Steve Dollar

Steve Dollar

An Interview with Laura van den Berg

In her latest novel, State of Paradise, author Laura van den Berg captures the uncanny essence of Florida, delving into themes of family, memory, and the surreal atmosphere that defines the Sunshine State.

Van den Berg describes Florida as a “narrative cradle cracking apart,” suggesting that the state serves as a microcosm for broader national tensions. “We’re on unprecedented ground,” she reflects, acknowledging the uncertainty that permeates our current reality.

This novel, born from her pandemic diary, mirrors the surreal experiences of 2020, when Van den Berg and her husband, fellow writer Paul Yoon, moved back to Central Florida. With her mother joining them and her sister nearby, they formed a familial bubble amidst the chaos. “I thought this would be a short stay,” she admits, having left Florida in her twenties. Instead, she confronted the emotional aftermath of her father's death, her challenging adolescence, and the strange new realities of right-wing politics and environmental crises.

In State of Paradise, Van den Berg's protagonist—a ghostwriter for a reclusive thriller author—grapples with family trauma, eerie dreams, and the peculiarities of Floridian life, amplified by a mysterious virtual reality device that opens a portal to deeper mysteries.

Recently, Van den Berg, now a writing instructor at Harvard, shared her reflections on Florida and its influence on her fiction.

                Documenting Reality Through Fiction

At the start of her novel, Van den Berg writes, “I’m attempting to document the world as accurately as I can, even if that means I have to make things up.” She explains, “I write fiction to express what I feel called to share. Simply stating facts wouldn’t create the resonance I seek. The speculative premise allows me to approach truths sideways, accessing emotions and experiences that realism often misses.”

                      The Haunting Allure of Florida

The ghosts woven into Florida’s lore provide an eerie backdrop for her narrative. “Much of what I describe is rooted in truth,” she says, noting that while some elements are exaggerated, the essence remains authentic. “We’re not in a militia takeover just yet,” she quips, reflecting on the tension between reality and speculation.

                   A Personal Connection to Place

Van den Berg finds fascination in exploring her own state more deeply than she did in her youth. “I was a typical ‘90s mall rat, indifferent to nature,” she recalls. “Now, I’m driven by a curiosity about Florida’s urban legends and landscapes, piecing together extraordinary stories that shaped my upbringing.”

Her husband’s experiences during his runs in Sanford provide humorous yet revealing anecdotes that make it into the narrative. “He encountered some wild local drama,” she shares, reflecting on how his fresh perspective added depth to her portrayal of Florida.

                              Portals of Experience

The pandemic served as a literal and metaphorical portal in Van den Berg’s writing. “We shifted from normalcy to a bizarre new reality almost overnight,” she explains. “This sense of transformation inspired me to explore how personal crises can create alternate realities.”

This theme extends to technology, as she noticed how family members engaged with their devices, each lost in their own worlds. This realization led her to weave technological portals into her story, illustrating how they shape our perceptions of reality.

                     Rediscovering Florida's Richness

Returning to Florida ignited a profound curiosity in Van den Berg. “I wanted to explore the flora, fauna, and legends of the state,” she says, likening her journey to rediscovering an old love. “It was as if I thought I knew Florida, only to realize there was so much more to uncover.”

                     Inspirations from Nature

Van den Berg finds inspiration in Florida's natural beauty, particularly the springs. “I love floating in the springs or wandering the diverse landscapes of the Black Bear Wilderness Area,” she describes. “These areas evoke a primordial sense of wonder, embodying the wild, strange, and unsettling qualities that resonate with speculative fiction.”

         Future Projects and Florida's Boxing Scene

Her time back home has also inspired another project set in the world of amateur boxing. “Florida has an active boxing community,” she notes, recounting her experiences at Elite Boxing and Fitness in Oviedo. “The coach recognized my potential and pushed me to see a version of myself I hadn’t realized was possible.”

Through her exploration of Florida, both in fiction and life, Laura van den Berg uncovers the complexities of place, memory, and the human experience, inviting readers to navigate the uncanny realities of her native state.

Tags: Unveiling Florida's Surreal Landscape, An Interview with Laura van den Berg, State of Paradise, Florida book, Florida author

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