Author Interview: A T McDonald

What effect has folklore had on the way you see the world?

It’s made it more interesting.

What role does folklore and speculative fiction play in our modern world?

An entertaining warning label.

Do you think of folklore as a thing of fear and warning or of mysticism and magic? Or both?

Both a warning and a how to guide.

What folklore traditions do you take inspiration from?

Things not being as they seem.

If you were a cryptid or folkloric creature, which one would you be and why?

Some kind of soapdodger.

There’s a mysterious figure that lives near your village. Would you heed the warnings of the elders or venture into the unknown? And what everyday object are you taking with you for protection?

Heed the warnings while venturing out. Taking a water bottle, ideally filled.

Read A T's short story Facilities in our first issue, now available on our website www.folkloricmag.com

[originally posted to Patreon on 1/9/25]