A.R. Frederiksen is a writer from Denmark and former exchange student at Bemidji State University.
She’s written novels and published several short stories in anthologies such as Exquisite Poison, Bleak Midwinter: Solstice Light, and Dangerous Waters: Deadly Women of the Sea.
Her stories are atmospheric and vivid with just the right amount of thrills and chills — from the icy far-reaching fingers of a ghost in a frozen lake (“The Calling of Whitecrest Lake”) to the vengeful wrath of a mermaid (“Mother Raised You Well”).
In a recent What We’re Reading interview, Frederiksen shared that she began writing as a teenager, but writes in English.
“I think in English,” she explained. ”I stopped writing in Danish when I was 14.”
Frederiksen has an agent currently pitching two of her novels around to publishers, but has published many works of short fiction.
“I always wrote novels,” Frederiksen said.
But when she noticed her craft wasn’t really developing, she turned to short stories for a change.
Frederiksen lamented the space limitations of the short story format, but admitted, “It really was a good exercise in getting my point across much more efficiently.”
“I’m Danish. We generally are sort of gloomy, so it feels natural to lean into this sad, depressing sort of mindset."A.R. Frederiksen, author
Frederiksen likes to write speculative fiction; a blend of fantasy, science-fiction, horror and historical fiction.
“I’m Danish,” she explained. “We generally are sort of gloomy, so it feels natural to lean into this sad, depressing sort of mindset. Being able to approach sadder stuff in writing helps you tackle (it) in real life.”
You can find out more about Danish writer A.R. Frederiksen on her website.
Looking for a good book recommendation? Want to recommend a book you've just read? Check out our What We're Reading page on Facebook, or text us at 218-326-1234.
What We're Reading is made possible in part by the Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund and the citizens of Minnesota.