CONTRIBUTOR SPOTLIGHT:
Interview with Savannah S Miller

Rappahannock Review Fiction Editors: There is a clear focus on nature throughout “Audubon”. Why did you settle on nature as an important aspect in your story?

Savannah Miller: This story was a challenge to myself to explore masculinity as it has been constructed in American society. I think a lot of masculine folks feel as though they are not allowed to really analyze and understand their own emotions. On the contrary, I think nature is inherently boiled down to its essence, and it forces us to confront who we are and what we feel without outside human influence.

RR: The titular Audubon has a profound dislike for his name while James likes it, noting that it has something to do with birds. Why did you choose this name for Audubon?

SM: The short answer is that there is a park in Memphis named Audubon Park, and this was me sneaking in a little homage to my city. The slightly longer answer is that both James and Audubon are voyeurs in a sense, examining positions they cannot occupy for one reason or another. I wanted to play with that idea of “bird watching” as a metaphor for contemplating how certain decisions drastically change the outcome of your life.

RR: The baton appears several times throughout the piece. What does it represent?

SM: Going off masculinity as my broad topic, I think men and masculine-presenting folks–because they do not feel allowed to express their thoughts and emotions effectively–end up using violence as a means of expression. The baton to me is an extension of Audubon’s need to be heard.

RR: Is there anything else Audubon does in the story to “be heard”?

SM: Audubon’s interest in James comes from him not being able to categorize him neatly into any category. I could also argue that Audubon doesn’t think he fits neatly into either category, as well, which is why he overcompensates with his violence and staunch belief in the law. I think him approaching James at all is his way of trying to connect  with someone he thinks could understand him, even if he won’t admit that to himself.

RR: Besides writing, you have been known to act in various theater performances. Has any part of your acting career influenced your writing?

SM: Absolutely! Occupying different roles and characters in shows is an exercise in empathy. Can you see the perspective of someone outside of yourself, even if that person commits acts you could never justify or fathom? Or can you find a way to relate to someone with a background so different from your own? My theatre experience empowers me to create characters that are well- rounded and understandable, even if they are not necessarily sympathetic.

RR: If you could star in one Broadway show, which would you choose?

SM: I would love to play Viola in Twelfth Night! That play is so queer-coded, and I love it.