boreal.bard

What was the inspiration for this game, and why did you want to write a story in this genre?

I grew up in a small town in Minnesota, much like the fictional town of Easthaven in my IF. Growing up queer, trans, and neurodivergent led to me always feeling like an outsider; like I didn’t quite understand the world around me. Bundle that up with the inherent smothering feeling of being trapped that comes from small towns…well, the whole experience lends itself well to horror.

The Lonely Shore’s MC is also an outsider who can’t escape. A lot of the emotions I remember feeling are built into the story, even if Easthaven has way more monsters than I encountered.

Are there any themes or messages you hope players take away from your work?

The Lonely Shore includes what I would describe as mundane horror. Terrible things happen, people go missing, monsters are real–but for the people of Easthaven, that’s everyday life. Those aware of the horrors still wake up in the morning in spite of it. They have friends and families; they find strength in their community; and they always manage to find joy in spite of it all.

There is beauty to be found in surviving–and, more than that, in living. Even when it feels impossible.

What’s the one thing you’re really proud of that you’ve written so far? Do you have a favorite character or scene that you’ve written? 

I think my favorite scene I’ve written is the chapter 3 Doe scene–it has some fun branching differences, and a lot of writing I love.

I’m probably most proud of the chapter 4 bonfire scene due to the sheer branching involved. It was an absolute beast to write, but now that I’m on the other end I’m really happy with it.

And my favorite characters are probably the teens! I’m very excited now that they’re properly introduced–let the Scooby Doo shenanigans begin ;)

For folks who enjoyed your IF, what other book/music/movie should they check out with the same ‘vibe'?

Lord Huron is like…THE soundtrack to The Lonely Shore for me. Sooo much of their music fits perfectly.

Watch Midnight Mass if you want more of something terrible happening in an isolated small town; watch Haunting of Hill House if you want an excellent story about grief and siblings.

Play Scarlet Hollow for some genuinely awesome small town horror. And also because it is absolutely excellent.

What’re you excited to tackle/implement/work on next?

I’ll be working on Neverland off and on alongside Lonely Shore, and right now I’m very excited to be digging into it. It’s a pretty big vibe shift–messy toxic vampires rather than slow, creeping horror–but the writing I’ve done so far is a lot of fun!