Author Q&A: Amy Weldon's 'Creature: A Novel of Mary Shelley and Frankenstein'

Sea Crow Press
Jun 18
5 min read

Updated: Jul 12

We are excited to present Amy Weldon, who brings us her new book, Creature: A Novel of Mary Shelley and Frankenstein, drawing readers into the Gothic realm of the Romantic era. In this Q&A, she offers a glimpse into her writing process, inspirations, and what she hopes readers will gain from the book.

Amy Weldon with the Creature statue in Geneva

Creative Inspiration

What inspired you to write fiction centered around Mary Shelley and her world?

With a Ph.D. in nineteenth-century British literature, I have long been fascinated by the great Romantic writers. This journey began with the first generation, including Wordsworth, Coleridge, and Blake, before moving on to the second generation with Byron, the Shelleys, and Keats. My exploration of Frankenstein began when I started teaching it to my students. Their fresh perspectives allowed me to see the novel anew. Helping them understand its scientific and historical contexts reignited my passion for this literary work.

People often ask me when I first read Frankenstein, but honestly, I can’t remember. It feels as if I have always known it. I've lived in the imaginative world it created. Culturally, that world has shaped us all. Nothing seems the same after the Creature opened his eyes. Guillermo Del Toro’s upcoming film adaptation this fall is yet another reflection of the lasting impact of the Creature, a legacy that started with the Lumiere brothers, the founders of cinema.

Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein has been an invaluable gift to readers and creators alike. In my upcoming book, I argue that the vibrant energies and dramatic changes of the Romantic period resonate deeply with our own times. The Romantics are still relevant, perhaps even more so now than ever.

Amy Weldon with an early copy of Frankenstein and the cover of her own book, Creature

A Glimpse into the Writing Process

Was there a specific moment in her life or a piece of her writing that sparked your story?

In my writing, I like to start with an image, either still or moving. This image often depicts a person in a situation, and I follow where it leads me. Sometimes that image has a voice attached, either a character’s or a narrative voice.

For this work, I vividly recall an image of Mary Shelley as a child. She was writing a story that began: "Once there were two sisters and a papa and a mama's ghost." This imaginative narrative emerged from her young mind. The child's voice and the ghostly mother led me to what I believe is the dominant image of my novel. Picture little Mary standing on a chair, striving to bring her face as close as possible to her dead mother’s portrait. This reflection signifies her yearning to connect with her mother.

Amy Weldon with the original Mary Wollstonecraft portrait and at the grave of Mary Wollstonecraft. Mary Wollstonecraft was the mother of Mary Shelley.

Choosing a Creative Lens

How did you decide what fictional lens to use — historical fiction, speculative, gothic, etc.?

The choice of genre and structure often develops as my draft evolves. I usually begin with a strong image and explore its underlying energies. As I write, each book takes on a unique personality and energy that develops organically. It’s a journey that extends beyond an initial plan.

Characterization & Voice

Imagining Mary Shelley as Fiction

How did you go about imagining Mary Shelley as a fictional character?

Eudora Welty posits that a fiction writer's first duty is to enter into the reality of the character. Starting with that vibrant image, I "became" that child in my mind. This practice allowed me to perceive the world through her eyes and capture her voice. This process continued throughout the novel as Mary Shelley matured, and her story evolved alongside her.

Exploring Mary’s Character

What aspects of her personality did you feel most drawn to explore or reinvent?

I sought to examine the intricate experience of being Mary Shelley as a writer. I wanted to spotlight her artistry and self-motivation. At just 19, she was a single mother embarking on the journey that would lead to Frankenstein. Her life experiences shaped her ability to dream big.

She had a long literary career that began when she was widowed at 24. Popular culture often fails to capture the complexities of writers, particularly their struggles and persistent efforts over the years. Writers don’t create in single, romanticized moments like those depicted in Shakespeare in Love.

Amplifying Traits for Storytelling

Along these lines, I crafted scenes of Mary Shelley facing the world alone. For instance, I depicted an encounter in the publishing offices and another confrontation with Percy Shelley’s father. While these events may not have occurred in reality, they showcase the real challenges Mary faced. Persistence remains a crucial trait for a writer, and my portrayal of Mary embodies this quality.

The grave of Percy Bysshe Shelley

Blending Fact & Fiction

Staying True to Historical Events

How closely did you stick to historical events in your portrayal of Mary Shelley?

I adhered closely to historical events, though some characters had to be compressed into composites. My novel follows the outline of her life and travels, with contextual markers integrated throughout. However, I did simplify Percy Shelley’s character. Readers might have found it hard to believe that an intelligent sixteen-year-old girl would travel with someone so eccentric. As noted in Richard Holmes' biography, Shelley: The Pursuit, some aspects of Percy’s character were toned down for clarity.

Creative Liberties

Where did you choose to take creative liberties — and why?

One noticeable liberty was including the Creature as a character who animates his own reality. This choice allowed me to illustrate scenes Mary Shelley couldn't have witnessed, such as Byron's boxing match or John Keats onboard the Maria Crowther in Naples. Additionally, I imagined Madame Diodati and reinterpreted the famous ghost story contest at Villa Diodati. Each creative decision expresses emotional truth, even if not all are literally accurate.

Amy Weldon at the grave of John Keats

Themes & Symbolism

Compelling Themes in Mary Shelley’s Life

The compelling elements of Mary Shelley’s life offer a rich tapestry for exploration.

Parallels Between Frankenstein and Your Narrative

I sought to weave parallels between Frankenstein and my story, giving voice to aspects and characters that readers know. In doing so, I aim to provide a unique experience. It was enjoyable to re-imagine familiar characters and scenes for readers. I hope everyone can enjoy my novel, even without prior knowledge of Frankenstein.

Echoing Larger Themes

Mary's narrative resonates with age-old themes of creation, loss, identity, and rebellion. Both she and the Creature are on journeys to find belonging. Their quests reveal the burdens of family and training as they seek fulfillment. This mirrors the biblical themes found in Paradise Lost, which influenced both Frankenstein and my novel.

Contemporary Reflections

How does Frankenstein relate to today’s world, particularly in terms of technology and human connection?

In teaching Frankenstein, I see parallels between Victor Frankenstein and today’s tech creators, especially in AI and social media. Students recognize these connections without my prompting. When someone creates something simply because they can, it can have dire consequences.

For instance, a recent tragedy involving a young boy and a chatbot sparked significant discussions in my classes about human connection and companionship, highlighting essential truths about our existence. The Creature’s plea for a mate emphasizes our inherent need for empathy and connection.

Moreover, emerging technologies often exploit our desires for companionship, leading to loneliness in real life. These ongoing discussions are crucial as students navigate modern relationships amid technological upheavals. Many express eagerness to push against these forces.