Merry meet all,
Welcome everyone. Today, we are joined by Zack Ellenberger. So settle in with a dark rich cup of java and let’s clear a space amongst these spiderwebs.
Why horror? Do you have a favorite subgenre in horror?
If I’m honest, I don’t really know. There’s something very visceral about the emotion of fear that differentiates it from other emotions. I guess part of it is a lack of discomfort in my own skin and trying to portray/share those discomforts through fictional narratives. I also think we too often tend to stay inside our comfort zones nowadays and if there’s any impact that I’d hope for my stories to have on others, it’d be to encourage them to step outside their comfort zones more often. Plus, I had an older sibling growing up that tormented me with watching old slasher movies as kids. 😊 I’d say my *current* favorite subgenre would be historical horror. I love seeing horror throughout and how fear was manifested at different points in time. Cosmic horror would a close second. Fear of the unknown is what gets under my skin!
Which other horror authors influenced you the most and why?
I’m really into the early Romanticism/Gothic fiction period, of course writers like Poe, Robert Louis Stevenson who did Dr. Jekyl & Mr. Hyde, and even Ambrose Bierce. But also, Lovecraft and his cosmic horror were big influences as well. I think what caught my attention most in those types of stories was the isolation – inward reflection of the storytelling and a single narrative throughout. There’s something very dark and terrifying about the 19th century that lends a particular spookiness to storytelling.
Tell me about your writing/ editing process
Although I try to retain some structure to my writing and editing process, it is sometimes spontaneous. I keep a list of ideas I’ve accumulated, anything from story plots to character backstories, etc., choosing whichever idea grabs my attention. Then, I like to outline while I marinate on the idea, develop a few different story plots and choose from what I like best. Editing is always the toughest. You can edit your own work as many times as you’d like, but you’ll never get it to where it needs to be without getting another pair of eyes on it. I’ve learned that the hard way.
What inspires you to write horror?
I’m a big fan of history. If I’m not writing horror, I’m writing history… OR reading it. I always felt that history had the best stories to tell and there was never a shortage of inspiration found within history for any genre. There are so many stories in history that portray real horror outside the realm of fiction. The intent is not to glorify such events within history, but as a reminder that history is doomed to repeat itself in the most horrifying ways if we don’t keep up with our history.
What do you love about indie publishing?
What I’ve found most rewarding and have come to love about indie publishing of having full ownership of everything you do. The idea of being responsible for every aspect of your story – from editing/revising, to marketing, to publishing – can seem a bit daunting at times. But that amount of control is something you won’t ever come across elsewhere. If you’re willing to put in the effort of being part of every aspect of your book coming to life, then why not self-publish. I say that knowing full well that it is not an easy task.
Which is your favorite horror movie or book? Which movie or book impressed and inspired you the most?
I watch a lot of movies…. after much consideration, I’m going to have to give it to Apostle. It’s a period piece on Netflix with a touch of everything, starring Dan Stevens, Michael Sheen, and Lucy Boynton. Fantastic performances all around, would strongly recommend! Book-wise, I always had a soft spot for Ambrose Bierce’s “An Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge” short story. It seemed very ahead of its time in terms of narrative twists.
Is there any music that helps you to write?
I actually don’t listen to music while writing. I used to listen to instrumental music, but I wanted to try my writing from a place that was completely void of influence. Until I know what kind of emotion I wish to put forth, I avoid music. But if I do, it’s mostly instrumental.
Do you have any special projects you want readers to know about?
My story with Unveiling Nightmares, “Past Lives,” is going to be released in February of next year. I also have an audio story coming out soon on Audible based on my short “Blood Vengeance” which was released with Savage Realms Magazine back in 2022. I’ve recently started a podcast with some of our fellow writers at UN called “Dread-Libs” where we trying to ad-lib a horror story within in an hour based on submitted suggestions from listeners. You can find it on YouTube and you can find all my other information on my website http://www.zachellenberger.weebly.com.
Where can readers find you on social media?
You can find me on Tiktok/Twitter at @zak4prez911. I’m on Instagram at @words_of_the_bergermeister and search me on Facebook as Zach Ellenberger.
Thank you Zack Ellenberger for sharing this with us today. I look forward to learning more about your successes in the future.
Blessings, Spiderwitch
https://unveiling-nightmares.com/
