Interview Week | Scott Donnelly | Horror Author | AstraDaemon

The last interview of the week brings Scott Donnelly into the Lair. Making his debut with THE WHOOL in 2020, the author is now crossing over from literature to film... 

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What was your first experience with the horror genre, and did that influence you as an author in anyway?

I read “And Then There Were None” by Agatha Christie in middle school and was hooked on the murder mystery. “Scream” had come out only a year earlier and I knew that was supposed to be quite a mystery as well, mixed with horror elements. So after I watched it, I had found my new obsession. The whodunnits paced the way for my love of Jason and Michael, and eventually branched out into every corner horror has to offer. I love to incorporate lots of mystery and dread in my stories. I love to build tension and have the reader question everything and everyone within the story. I get a thrill out of messing with the reader.

Why do you think the horror is so popular in both literature and films?

I think horror is so popular because fear is something everyone has in common. Everyone is afraid of something, even if they won’t admit it. Horror films and literature have a way of tapping into those fears and getting your heart racing. And that itself is a thrill.

What do you think of the alternative sources of horror, such as Reddit’s No Sleep stories?

I love the alternative sources. I love a good Creepypastas story, especially when it deals with the fear of something unknown. Those are the most powerful when they’re done correctly. I think a good chunk of the future horror classics will have origins in the Creepypastas or No Sleep realm.

What kind of horror do you prefer for your own entertainment?

I love slasher films. They’re my favorite sub-genre of horror. The old Friday the 13th and Halloween films are like comfort food to me. Toss in the whodunnit aspect with a shocking twist or reveal at the end, and I’m 100% in on that.

What is your favorite kind of horror monster and why?

Aside from the iconic slasher villains, I love a good giant animal movie. Alligator from the 80s is one of my favorites. Anaconda, Lake Placid…all really fun. I also love monsters that have a sympathetic backstory.

Do you do anything special for Halloween?

Nothing super crazy. I have three kids, so family friendly Halloween movies have become normal. Trick or treating is a must as well. And I try to squeeze in AMC Fear Fest whenever I can.

Name one of your horror stories you think fans should read.

I’ve been proud of quite a few of my horror stories in the last two years. I wrote a slasher thriller called Cheater, Cheater back in 2019 and just re-released it with a new ending this summer. It is also currently in pre-production as an indie horror film, so that’s better exciting to be a part of that process. Another one would be The Whool, which will be re-released through Raven Tale Publishing very soon under the title The Blood of Burrows. That story had gathered so much more positive attention than I ever expected it to.

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Special thanks to Scott Donnelly for giving us such a big update! I'll be revisiting CHEATER CHEATER next week.

As always,

AstraDaemon

Small Town Beef | AstraDaemon

CHEATER CHEATER by Scott Donnelly is one of his older stories, and not quite as entertaining as his more recent work...which is a good thing because it means the author has been improving his craft with each publication.

This novella reads more like a movie script than a story. Not much character development, minimal backstory, and somewhat chaotic POV switches. However, if you enjoy 1980s slasher movies, you'll likely get a thrill from the mystery surrounding multiple murders.

If you prefer something with more filling, I recommend KILLER SCARECROW.

As always,

AstraDaemon

Blood, Tears and Ashes | AstraDaemon

KILLER SCARECROW by Scott Donnelly is a suspense-thriller for horror fans of all ages. In this novella, a young man dies in an accident as the result of bullying on Halloween. A year later, everyone involved in the tragedy is still struggling to recover from the night's deadly events.

Cash is not only left grieving for his best friend, but he has to face the bullies alone now. He also has to deal with a jealous boyfriend, and somehow stay safe while his classmates go missing and a neighbor is murdered.

Donnelly has cleverly mixed two common themes, coming of age and deadly revenge, into a terrifying crime drama which ends in blood, tears and ashes. I highly recommend this twisted creation by the author of THE WHOOL.

As always,

AstraDaemon

Lost His Marble | AstraDaemon

THE MILK BOY by Scott Donnelly is a prequel to THE WHOOL (which is one of my favorites from 2020). The two stories could be read in chronological order, but I think readers will appreciate the details more, if they read THE WHOOL first.

This time Donnelly blends cult horror with the supernatural to create a terrifying and twisted coming-of-age abomination. Now, more than ever, the author needs to give closure to this tale. I wouldn't be surprised if there is another hidden connection between Doyle and Erick.

As always,

AstraDaemon

Milk Monster

THE WHOOL by Scott Donnelly is reminiscent of classic horror, with a suspenseful blend of mystery, folklore and terror. Foreshadowed by an ominous interview in the beginning, readers experience the death of entire town through the eyes of Felix, in the span of three days.

Hunted by a demonic creature, with apparitions haunting him, Felix tries to make sense of the evil slaughtering the townsfolk. The ending is sinister, and written in a way which has me hoping for a sequel.

I'd love to learn more about the Milk Boy and the Whool, and I think Erick should be the one to put everything to rest, once and for all.

As always,
AstraDaemon