In a world where a mother transforming into a dog seems entirely plausible, author Rachel Bennett opens up about her novel, Nightbitch. We dive into the complexities of motherhood and the artistic journey that led to this unique tale.
Motherhood often brings with it a whirlwind of emotions and unexpected changes. After becoming a mother, Bennett found herself unable to write for two years, feeling engulfed by the demands of parenting and losing touch with her artistic identity. Then, an outpouring of creativity emerged—“I felt like I was channeling instead of writing,” she remarked.
Nightbitch follows an unnamed mother who sacrifices her career to care for her toddler son. As she navigates this new reality, she notices some peculiar changes—such as a growing fuzziness on her neck and perhaps the beginnings of a tail. This transformation leads her through a spectrum of emotions, from fear to curiosity and ultimately to joy.
Insights from Rachel Bennett
In our conversation with Bennett, she shared insights into how this unconventional narrative resonates with many parents despite its bizarre premise.
Scary Mommy: Most metamorphosis stories have a dark undertone. Yours, however, captures a more nuanced perspective. Can you elaborate on this?
Rachel Bennett: The theme of transformation is rooted in body horror, but there’s also an element of body joy in Nightbitch. Watching my son as a child, he didn’t just observe a train; he became one. That joy in embodiment inspired the mother’s journey in the book. Initially, her transformation is alarming, but as she learns to embrace it, she discovers joy and empowerment through her experiences.
You mentioned your son as an inspiration. How much of your own experiences as a mother influenced the writing of this book?
Absolutely, my experiences as a mother shaped this narrative. After having my son, I was disconnected from my writing for two years, a stark contrast to my prior life of daily writing and teaching. Although I loved being a mom, it didn’t fulfill all my creative needs. Eventually, this book emerged as a way for me to reconnect with my identity and explore themes of ambition, maternal love, and marriage.
The idea of a mother turning into a dog originated as a lighthearted joke between my husband and me. He once referred to me as a “nightbitch,” and that playful notion sparked the idea for the book. It seemed like a wild yet intriguing concept, and I needed that kind of challenge to reignite my creativity.
At the conclusion of Nightbitch, the protagonist creates art. Do you believe that artistic expression is essential for all mothers? How can they reclaim their identities post-motherhood?
While not every mother may need art, I believe it’s vital for mothers to hold onto something that defines them. They need time and space to reconnect with their true selves. A friend of mine, a long-distance runner, insisted on maintaining her running routine after having a baby. That commitment to her passion helped her stay grounded. Every mother should find that one thing that resonates with them.
What was the most daunting part of crafting this story?
The biggest hurdle was questioning whether my ideas were too outlandish. Since the book was deeply personal, I often wondered if others would relate to it.
One aspect that stands out is the network of mothers in the story, who share a complex relationship. What does this reveal about the connections among mothers?
I tend to be solitary, and I struggled to form friendships through motherhood. Yet, I realized how much I craved community, especially without family nearby. This need for connection became a theme in Nightbitch. How do mothers bond, even with those who differ from them, through shared experiences? That’s a question I explored in writing this character.
The protagonist’s husband is notably absent for much of the story. What inspired this dynamic?
In reality, my husband was often away for work, which raised questions about marriage and parenting. Many face similar challenges of division of labor and valuing each other’s time. I wanted to place Nightbitch in a challenging scenario to explore how she navigates her circumstances. Is there a resolution? I sought answers through her journey.
As women, we often feel the pressure to meet unrealistic standards of motherhood. How can we address this?
I don’t have all the answers, but I think we need to deconstruct how we perceive our worth, the value of our time, and the importance of domestic work.
What books are you currently reading that you recommend?
I’m enjoying Fair Play by Eve Rodsky, which offers practical tools for women feeling overwhelmed. Another great read is Prepare Her by Genevieve Plunkett, exploring women’s experiences under the patriarchal lens. And I’m excited about The School for Good Mothers by Jessamine Chan, which examines cultural expectations of mothers—definitely worth pre-ordering.
Lastly, Nightbitch is being adapted into a film starring Amy Adams, and you’re writing the screenplay. How’s that going?
Adapting my book during a pandemic has been a challenge, as it’s my first experience writing a feature-length script. Finding focus during such a tumultuous time was tough, but it’s been rewarding to see how the story translates to screen, revealing new layers. I can’t wait to see how it all unfolds!
For more insights into motherhood and the creative process, check out this blog post and learn about boosting fertility with supplements. If you’re interested in pregnancy topics, this resource is also beneficial.
Summary
Rachel Bennett discusses her novel Nightbitch, which explores motherhood through a fantastical lens of transformation and creativity. Drawing from her own experiences as a mother, she highlights the importance of maintaining one’s identity and community among parents. The conversation delves into the challenges of balancing domestic life and personal ambitions, all while addressing societal expectations of motherhood.
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