Meshkwadoon follows several characters as they experience fear, obsession, trauma, and terror while they navigate a world where things are not what they seem. What was the inspiration for the setup to your story?

Just average, everyday human behaviour mixed with a concern about what the true Canadian identity is. If Canadian society is a ‘mosaic’ of diverse cultures, then what does that leave for those Canadians who are reliant on a Canadian national culture? There always seems to be this uncomfortable, unsaid acceptance of a Canadian identity that is connected to something that average Canadians don’t actually feel associated with (or is fundamentally superficial), not to mention the pre-existence of what was here prior to Canada’s nationalization. Natasha came to me through a desperate need to understand what exploring this identity could be… and what kind of spiritual impact the reality of Canada’s melting pot society has on a land as ancient and beautiful as any ancient cultural identity.

What intrigues you about the horror and dark fantasy genres that led you to write this book?

I honestly only identify it as horror because people told me it is horror. Most people seem to struggle to define the genre, and I am loathe to pinpoint one except for magical realism. I wanted real, and sweaty, and grimy. I wanted anxiety to be clear and uncomfortable, yet understood. And really, reality is just naturally dark and filled with minute traumas inspired by frightening displays of inhumanity. The magical, mythological (or fantasy) elements grew through the need to stay connected to the spirit of the land and my love for elements of cultural mythology.

What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?

Anxiety, fear, hyper reality, Canadian diversity, pent-up human trauma, and the commonplace misunderstandings of the actions and intent committed by other people. It was also very important to me to ensure the integrity of the spiritual world was associated with and connected to the physical.

What is the next book that you are working on and when will it be available?

I’m currently working on Meshkwadoon: Book 2. I anticipate that I could initiate the publishing process by Fall 2022, but who knows what path those edits will take and what my ‘non-writing’ life puts on me. I also have a novella in development… Something more in line with literary fiction, but that could dwindle with a potential loss of the right emotion or be publishable by January 2023; it’s a mystery even to me.

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