Danish Writer A.R. Frederiksen on the Art of Short Fiction and Writing in English
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Loading... - Mandy Kappel
- 16 Aug 2024
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A.R. Frederiksen, a talented writer from Denmark, has made a name for herself in the literary world with her atmospheric and thrilling short stories. As a former exchange student at Bemidji State University, Frederiksen has honed her craft, writing novels and publishing several short stories in anthologies such as Exquisite Poison, Bleak Midwinter: Solstice Light, and Dangerous Waters: Deadly Women of the Sea.
Frederiksen's stories are a masterclass in building tension and suspense, transporting readers to eerie and vivid worlds. From the haunting tale of a ghost in a frozen lake ("The Calling of Whitecrest Lake") to the vengeful wrath of a mermaid ("Mother Raised You Well"), her writing is a testament to her skill and creativity.
Interestingly, Frederiksen writes in English, despite being a native Danish speaker. "I think in English," she explained in a recent interview. "I stopped writing in Danish when I was 14." This decision has allowed her to tap into a broader audience and explore the nuances of the English language.
While Frederiksen initially focused on writing novels, she turned to short stories as a way to challenge herself and develop her craft. "I always wrote novels," she said, "but when I noticed my craft wasn't really developing, I turned to short stories for a change." The constraints of the short story format proved to be a valuable exercise in efficiency, forcing her to distill her ideas and convey her message more effectively.
Frederiksen's writing often falls under the umbrella of speculative fiction, blending elements of fantasy, science fiction, horror, and historical fiction. As a Danish writer, she attributes her affinity for darker themes to her cultural heritage. "We generally are sort of gloomy, so it feels natural to lean into this sad, depressing sort of mindset," she explained. "Being able to approach sadder stuff in writing helps you tackle it in real life."
With an agent currently pitching two of her novels to publishers, Frederiksen is poised for even greater success in the literary world. Her dedication to her craft and her willingness to experiment with different forms and genres have made her a compelling voice in the world of short fiction. As she continues to weave her atmospheric and thrilling tales, readers can look forward to being transported to new and unsettling worlds.
