----------Interview by Renee Roberson
WOW: Hello, Vienna, and congratulations! “Banshee’s Song” is the haunting tale featuring an otherworldly bond between two sisters. How did you first get the idea for this story?
Vienna: My writing is typically rooted in Irish myths and legends and Halloween had me in the mood for a banshee story. The opening line, “You still wear the dress,” popped into my head, quickly followed by the question: who would talk to a ghost with such familiarity? The fears and strengths of a younger sister shaped by her love and loss spoke to me. Banshees are spirits of lamentation. Women fighting for their voice and freedom seems a timeless struggle. I wanted it to read like it could be in the distant past or during our lifetime. Looking back, the fact that this tale poured out of me two days after the election I will leave for others to psychoanalyze.
WOW: We’d love to learn more about the inspiration behind your award-winning story, “Ned’s Tale.”
Vienna: Ned is the hapless hypochondriac storyteller in my novel, "The Mottled Raven." I wanted him to have a wonderful backstory about how he learned to weave Ireland’s epic tales “as fine as gold filigree.” There are many old Irish laws pertaining to beekeeping, as well as folklore about how much bees love a good bit of gossip. They want to know all the “buzz,” you see. So when Ned thoughtlessly offends one of the powerful Fair Folk with his lazy selfishness, what better punishment than a few selfless deeds while entertaining hardworking bees?
WOW: Ah, a prequel toyour novel, "The Mottled Raven," which you are currently shopping around. Could you tell us a little more about it?
Vienna: "The Mottled Raven" is a medieval Irish tale, but reflects on modern themes and the many faces and phases of womanhood often painted over in traditional lore. My hope is to develop a planned trilogy around the Maiden, Mother, and Crone. This novel blends Christian and Pagan beliefs, takes the reader on an adventure with myriad magical creatures, and has a good dose of romantic and familial love. The story follows two characters from vastly different backgrounds as they navigate a world beyond their understanding.
WOW: As a writing instructor, what are some of your favorite parts about teaching the craft to your students?
Vienna: My current students are 16-20 years old. They spent a good chunk of junior high or high school disconnected with distance learning. I focus much of their writing on personal reflection, as well as making connections to others, no matter how different their experiences have been. It can be eye opening to relate to people of different ages and walks of life and it has helped many of them form deeper insights in their writing.
WOW: Being Irish born and now living in Minnesota, I’m curious to know more about the path that led you to the United States. Do you get to return to Ireland often? What do you miss about it?
Vienna: My brothers and I were born in Dublin and raised on tales of our fairy folk. When my parents moved us to the U.S. for new opportunities, I hung around and worked in my father’s pub. It helped keep my roots to be surrounded by the music, storytelling, culture, and humor from home. We spent many Augusts living with my grandmother in Mayo and I took opportunities to work and study Irish literature and history as a third-year college student in Dublin. It has been a wonderful experience bringing my husband and our children back with me in recent years.
What I miss most are the little things: Staring out the train window as the fields and towns fly by; the smell of burning peat and freshly trimmed hedges; a strong cup of tea and hot sausage rolls; the signs written in Irish and English; and being kept on my toes by the sharp wit that is distinctly Irish.
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