“Song of Nyx” is Sam W. Pisciotta’s second story featured in Analog, and you can learn more about it in this informative Q&A with the author himself. Don’t miss “Song of Nyx” in our [January/February issue, on sale now!]
Analog Editor: What is the story behind “Song of Nyx”?
Sam W. Pisciotta: I’ve always loved studying history and finding connections to the past. One of the most interesting exercises is the oral history movement that records voices and stories for future generations. Oral histories have been made for those who lived through American slavery, the history and stories of native cultures, and the experiences of veterans of various wars. I wondered how interesting and useful it might be to record the oral histories of animals on the verge of extinction. That record is the song of Nyx.
AE: What can we learn from Nyx’s story?
SWP: Nyx is facing an existential loss—the loss of community and relations and the potential loss of identity. She’s linked to a researcher who is facing a potential loss of his own. Part of what I was doing with this story is showing that when the losses are unavoidable and irreparable, there are still ways that we can hold on to our sense of self.
AE: Mythology plays an important role in this story. Where did this creation myth come from?
SWP: I’ve been a student of world mythology for many years. The shared elements described by Sir James Frazier in The Golden Bough and later by scholars like Joseph Campbell fascinate me. I approached the whale creation myths with the idea that these new stories needed to incorporate the universals found in so many stories of creation, while also rooting the events in a water-based world. Writing these sections of the story was such a treat for me.
AE: What other projects are you working on right now?
SWP: I’m currently working on a couple of short stories, but I’ve also started work on my first speculative novel. It’s a bit intimidating to move into the long form, but I’m definitely ready. It’s still very early, and I’m reveling in research and prewriting exercises, some of my favorite ways to spend my day.
AE: What are you currently reading? Any recommendations?
SWP: I just finished reading a couple of works by Sara Gran—Dope and Come Closer. I like her style and the way the short novels weave genre and literary elements. I’m currently reading several books on witchcraft and biology in my research for the novel, and Under the Whispering Door by T.J. Klune. Reading many books at once is kind of my M.O. So many books, so little time.
AE: How can our readers follow you and learn more about you?
SWP: You can find links to my writing and view my artwork on my website: www.silo34.com. You can also follow me on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/silo34/ or on my X account at https://twitter.com/silo34.
The Astounding Analog Companion 