Date of Award
4-2025
Degree Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Fine Arts
Department
English
Program
Creative Writing (MFA)
First Advisor/Chairperson
Jon Billman
Abstract
LADDER FUELS is a novel about a wildfire in the Pacific Northwest and all the lives—human, animal, plant—it touches. Told through the perspectives of four women, including one firefighter, as well as parts from the eyes of the forest and fire itself, the story unfolds over the course of one destructive week in early September. All are impacted by the fire, but no one is only impacted by the fire, and each character grapples with their own concurrent personal crises. As the novel progresses, their stories begin to intertwine and layer, illustrating how interconnected we all are with each other and with the more-than-human world. The narrative follows a wildfire resulting from climate change and decades of fire suppression efforts, and demonstrates how even amidst devastation, hope and possibility remain. This document includes an excerpt from the first chapter, told from the firefighter Ashley’s perspective.
Recommended Citation
Anderson, Monica, "Ladder Fuels" (2025). All NMU Master's Theses. 867.
https://commons.nmu.edu/theses/867
Access Type
NMU Users Only
Justification for Restricting Access
I am requesting the maximum available embargo because this is an excerpt of a novel for which I will be seeking publication, and this can be a long process. This is a creative work and, if available for download, would be considered already published.
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