So What is Transfigured Sea All About?

July 13, 2024

Women

In Transfigured Sea, two women set out to do two things. One thing is to explore their own inner natures. The other thing is to explore all the main ecosystems in the ocean.

Nature

Transfigured Sea employs Nature Writing. This is where the natural environment is given as much attention as any other major character.

Different kinds of sea creatures and sometimes plants, live in all the different marine systems. Their behaviour or their shape or form often parallels that of the two women or other people.

Magic

Laura finds a magical conch shell which facilitates their journey, by enabling the women to breathe under water. It also provides information on a particular ecosystem or a particular species.

There are also sea nymphs which accompany them and protect them while they are in the ocean. Named nereids, they are always benevolent. Their echoing laughter is reminiscent of a three year old child.

The Ocean

Ruled over by Neptune, from his golden cave in the ocean depths, the sea includes the coast, coral reefs, the ice of Antarctica and the mystical depths. There is a volcano several kilometres down.

Dwelling in the subconscious, the sea is a dream. It is a place of change. It is a whisper of emotion and a memory of intuition.

What are you going to do to protect the ocean?

See my website sallyannhunter.com for a list of threats to the ocean and another list of practical things we can all do to protect it.

Sally Ann Hunter

Sally Ann Hunter is a biologist and environmental policy officer (BSc [Biol], MEnv Sts.). She has published a collection of poetry called The Structure of Light and a biography called You Can’t Keep a Good Man Down: from Parkinson’s to a New Life with Deep Brain Stimulation.

A paper she wrote on the biography, was read on ABC Radio’s Ockham’s Razor, as was a paper on living with solar power.

She completed a ten-month course called Manuscript Incubator at Writers SA. Also at Writers SA, she did Poetry Studio on Zoom with Jill Jones over several months.

A novel called Transfigured Sea, (Nature Writing) was published in 2022 and another called Golden Cups (Historical Fiction) is in the process of publisher’s revision.

A number of her poems have been published in anthologies and online. She lives in the Adelaide Hills where she gains inspiration for much of her Nature Writing.

Related Posts

The Female Relationship in “Transfigured Sea”

The Female Relationship in “Transfigured Sea”

In "Transfigured Sea," the relationship between Laura and Daphne is shaped by deep emotional wounds and a shared connection to the ocean. As they navigate their bond, they confront past traumas—Laura's unresolved issues with her mother and Daphne's struggle to heal...

So What is Nature Writing Anyway?

So What is Nature Writing Anyway?

I define Nature Writing as any writing ( poetry or prose) that gives as much attention to the natural environment ( or some aspect of it) as it does to any other main character. Wikipedia defines it slightly differently. Nature...

The Inspiration for Writing “Transfigured Sea”

The Inspiration for Writing “Transfigured Sea”

I have always loved the ocean, ever since I was a child. We used to go to the beach as a family, every weekend and we would swim. The sea contains a range of colours and because it moves and because it is salty, it seems alive. Sunset at the beach In later years, I...

Comments

0 Comments

Submit a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Share This