Nini Berndt, a graduate of the MFA program in Fiction at the University of Florida, has released her debut novel, “There Are Reasons For This,” published by Tin House.
Currently residing in Denver with her wife and son, Berndt teaches at Lighthouse Writers Workshop.
The novel tells the story of Lucy, a girl who moves to Denver after her brother’s death to find Helen, the woman he loved. Lucy believes that Helen understood her brother better than anyone else.
However, upon moving in across the hall from Helen, Lucy becomes infatuated with her without revealing her true identity as Mikey’s sister.
The tension builds as Lucy grapples with her omission and the evolution of her relationship with Helen.
Set in a crumbling version of Denver, the novel engages with themes of climate change, the commodification of intimacy, and the pervasive anxieties of a near-future dystopia, which feels all too possible today.
Berndt began writing the novel during the COVID pandemic, inspired by long walks in her city and a plaque that references a historical building known as “St. Catherine’s Home for Working Girls.”
The initial idea for her book was more of a collection of linked stories, but it gradually transformed into a narrative focused on Lucy, Helen, and Mrs. McGorvey, with Mikey’s death becoming the emotional core.
Throughout the writing process, themes of women’s work and the dynamics of domesticity emerged as significant elements.
In discussing the context of her novel, Berndt explained that the excerpt chosen for promotion serves as the beginning of the story.
She believes that beginning with a powerful opening is crucial to engaging readers, as readers might feel lost if they dive into the middle of a narrative.
As for influences, Berndt mentioned that she often doesn’t fully grasp the direction of a project until she’s deep into the writing process.
Key works that influenced her include Lydia Millet’s “A Children’s Bible,” which approaches climate change subtly rather than overtly, and Joy Williams’ writing, which inspires and shapes her own prose style.
Berndt reflected on the experience of writing this novel, noting that it helped her to understand the structure of a longer work compared to short stories, which she finds more intuitive due to their reliance on brevity.
She identified her biggest challenge in constructing the book as the journey to discern the narrative’s central story amidst developing character voices.
Through the lens of human relationships, Berndt hopes that readers will appreciate the complexities of love and the inherent imperfections that come with it.
She emphasized that, even amidst the struggles of life, hope can still persist.
On the subject of setting the novel in Denver, Berndt mentioned that the city doesn’t appear frequently in literature, expressing a desire to move beyond the common focus on New York City.
Having grown up in Denver and witnessing its transformation from the early 2000s to the post-COVID era, Berndt found herself deeply compelled to reflect on its evolving identity.
She commented on the stark contrast between Denver’s vibrant yet fragile past and its current challenges, such as skyrocketing housing costs and a growing unhoused population.
As she works on her next project, Berndt shares enthusiasm for this new narrative, which examines the lives we don’t live and the choices we make within the constraints of time.
Interestingly, her current reading list is diverse, including works by Mary Gaitskill, particularly her book “Veronica,” which Berndt wishes she had read earlier.
Reflecting on her reading habits, Berndt admitted that she has always gravitated toward rereading books that resonate with her profoundly, like Amy Hempel’s stories.
In terms of a writing routine, Berndt values the simple need for beverages, be it coffee or tea, to accompany her writing sessions.
As for combating writer’s block, she turns to reading, finding inspiration in familiar texts that illuminate what it means to be alive through art and literature.
Her most valuable beta readers include trusted friends, her agent, and her wife.
In sharing her journey, Berndt hopes to inspire others to find the glimmers of hope in life’s complexities while navigating the ever-shifting landscapes around them.
Her journey through writing this novel and teaching others reflects a dedication to exploring essential human connections amid life’s uncertainties.
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