Today is the start of author, Jane Choate’s three part interview of Roulf Burrell, a self-described otherworldly writer who gives zombies life and other creatures life. Roulf Burrell is one of the most creative writers I’ve had the pleasure to read. I know you will enjoy this interview as much as I did!
How did you start writing?
As a young puddle-stomper, I enjoyed reading fantasy and science fiction. In my room, I escaped an unhappy childhood through books. In college, I tried fantasy role-playing games and discovered my creativity and plotting ability created a fun experience for those who delved into my dungeon. Later, it seemed natural to produce the fiction that I had enjoyed so much. All I had to do was buy a pen, some paper and dash out a story. I did. And the result was… so embarrassing; I spent the next 25 years learning to write fiction.
Why write zombie or “otherworldly” stories?
They’re fun. For example, do vampires need their teeth cleaned? How do they find a dentist? If witches are melted by water, why do they fly on broomsticks in the sky?
Be it magic or advanced science, it’s fun to imagine being able to do the incredible: fly, lift cars, see through walls, etc. And people enjoy seeing themselves as an empowered hero. It’s also a chance to remind us that our abilities, great or small, do not change our basic nature. Greater ability leads to greater responsibility. Conversely, unrestrained power will make its own monster out of us.
Otherworldly stories allow people to see preconceptions and biases in a different light. Why can we mistreat machines but not people? Could mistreating robots (or aliens) lead to a hardened conscience? Could our own scientific knowledge overwhelm us? If we presuppose certain creatures are evil, do we ever really give them a fair chance, or are we condemning them for “who they are” rather than “what they do”? These questions all have “today relevance.”
How would you answer these questions? Next week, we’ll discover how Roulf imbues out of this work characters with human characteristics we can relate to.
Roulf, great post and fascinating questions at the end! Can’t wait to read more. Thanks, Jane, for bringing Roulf to Karen’s blog.
Hugs, L.A.
Thanks, Leslie. And thanks Jane for asking me these questions.
I like your questions, Rolph. I have no doubt our ethics are way behind our scientific progress. Do you think my mind will sear because I yell at my computer? c: Cheers.
It seems since we invented the club, or ethics have lagged technology. And on behalf of St. Intel, I absolve you for all micro-frustrations.
I can’t wait for the next installment. As always, you pose questions that are worth pondering, Roulf.
Thanks Amanda,
The theme can make the fiction, as you have taught our group. Thanks for checking in.