It’s not often that the romance and horror genres cross paths, but what happens when they do?
Well, you might end up with something strange and delightful, such as the book Someone You Can Build a Nest In by John Wiswell. And my colleague Jen and I were lucky enough to have the opportunity to sit down for an in-depth chat with the author for the library’s podcast, Raging Romantics!
John is a fellow New Yorker who, though he may have just released his first full-length novel, is no stranger to the publishing game. He is an acclaimed short fiction writer, with accolades under his belt such as Nebula, Hugo, Locus, and more! His short stories often focus on the “what if?” genre of speculative fiction. Like, what if a dragon decided to run for mayor? Or what if a succubus were stuck in the form of a couch?
Someone You Can Build a Nest In is John’s first foray into longer-form narrative fiction. It is the story of an asexual amorphous sentient blob (yes, you read that right) regularly hunted by humans. The kicker, this amorphous blob falls in love with a human! Together they set off on a wonderful adventure that will have you simultaneously swooning, giggling, and squirming with horrific glee.
All of John’s writings focus on things he knows the best – living with disability and talking about human (and monster) sexuality. “Within monstrous characters, I often see the point of view that every other story elides,” says John in his recent interview with Raging Romantics. “I sympathize with characters or walks of life where people aren’t allowed to tell their own story or aren’t allowed to have a narrative in the first place.”
Which is why you should check out Someone You Can Build A Nest In, because sometimes, “monsters” deserve their happily ever afters too.
Someone You Can Build a Nest In is available for hold through Northern Onondaga Public Library in print, ebook, and e-audio form. Just visit the OCPL catalog at nopl.org. John’s next book, Wearing the Lion, is expected to be released in 2025 and is a retelling of the classic Hercules myth…but from an unexpected viewpoint.
“Something Strange and Wonderful, an interview with John Wiswell,” is now available on Raging Romantics wherever you get your podcasts, or click here to access!
