As Nature Directs

My my recent story published, “As Nature Directs,” (it can be read here) just appeared in The Fable Online. This was a story inspired by Poe and, as I mentioned to the editors, was primarily about setting the tone.

It’s a creepy story that originally had somewhat religious undertones. The source of the tension is that the protagonist doesn’t know who he really is. Do any of us know who we really are?

Riding a horse, I told my writing partner Elizabeth, always reminds me of Poe. I have to admit a couple things here: I haven’t ridden a horse since I was in college (I was a summer counselor at horse camp), and the reason I associate horses with Poe is the opening of “The Fall of the House of Usher.”

“The Fall of the House of Usher” is my favorite short story. It was firmly in mind when I wrote “As Nature Directs.” There’s nothing inherently supernatural about the tale. It’s suggested, but not explicit.

The wonders of nature can be frightening. I terrified of bears, for instance. Especially grizzlies. I generally spend part of the summer in grizzly habitat. The first time I saw a grizzly I immediately climbed out of the car to take a picture. Later I was terrified.

“As Nature Directs” is based on something that actually does happen in nature. There are no bears in it, though. There don’t have to be. Genetics can be equally frightening.

Another aspect of the story was the claustrophobic atmosphere. Apart from the opening scene, it all takes place in a small room.

Long ago I realized that the writer of a story doesn’t control its meaning. I know what I think this story has to say, but readers are ultimately the judge of that. Writing it gave me great pleasure, and I hope reading it does so for others.

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