Psychology professor releases novel

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A dream inspired associate psychology professor Larissa Niec to write her fantasy novel, “Shorn.”

She also works with traumatized children, whom she credits as her inspiration.

Niec released her novel, “Shorn,” on July 19.

“I’ve been interested in playing with fictional ideas since I was little – there is so much potential to explore how humans deal with difficult situations in science-fiction,” Niec said.

“Shorn” is the first in a series of four novels; the second is titled “Cael’s Shadow,” which Niec is currently working on.

Niec said for her, writing is something different from teaching; it is a creative outlet from her professional career. She chose the fantasy genre because she thinks fantasy is “fabulous,” and a way to explore abstract ideas in concrete and compelling ways.

“Shorn” is about a young man who was raised to believe he and his kind are somehow responsible for the evils in society, and he is trying to find a place in the world.

Niec hosted a book reading Friday, where she discussed the “creative process” of her writing, like how she accesses creative ideas and how she finds the time to stimulate them.

Mount Pleasant senior Maureen Harke has been in Niec’s lab for three years, and describes her as an intelligent woman and talented writer.

“Her input and advice have helped me to become a stronger writer,” Harke said.

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