Ask the Author: Lydia Unsworth

Lydia Unsworth’s imaginative fiction appeared in the December issue. She talks with us about watery music, the specialness of the sea, and what she was born to kill.

1. Is the sea nothing special to you?

It’s getting there.  I’m working on it.  I’ve started to read more books with ‘sea’  or water-related words in the title.  Give it time.

2. What are some of your favorite songs involving bodies of water?

There’s an Iron and Wine one about dolphins going in and out of the waves.  I think.  At least that’s what I imagine while listening to it.  It’s on Our Endless Numbered Days.  I’m sure the lyrics are about dolphins.

3. Why did you choose to use “we” instead of “you” in narrating your story?

So as not to exclude myself from the problem.  The author is not above or outside of things, but very much in the mire with the rest of them/us/you.

By using “we”, weren’t you concerned at making too many assumptions about  who we are?

No.  We and them are two theoretical sides.  There are two options. You can choose who is narrating, you can choose which side you are on.

4. What would you rather hunt: Moby Dick or Red October?

Moby Dick, but only if we had some kind of mutual understanding, and only to take photos.

5. If someone said to you “unleash the Kraken”, what would you unleash?

All manner of shit.

6. What were you born to kill?

The atmosphere.