and that was what sparked my interest in politics and government.
When did you first start writing?
I wrote all through high school and college, much of which was feeble attempts and writing fiction. Eventually, I discovered that my strength lied in nonfiction writing. I was able to hone this strength while working on my Master of Arts in Political Science. It was during this time that I wrote my essays "To Divide and Not Conquer: Preventing Partisan Gerrymandering with Independent Nonpartisan Commissions" and "Transgender Marriage Rights in Texas."
Read more of this interview.

Books

Buddhism and Politics: Citizens, Politicians, and the Noble Eightfold Path
Price: $0.99 USD. Words: 6,520. Language: English. Published: October 7, 2013 . Categories: Nonfiction » Politics & Current Affairs » Government, Nonfiction » Religion & Spirituality » Buddhism » Rituals & Practice
Make politics a missions of peace. By following the tenets of the Noble Eightfold Path, citizens and politicians alike can change their thinking and their actions to follow a middle path. Critics are saying, "I urge you to read this book...you will benefit from it."
Transgender Marriage Rights in Texas
Price: Free! Words: 3,130. Language: English. Published: July 21, 2013 . Categories: Essay » Political, Nonfiction » Politics & Current Affairs » Civil & human rights
(5.00 from 1 review)
From the author of SIGN IT INTO LAW and TO DIVIDE AND NOT CONQUER comes a previously unpublished essay considering the politics behind one of the most threatened civil rights in Texas. How long will the right for transgender people to marry last? Victoria Stoklasa presents three reasons why it might not last for very long.
Sign It Into Law: How to Put Your Petition on the Ballot
Price: $1.99 USD. Words: 10,560. Language: English. Published: May 26, 2013 . Categories: Nonfiction » Politics & Current Affairs » Activism
Learn how to create, file, and circulate a petition initiative or referendum. This easy-to-read guide is "the book you'll want...for affecting change in your own community and on your terms."
To Divide and Not Conquer: Preventing Partisan Gerrymandering with Independent Nonpartisan Commissions
Price: Free! Words: 1,790. Language: English. Published: February 7, 2013 . Categories: Essay » Political, Nonfiction » Politics & Current Affairs » Government
This essay proposes that the responsibility of appropriating United States legislative districts, rather than being the responsibility of state legislatures or courts, would be best placed in the hands of independent nonpartisan commissions.

Smashwords book reviews by Victoria Stoklasa

  • A Burning Problem on March 16, 2013

    This insightful satire frames the current public school system in America as if it were a local fire department. Not only does it help to inform the reader on issues such as No Child Left Behind, it also shines a much-needed light on why the system doesn't work. Although the language could be smoother at times, the smart metaphor will have you snickering.