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

Interview Week | Kody Boye | Horror Author | AstraDaemon

Kody Boye, author of THE MONSTERS WITHIN, is another returning visitor to the Lair...

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

My first experience with the horror genre was watching Jaws when I was far too young (I believe I was about six or seven when I first saw it.) It was an undeniable influence on me, and still is. The raw fear, and creeping terror, that you feel when watching that film is something I feel all horror writers should reach for, no matter their subgenre.

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

I feel like horror is popular because we can experience scary things ‘safely’ (in the sense that we don’t have to worry about an immediate danger.)

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

I love all sorts of horror. Reddit’s No Sleep stories, and Creepypastas, are especially fun to stumble upon, or even hear narrated by someone with a good delivery.

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

I go for all sorts of things. I love aliens, zombies, vampires, apocalyptic and post-apocalyptic stories. So long as it has a human element, I feel like any horror trope, or genre, or monster, can be effective.

What is your favorite kind of horror monster and why?

My favorite kind of horror “monster” tends to be the body snatcher (most specifically: demon possession.) I’ve always been fascinated with religious horror, and demons/the Devil are no different. I feel like the complete seizure of one’s person in body, mind, and, in some instances, soul, is probably the scariest thing of all.

Do you do anything special for Halloween?

I generally watch horror movies throughout the month, so I really don’t do anything different on Halloween. I miss the trick-or-treaters, though.

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

If I were to recommend any of my horror-themed work, I would recommend my novel The Monsters Within. It draws upon many of my personal fears, which include “the unseen threat,” body horror, insanity, and hereditary curses. I’ve made it permafree due to it not performing well as a standalone, which gives readers the chance to try my work without commitment.

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Special thanks to Kody Boye for another great chat! I'm looking forward to his new series, THE PLAGUE BLOOM, as well as the third book in the DAGANA trilogy, so check back before the end of the year to catch those reviews.

As always,

AstraDaemon

Interview Week | Lori Titus | Horror Author | AstraDaemon

Kicking off the weekend with Lori Titus, author of BLOOD RELATIONS...

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

As a kid, there were a lot of horror and paranormal movies and TV shows. But when it came to literature, I think the very first scary thing I had read to me was The Raven. I always wanted to write scary things after that.

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

Like action, scary movies and books create their own little illicit thrills. It’s such a great way to confront our fears without getting hurt.

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

I love little bites of horror. All these different ways of consuming the art just makes sure that the next generation is going to keep loving horror!

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

I’m a lover of Gothic type horror. I’ll take the occasional slasher or zombie film too. I just need something that gives me a few jump scares.

What is your favorite kind of horror monster and why?

It’s a cross between vampires and werewolves. Maybe because they were the first monsters I loved from movies.

Do you do anything special for Halloween?

I celebrate all of October by watching every scary movie I can get my hands on. I also try to start a new scary story every October when time permits.

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

Blood Relations

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Special thanks to Lori Titus for returning to the Lair!

As always,

AstraDaemon

Interview Week | Christopher Motz | Horror Author | AstraDaemon

My fourth interview for this week takes place with Christopher Motz, author of WHISTLING IN THE DARK...

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

Initially, I had started out with ‘Scary Stories To Tell In The Dark.’ It was a series of child friendly books with quick horror stories that made my young mind wonder if there really were ghosts and strange creatures hiding in the dark. Another favorite of mine was a short book entitled ‘The Haunting Of Grade Three.’ Once I reached the age of 10 or 11, I got my hands on the original ‘Amityville Horror’ book, and whether it’s real or not, it cranked the creepiness up a notch!

I would say that ‘Amityville’ definitely influenced me. For me, it was the blueprint of what a haunted could be.

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

Horror has always been an interesting genre. The main reason I see horror being so popular is that people like to be scared. Reading a novel or watching a movie are safe ways to peek beyond the curtain and witness things you can never see in the real world. It’s fun being scared as long as you can close a book when the chills get to be too much.

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

I’ll be honest, I don’t much follow many alternate sources. I’m a movie buff and have a house packed with novels. I’m not going to run out of material in this lifetime. As for Reddit and other popular Internet sources, I think they cater to a younger audience, and that’s what makes it so important. In a world where so many of us no longer sit down with a good book, it’s refreshing to know that horror is still getting into the hands of those who may not have been interested to seek it out for themselves.

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

This all depends on my mood. There are times I want something where my main concern is how many people are going to be tortured by some crazy madman. Am I in the mood for buckets of blood? Do I want to think about the deeper meaning in a story or just revel in a body count? There are so many facets of horror that there’s something there for everyone.

I generally go down a rabbit hole when I find something that hits all the right buttons. If I’m going to watch some nasty body horror, I’m going to find me a Cronenberg movie. Maybe ‘The Fly.’ Once that ends, I might end up watching 4 or 5 Cronenberg movies just to get my fill of nasty practical effects. The same goes with something like 1922’s ‘Nosferatu.’ It’s not a gore fest, but the atmosphere is absolutely terrifying. This can then lead me to ‘The Cabinet Of Dr. Caligari’ or ‘Haxan.’

I could likely speak on this subject for hours, but the main point is that I don’t have any specific horror type. I enjoy them all for different reasons. While I mainly mention only movies, books are the same way for me. As long as the writer or director has put time into their story, and makes me identify in some way with the characters or plot elements, it’s a success. Variety if the spice of life, right?

What is your favorite kind of horror monster and why?

Again, this is something I have a tough time nailing down. Serial killers, werewolves, vampires, demons, evil sewer clowns, aliens, ghosts… where does it end?

If I had to absolutely pick my favorite kind of monster, it would be the guy next door. The woman who bags groceries at the local store. The mailman. The librarian. These are the monsters that blend in… the ones where you don’t immediately have the desire to run as fast as you can and hide under a bed. Humans are hiding in plain sight, and you have no idea which ones are the real monsters.

Ted Bundy? Jeffrey Dahmner? John Wayne Gacy? Pick your poison. A good-looking guy the ladies adore or a chubby dude in a clown outfit? The scariest monsters are the ones you don’t see coming.

Do you do anything special for Halloween?

Almost always a horror film marathon during the month of October. Each year, either my wife or I will decide on a specific topic – franchise films, early Hollywood, all Argento or Fulci, etc. We always go with a theme for the month of October and stick with it. This year happens to be focused on Vincent Price.

We have almost always opened the door to children for Trick or Treat. Maybe we’ll put some awful costume on our little dog? It really is a very fun time of the year for us, but most of what we do depends on busy work schedules and how much time we have together. The film marathon is always a safe and easy bet.

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

In my opinion, I would say ‘Pine Lakes’ and ‘Tenants’ are my two favorite books. I had a lot of fun writing them, and that comes across in the stories. With these, I was able to breathe a bit more and blend genres, which is something I enjoy. It keeps the reader on their toes! I’ve always liked authors who have kept me guessing, and while that kind of story isn’t for everyone, those who like it tend to love it.

While horror is meant to scare you, the ride has to be a fun one, and the reader or viewer needs to feel that they’ve gone on the journey with you. With the two books I mentioned, I think I succeeded in dishing out the scares as well as giving you a much needed laugh now and then.

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I picked up a Kindle version of PINE LAKES after this interview...hopefully I'll get to read it before the end of the year, but my TBR list is still several pages long. I have read TENANTS and highly recommend it.

As always,

AstraDaemon

Interview Week | Dale Elster | Horror Author | AstraDaemon

Wednesday brings Dale Elster, co-author of DEADSVILLE, into the Lair...

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

My father passed away when I was a toddler, so that horror of life introduced itself to me early on.

Beyond that, I was the youngest of five kids, and I’d watch a lot of the movies my siblings were watching, which definitely included horror. Carrie, John Carpenter’s Halloween, The Exorcist were early favorites!

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

Horror helps us deal with our emotions, and the oftentimes shocking nature of experiences we deal with in everyday life. It makes us wonder how we’d react in dire situations, and it helps us to be mentally prepared for those times.

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

I don’t spend a lot of times on those formats, but I’m fine with them. Again, those stories help us deal with real life horrors.

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

I love movies and books – short stories in particular. I actually prefer short stories to novels, but I love both.

What is your favorite kind of horror monster and why?

For decades, it was the zombie. The whole idea of losing our loved ones – and having them come back to attack us and try to eat us, really hit home with me! Then The Walking Dead came along, and I think weekly exposure to all those zombies cured me of my fear of them!

Do you do anything special for Halloween?

I like to set up scary decorations. My wife most definitely does NOT. She wins, what can I say? In the 25 years we’ve been married, I set up scary decorations a couple of years. One year we dressed up like vampires to hand out candy, and we really scared the hell out of some neighbor kids! One little girl screamed, dropped her candy bag and bolted off the porch! I felt a little bad about scaring her like that. Just a little, though.

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

“Still Water,” from the Deadsville collection. It was the first story I wrote for that book. I love the characters, and the story holds up well – especially the ending. Powerful stuff.

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Special thanks to Dale Elster for popping in. Keep checking back for more author interviews!

As always,

Interview Week | Bowie V. Ibarra | Horror Author | AstraDaemon

Today, Bowie V. Ibarra, author of THE LEGEND OF ST. UVALDE, stops by the Lair...

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

I distinctly remember the trauma of watching Friday the13th at my neighbors house when I was around 6. The ax to the face scene totally messed me up. Watching ‘The Funhouse’ at my aunt’s house in my cousins room at around the same age was traumatizing, too. Still, it did create a fascination for horror movies that I dug into when I got older and was able to understand what was going on.

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

Because we’re all sick and twisted and need psychological help. But seriously, it's exciting to be scared. As an armchair psychologist, there’s a certain thrill making it through a horror movie, a feeling of exhilaration having placed yourself vicariously as the protagonist and making it to the end. Of course, we were never really in danger. But, we put ourselves there in our mind. It's definitely a fix folks develop.

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

Any venue that allows folks to be creative and express themselves through any artistic medium, I support. It’s incredibly beneficial for mental health to be able to express our feelings and products of our imagination through any art form.

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

I’m open to all horror, but I have always had an affinity for classic Romero/Fulci style zombie horror. The major 80s slashers are great, and also happen to be looked upon as great examples of female empowerment. I have personally written a supernatural horror story with “Alamo Rising”, 80s style creature horror with the popular “Big Cat”, as well as zombie horror titles which are the foundation of my writing career. I recently regained the rights to the ‘Down the Road’ zombie horror series. A re-release of the popular underground zombie horror series should be out in 2021, so keep an eye out for that.

What is your favorite kind of horror monster and why?

Its Romero/Fulci-style zombies all the way.

Do you do anything special for Halloween?

You would think I would, but I do not. Best I might do is dip into my horror movie library throughout the month.

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

Truth is, it would depend of what they were in to.

If they’re into traditional Romero-style zombie horror, the Down the Road series would be best to check out.

If they like a zombie horror story with some depth and a lucha libre theme, then “Sword of the Angel” is a story they will love.

If folks are in to violent criminal atrocities with extreme zombie brutality, “The Texas Assassins” is an incredible story filled with some of the most disturbing passages of violence committed to the page.

If they like ghosts and supernatural horror in the tradition of ‘The Fog’ or “The Beyond”, “Alamo Rising” is a must.

If they like the 80s horror style like ‘Jaws’, ‘Alligator’, ‘Grizzly’, then they would love “Big Cat”, one of the most popular of my books, and a loving tribute to 80s horror.

If they like ‘Twilight Zone’, ‘Creepshow’, or other anthology-style horror stories, then they need to pick up “Asylum of Terror” today. Filled with short stories by some of the most talented underground writers, it’s a must-have.

As I look at this list, its clear the ax to the face of that lady really planted the seed of inspiration for the horror stories I write.

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Special thanks to Bowie V. Ibarra for stopping by on such short notice. Come back tomorrow for another visitor!

As always,

AstraDaemon

Interview Week | Armand Rosamilia | Horror Author | AstraDaemon

This week I'll be interviewing horror authors for their take on the genre...some are well-known names, others will be making their first appearance in the Lair. Today, we begin with Armand Rosamilia, author of the recently released TRAPPED.

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

I imagine indirectly. I never really thought about it, but as a teenager I read a ton of Dean Koontz books, watched every 80’s horror movie I could find, and read a lot of horror comic books. That was my enlightenment in horror.

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

Horror is an emotion, first and foremost. No other emotion has their own genre. You know about romance, but they don’t call it lust or love. Yearning. Something cheesy like that. Anyhoo… it is emotional, and it helps us to cope with the world around us. When the pandemic reared its ugly head, people ran to horror movies and books. Especially ones about a pandemic. It helps us to figure things out, and the crazier the world is around us, the more horror we’ll read and watch.

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

I think any way for people to read, write and/or hear horror is a good thing. With so much technology today, it is quite easy to find some good horror to enjoy. To make you feel something. As a kid, I had books if I could find them, or had to wait for a movie to be released in the theater or later on cable. Today? I can read, watch and listen to whatever I want. And so can you.

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

I don’t really watch horror movies anymore. Haven’t in many years. I am a huge fan of quiet horror in literature. Not a fan of the slasher, serial killer madman stories with a lot of blood and guts and spilled intestines. I like horror that sneaks up on you, makes you think. Makes you believe it could really happen to you or someone you love.

What is your favorite kind of horror monster and why?

Humans. They are scarier than anything with fangs, demonic powers or claws. The human race is an awful monster, and when a person is the focus of a horror story… just sickening. But in a good way. Right?

Do you do anything special for Halloween?

My wife and I set up a table in our driveway, and we give out bags of candy as well as children’s Halloween books and comic books to the kids coming by. We live in a very large development, and people drive their kids in each year, so we’ll give out over 200 bags of candy. I have two Little Free Libraries on my property, and it gives the adults and children a chance to also grab a good book from there, too.

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

Uh… all of them? One of my absolute favorites has to be one of the books I co-wrote with author Jay Wilburn: The Enemy Held Near. It’s a ghost story, a family struggle, and lots of fun twists in it. Then… go read all of the rest of my stories, too.

Thanks for the great interview!

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Special thanks to Armand Rosamilia for taking time out of his busy schedule.

Check back for more interviews!

As always,

AstraDaemon