A new story explores themes of loss, memory, and societal judgment set against the backdrop of New Orleans. The author, discussing her work “The City Is a Graveyard,” revealed the initial idea came to her while visiting the French Quarter and experiencing what she described as a “fuguelike headspace,” even while under the influence of a cannabis gummy.
Exploring Complex Relationships
The narrative centers on a woman revisiting past relationships and terminated pregnancies. The author suggests a broader pattern in relationships between cis-gendered straight men and women, characterized by “delusion, self-sacrifice, and conformity.” She notes that married men live longer than single men, and expressed concern that societal expectations lower the bar for men in parenting.
Astrology and Personal Belief
The story incorporates astrological signs and birth months, with one character deciding to avoid an entire sign. The author acknowledges astrology’s long history of influence, stating it would be “hubris” to dismiss it entirely, and identifies her own sun sign as Aries. However, she clarifies that astrology should not be used as an excuse for behavior or a basis for discrimination.
Societal Judgment and Female Agency
The character in the story faces social consequences for expressing her sexual desire. The author believes this judgment would be present regardless of location within the United States, as women who assert agency over their bodies have “always been scorned and feared.”
New Orleans as a Symbolic Landscape
The title, “The City Is a Graveyard,” reflects the author’s perception of New Orleans as a place where the past is intensely present. She points to the city’s unique burial practices – interring the dead above ground due to the water table – and the popularity of its cemeteries as tourist attractions. The author also notes the palpable history of the city, citing Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop as an example of a place where the past feels immediate.
A Narrative Choice: Second Person Perspective
The author deliberately chose to tell the story in the second person. She aimed to challenge herself as a writer, compel readers to engage with the narrative, and place them directly into the character’s experience, anticipating potential judgment.
Frequently Asked Questions
How did the author come up with the story idea?
The author was in the French Quarter, under the influence of a cannabis gummy, when she looked down an alley and the idea for the story came to her.
What does the author believe about relationships between men and women?
The author believes that many long-term relationships with cis-gendered straight men involve women making sacrifices and conforming to societal expectations.
Why did the author choose to write the story in the second person?
The author wanted to challenge herself, engage readers, and put them in the character’s position, anticipating judgment.
How might the story’s setting contribute to its themes of memory and loss?
