It might sound unusual, but writing a novel about a mother who transforms into a dog is a unique way to explore the complexities of motherhood. We chatted with Rachel Yoder, the author of the intriguing new book ‘Nightbitch’, to delve into her creative journey.
After becoming a mother, Yoder found herself stepping away from her writing for two years, feeling overwhelmed by the demands of parenthood. However, she eventually experienced a burst of inspiration that felt more like channeling than traditional writing. The result? A surreal narrative that captures the bizarre and beautiful aspects of motherhood. The story follows a nameless mother who sacrifices her career for her toddler son, only to notice some peculiar changes in herself—like a fuzzy neck and the potential growth of a tail. As her transformation unfolds, she grapples with fear and confusion, yet also discovers curiosity and a sense of liberation.
In our conversation, Yoder explained that while many stories about transformation lean towards the negative, ‘Nightbitch’ balances both the challenges and joys of motherhood. She draws inspiration from her own experiences, particularly how her son interacted with the world as a young child, embodying the things he observed. This idea of transformation serves as a metaphor for the complex emotions mothers face as they navigate their identities.
Yoder’s journey through motherhood inspired her to pen this book, which she initially wrote for herself. She reflected on the loss of her creative self during the early years of parenting, and how she ultimately found her voice again through exploring themes of ambition, love, and identity.
The book’s concept of a mother becoming a dog began as a lighthearted joke between Yoder and her husband. She felt the need to tackle something unconventional and fun, which propelled her back into writing. The narrative culminates in a piece of art that symbolizes both Yoder’s journey and the importance of self-expression for mothers.
When discussing the challenges of motherhood, Yoder emphasized the importance of holding onto something personal—whether it’s a hobby or a passion. She shared an anecdote about her best friend, a dedicated runner who made it a priority to maintain her identity post-baby, showcasing how essential it is for moms to carve out space for themselves.
Writing ‘Nightbitch’ presented its own hurdles, as Yoder often questioned whether her ideas were too outlandish. However, the character’s relationships with other mothers in the story underscore the importance of community among parents, as she navigates her connections with those who share her experiences.
Throughout the book, Yoder intentionally portrays the father figure as physically absent, reflecting her own reality and raising questions about domestic roles and equitable responsibilities in parenting. She sought to explore how mothers can navigate these challenges and build supportive networks, even when feeling isolated.
Reflecting on societal expectations of motherhood, Yoder acknowledges the need for deprogramming the unrealistic ideals placed on women.
For those interested in further reading on motherhood and personal fulfillment, Yoder recommends Fair Play by Eve Rodsky and Prepare Her by Genevieve Plunkett. Additionally, she highlights an upcoming book, The School for Good Mothers by Jessamine Chan, which questions cultural perceptions of motherhood.
As for the future, Yoder is adapting ‘Nightbitch’ into a movie starring Amy Adams. This new venture has presented its own challenges, particularly during the pandemic, but Yoder is excited about the creative possibilities of translating her work to the screen.
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