Susan Palwick’s short story “Gestella,” which is featured in her book The Fate of Mice (2007), is renowned for its heartbreaking nature. The story follows the life of Gestella, a beautiful female werewolf who marries an older man. However, their relationship becomes strained due to the fact that Gestella ages seven times faster than normal humans.
The inspiration for “Gestella” came to Palwick after she turned 39 and engaged in an internet chat where someone told her that her husband would never find her attractive again. This comment struck her, and it became a catalyst for exploring the themes of aging and beauty in her story.
Another source of inspiration for “Gestella” came from a visit to the local animal shelter. Palwick witnessed a man abandoning a healthy young dog because it did not meet his expectations as a hunting dog. The shelter staff informed the man that the dog might have to be put down because it is challenging to find homes for grown animals. Meanwhile, the man’s young son sat on the ground, embracing the dog and pleading with passersby to recognize its goodness. This heartbreaking incident fueled Palwick’s exploration of themes related to the mistreatment of creatures that are seen as different or less desirable.
Although Palwick’s fiction often explores somber and uncomfortable themes, it has not reached a mass audience. However, her work is highly regarded by other fantasy writers such as Carrie Vaughn, who considers Palwick’s story “Gestella” foundational to the field. Despite the lack of widespread recognition, receiving praise from fellow writers provides Palwick with validation and motivation to continue her craft.
In an interview with Geek’s Guide to the Galaxy podcast, Palwick discusses her experiences as an English professor in academia. While some students idealize the idea of teaching writing, Palwick warns them about the challenges they will face when confronted with a large volume of poorly written works. This realistic perspective reminds aspiring writers that teaching writing is not always glamorous but requires dedication and an ability to provide constructive feedback.
Unlike many authors, Palwick is uncomfortable with self-promotion. She believes that a good story should be able to stand on its own merit, and the focus should be on the reader’s relationship with the text rather than the author’s persona. Palwick admits that this utopian belief does not align with the realities of publishing, but she remains resistant to self-publishing, as she believes her work would struggle to find an audience without proper promotion.
Palwick also reflects on her admiration for The Last Unicorn by Peter S. Beagle. She praises the novel’s ability to blend a happy ending with hints of real loss and sacrifice, which she believes offers a more realistic and emotionally resonant story. The Last Unicorn explores themes of self-discovery, identity, and a struggle to find one’s place in the world, which captivated Palwick both as a young reader and as an adult.
In addition to her literary influences, Palwick shares her transformative experience at a Star Trek convention where Nichelle Nichols, who played Lieutenant Uhura in the original series, delivered a powerful speech. Nichols addressed the crowd of devoted Star Trek fans, acknowledging that people sometimes ridicule them for their love of the show. However, she emphasized that Star Trek represents ideals such as love, peace, and justice, and it is the fans’ responsibility to go out and make the world a better place. This emotional moment resonated deeply with Palwick, and it was the year she decided to pursue writing as her career.
In conclusion, Susan Palwick’s short story “Gestella” has gained recognition for its poignant exploration of themes such as aging, beauty standards, and mistreatment of creatures seen as different. While Palwick’s work may not have achieved mainstream popularity, it receives high praise from fellow authors. As an English professor, Palwick provides realistic insights into the challenges of teaching writing, and she remains hesitant about self-promotion despite its importance in the publishing industry. Palwick draws inspiration from works like The Last Unicorn and Star Trek, showcasing the profound impact that literature and fandom can have on an individual’s life.
