Topic overview
In brief
- Claire Vaye Watkins lives in the Mojave Desert, where her new novel, Yellow Pine, is set.
- Her father's death and past involvement with the Manson Family have significantly influenced her life and writing.
- Watkins advocates for environmental justice and a balanced approach to energy development in the desert.
Summary
Claire Vaye Watkins, a writer living in the Mojave Desert near Death Valley, has a deep connection to the landscape that surrounds her. Her new novel, Yellow Pine, is set against this stark and beautiful backdrop, which is currently being developed for solar energy by an energy company. Watkins expresses concern over the exploitation of this land, which has long been treated as a wasteland, and emphasizes the need for environmental justice in the face of economic development. She believes that while decarbonizing the economy is essential, it should not come at the cost of sacrificing the integrity of the land and its history.
Watkins' life has been profoundly shaped by personal experiences, particularly the death of her father when she was just six years old. He battled cancer for several years, and his passing instilled in her a constant awareness of mortality. This early encounter with death has led her to appreciate life more deeply and strive to live meaningfully. In her reflections, she acknowledges that death has always been a presence in her family, and she feels grateful for the lessons it has imparted.