Postcards #5 - Neighbors

Neighbors play a big part in rural and rural gothic fiction. If they are seldom seen or their house is a shambling wreck, that's good. If they're in some other character's face about bizarre things, better yet. I have a number of stories in which neighbors help drive the action. I've had a few neighbors myself across the years that were completely baffling to me in their behavior. In fiction it's what makes a story relatable.

Let's say a feud has erupted over unrestrained pigs. Let's say those pigs are causing a neighbor stress, but also putting her, a pregnant woman, at risk of losing valuable food, livestock, and in actual danger. What could happen? The story Pig , from my short story collection, Well Water and other odd tales, gives the reader insight into one possible resolution. Good fences make good neighbors, or so we're told. Sleeper and Haint Blue also have neighbors that affect the main characters' actions. Give them a read and see.

Neighbors can reveal a character's view of the world and their place in it, their motivations, even their weaknesses and strengths, adding layers to a story's richness. Some stories wouldn't work without them.

Back to the story,

Lyndsey

Photo: Stacy, Unsplash