Rebecca Roanhorse on Genre, Culture, and Urgency

In this episode, Dr. Frances Gateward, professor and director of the School of Theatre, Film & Television at the University of Arizona, sits down with author Rebecca Roanhorse to discuss her 2018 novel, "Trail of Lightning," and her writing philosophy. Roanhorse explains that her background in religious studies, law, and social justice influenced her boundary-breaking speculative fiction, which incorporates elements of horror, post-apocalyptic settings, and urban fantasy. A key focus of her work is shifting away from European mythology to center Diné (Navajo) culture and feature a complex, often difficult female protagonist, reflecting the author's own experience and the reality of violence faced by Indigenous women. The discussion also touches upon Indigenous futurism, the structural decision to use short, urgent sentences in her novel, and her award-winning short story, "Welcome to Your Authentic Indian Experience (Trademark)," which critiques cultural appropriation and stereotypes.