Katherine Koller is set to release new short story book: ‘Earthen Stories’

Former University of Alberta professor Katherine Koller will release a collection of short stories called Earthen Stories on May 1. This book will feature short stories that explore the relationship between humans and the natural world.

The narrative interweaves elements of the Earth, including dogs, skunks, mud, and the river. These are used to display to the reader that they are also part of the natural environment. And, that they can behold elements of it if they are open to it.

“Being more aware of where you are, the gifts that are there … and the messages that are being told to you in a language that is different than yours, [is a main aspect of the book],” Koller said.

Koller is a playwright, screenwriter, novelist, and former professor of the department of English and film studies at the U of A. She taught English classes at the U of A for about 13 years.

These backgrounds and experiences led Koller to create many stories and narratives, some of which were used in the book.

“Some of the short stories are adapted as standalone pieces from the novel on the go … another was adapted from short plays that I did. Another … was first a monologue [and is] now a short story. So it’s not a direct lift from those other places. But because I write in a lot of different forms, for me, it’s always exciting to try something out in a different way,” Koller explained.

“There is an outcome that is positive, even though there has been some damage done,” Koller says

Despite coming from different origins, the stories are placed together in a structural way that reasons with the reader.

In the first half of the book, Koller explores themes of grief, hunger, and loneliness in a realistic way. Then, she moves into more speculative territory, lifting the narrative to another place. This demonstrates to the reader that balance exists in the world.

“There is an outcome that is positive, even though there has been some damage done,” Koller said.

According to Koller, by the end of the book, if the reader has stuck with her, there is a collective message that can be taken — one that reinforces the idea that everything will be alright, despite the difficulties in life.

This deep connection between the reader and the characters comes from her background in playwriting, specifically from radio and drama, which allowed her to create stories based simply on dialogue. This removes the filter of the author in the story, creating a connection between the reader and the character that is carried throughout all the narratives.

“I find that I am closer to the character if they are speaking directly. So for me, that’s what I love, and it’s also what I like to write,” Koller said.