These Nameless Things is the second adult fiction title that you’ve written, after Light from Distant Stars. How is These Nameless Things similar to the other books you’ve written? How is it different?
These Nameless Things, much like my other novels, explores the bonds of family, the loyalty and the pain that family relationships can cause, and how our choices affect the direction of our lives. The past also plays a large role in the story—all of the people in the book are connected through a past event,
and as this event is slowly revealed, you begin to realize why everyone is waiting. The book is different from what I’ve done previously because it’s in a very unique setting. That’s all I’ll say for now.
Did anything surprise you as this novel was coming together?
Unexpected characters appeared, and the history of each character was revealed to me as I wrote, so
that was fun. I write about memory so much, and I love exploring this idea that how we remember our
lives has a major impact on who we are and how we see the world around us.
Also, Dan’s selfishness surprised me. Abe’s grace and love surprised me.
Although These Nameless Things explores some difficult questions, it also includes elements of redemption and hope. How are these portrayed in your story?
The fact that in the abyss, Dan and Miho and Adam find love and camaraderie shows that even in the most evil places, two people can still choose to love each other. Forgiveness is also a big theme, and what is more hopeful and redemptive than forgiveness?
You’ve said before that your stories take place at the edge of the imagination, with one foot in reality and one foot in the unknown. Can you describe the role that magical realism plays in this
particular story?
This story is set at the edge of Dante’s Inferno, albeit a more real, tangible version with no demons or angels. I wanted to explore what happens to people at the edge of such a place.
What do you hope readers take away from this novel?
That no one is a lost cause. That sometimes the only way to move forward in life is through forgiveness. That there is grace even to the very end.
What are you working on next? I’m in the early stages of writing my next novel. It’s still taking shape, but I will say it is influenced a lot by George MacDonald.
How can readers connect with you?
You can find me at shawnsmucker.com or on Twitter and Instagram @shawnsmucker.
