Tag Archives: publishing

May 26, 2026 · 1:29 pm

Dos and Don’ts of Getting Published Part Two )O(

My Mom’s pot of nasturtiums!

Merry meet all,

Today’s post is about more advice on getting your writing onto bookshelves in major retail stores across the country. Don’t we all wish it was so easy? I do. 

The road to success in publication is hard. It was never intended to be easy. There is no such thing as overnight success. If this is the path that you -and me, want, then plan to be working very hard at it. Very hard. Grab a coffee and settle in. It is daunting and may seem impossible, but millions of other more established writers had to start somewhere, right? Right. 

 

I just signed up for the Autocrit Novel90 Writing Challenge! A new horror novel idea is swimming like a (imagine scary fish) in your head. It won’t leave me alone. That is how I know that is what I should write. I have to write a novel in 90 days. I am up for thchallenge! This is one great way to get that novel written, by signing up for these challenges. The challenge forces you to write. I really want to write my new novel so this ensures it will be done! 

  • Do not use AI to help you write your novel or screenplay. Ever. Nope. Nil. Don’t do it. AI is a flashy siren song, sure, but these days, publishers, editors and literay agents can test your writing upon submission and automatically reject your submission/s. It won’t even get a chance, not even a tiny chance. If you want, you can even test your own writing for AI detection prior to submission. So you do still have to write it and edit it YOURSELF. 
  • Instead, do this. Once you have written your draft and taken some time from it, then looked at it with fresh eyes ( and that is all highly recommended, btw), enlist a trusted team of beta readers to help you where you may have overlooked theme, dialogue, plot or setting issues that need revision. I would never send out my writing without asking for a second or even third set of eyes on it. Beta read for them too. This is what I mean by building a support network of fellow writers. You can rally for each other when the going gets hard. And it will. But don’t give up!
  • Branding. Build a brand for yourself. First, decide which genre you love to write in. Look at which authors you love to read, which movies you most love to watch or your favorite podcasts. Do they all have something in common? Do you like westerns with a smidge of sci-fi? Do you prefer gritty grim dark? Or do police procedurals, mysteries or thrillers catch your eye? My brand is Conjuror of Gothic Horror. Publishers, editors and readers all know what to expect from me. I love gothic stories and I love to read them. I love the movies The Woman in Black, The Conjuring, Alien, the Grimm series, the Stranger Things series, Practical Magic and my favourite all time podcast is Lights Out Podcast. Now you get an idea of the genre I write in and enjoy. That’s an example of branding. 
  • Read what other authors have written. I have an unquenchable thirst for the written word. I devoured Necrotek by Jonathan Maberry, The Relic by Tim Lebbon, My Heart is a Chainsaw by Stephen Graham Jones, and countless other books. If you want to be a writer, read. Read in your chosen genre so you can see how other authors have done it, and read everything you can. Read anything you can get your mitts on. 
  • Find and read or subscribe to magazines for writers such as Writers Digest. Take the courses they offer. I’ve been reading Writers Digest magazine since I could stand. I love their magazines. I get a new issue every time it comes out. I also read Rue Morgue, magazines about the paranormal. I have about fifty magazines on the paranormal. I read, read, read. It has helped improve my writing a thousand times over. 
  • Take writing courses or join a mentorship. Participate in writing conferences or conventions. Just don’t expect to automatically score a lit agent on a novel at the convention asap. But those writing programs and conventions are a great way to meet people, meet professionals in the industry and learn so much more. Keep an open mind, leave your writing – and ego – at home and enjoy the experience. Do bring a blank journal if you wish and scribble in notes, names or maybe any inspirations you dream up. Some courses offer monthly payment options if money is tight. You can learn a lot from those opportunities. 
  • Be patient. Develop a thick skin for rejection letters and have patience. Nothing in publishing is instant. It takes time to be able to be good enough to have your writing published and it takes even longer from book contract to actual publication. Be grateful for what you do get and be nice to fellow authors and editors. Learn from the professionals. Rejections are inevitable. It just means that your writing was not right for that market. I get them too. I keep sending out my writing. Eventually with effort and luck, you can find the right markets for your stories too. 
  • This next tip ties in with what I was saying above. If you choose the paranormal- this is just an example, learn everything you can about it. I have learned all about the different famous hauntings in the world, read lots of magazines, and listened to a ton of podcasts on that subject. It is as deep as it is wide. 
  • The best tip I can give you is: Don’t Quit. You are not doing yourself a favor. If you quit, you will never know if you could have been your best self. You will be replaced by thousands of other writers who will be more than happy to take your place. This field suffers no fools. If you quit, you will never get that contract. So sit your butt in the chair and type. No one sees you writing, no one sees you editing except for Fido your cat, no one sees you rip that rejection letter to shreds. I know. It is hard work and there will be days when you will want to quit, but DON’T! The way ahead is hard and paved with very litte reward, especially at first when you get started. You need to be deeply dedicated to your craft. Like I said earlier, agents and publishers get tons of submissions all the time. Very few succeed in the ways we all dream about. But I can tell you if you quit, you will never know what you are capable of achieving. Look at me, a teacher once told my mother I would never be able to read. Flash forward to the future. Here I am, with a publishing contract, about to have my novella republished, written a thousand + blog posts, and had lots of short stories, poems and nonfiction published. It can be done! 
    • YOu just have to put in the effort. Believe in yourself! Perseverance is more important than talent! 

 

Blessed Be, Spiderwitch )O(

 

 

 

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May 23, 2026 · 1:29 pm

The dos and don’ts of getting published 101 )O(

Merry meet all,

Today’s post is about my advice in getting your writing published. I have a novella published and so I want to share my experience and knowledge with you. First I want to say that Wicked Shadow Press has published my 12th flash fiction story, The Uninvited, in their anthology, Exorcists of the Dead: Diabolique. I want to buy the two anthologies and I can’t wait to read the stories. I bet they will make my spine shiver and keep me awake at night. 

I improve my own writing by reading what others have written. I believe it will be easier for me to pen a possession story if I see what scares and horrors were dreamed up by my fellow writers. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I want to share personal experiences about publishing with you today, dear readers. Think of this as a – what you do and don’t do – to get published. During my career, I have had many wonderful experiences in working with editors and been shown amazing support from fellow writers, even when they were more successful than me. I wish the same for you, my dear readers. I have also had a few negative experiences too. But it has all been mostly good. That’s what counts. 

The tips for getting published 101:

  • Send your very very best writing. You get 1 opportunity to impress an editor, publisher or literary agent.  One. Even if you are under contract, the author is expected to do 99% of the editing work. They will guide you along the way, but never expect them to do all the work. That is unrealistic. Do your very best. Get help from a friendly fellow writer or find a trusted circle of beta readers. 
  • Do not go alone in your writing career. They always say, it takes a village. It’s true. Having a circle of supportive writers that you help and that equally help you is the best thing you can do for yourself.  I’m a member of the Horror Writers Association  and I love it. I love all the amazing support I receive. 
  • Learn how to proofread, edit and do revisions on your own. Brush up on your grammar and proofreading skills. Learn how to do a developmental revision on your own too. Writers who can competently perform their own edits are given more attention to and possibly contracts than those who are sloppy and never make any effort. Buy a grammar book or two and practice on yourself or someone else’s writing. 
  • Learning how to do your own developmental edit on your writing will save you thousands of dollars in the future. You have to learn what your writing and stories need. You have to be your best own harsh jduge, a merciless judge of your own writing. I said that you have only one chance to ever impress an editor. Make it count. Make it count by pushing yourself to be the best you can be and your writing by not submitting a manuscript before it’s ready. You will know when it’s ready. You have to be willing to make mistakes, learn from them and improve on your own. That’s when you are getting somewhere as a writer. 
  • If you won’t take it seriously, neither will they. They will champion you if you are willing to go above and beyond what you thought was your very best. They receive manuscripts from thousands of hopefuls. In order to stand out with an ORIGINAL story, (more on that soon), you have to professional and confident and know that you have put all the required hard work in. They will too. 
  • This is not meant to discourage you from writing. This is meant to push you to succeed. 
  • If you are ever lucky enough to snag a publishing contract – and I hope that come true for my readers, do not nag or harass the editors. You are not the only author out there. They have a million things to do and they are very busy people. If they love your story, they will be in touch. While you wait for your book to be produced, write another book, poem, story or play. Keep reading, keep improving your writing and keep trying. 
  • Write the first draft with abandon. That is the creative process. Writing the first draft -when you can dream and be messy. You are free to get it all out on paper. Publishing is a business. During the revisions and editing stage, you polish the manuscript. During the early revisions, you can still be messy and creative, even rewrite the drafts a few times, maybe fifity times. But when you are getting it ready for publication, you have to cast a cold eye on your story, novel or screenplay. That is when you write and edit for readers. When I wrote the first early drafts of The Cult of the Spider People, a lot was edited out of the book with the generous aid of Stephanie Ellis. By the time it was published, I no longer recognized my manuscript. Fifteen pages of the characters just standing there and talking was omitted and reworked. Edit, edit, and edit some more. 
  • There is a huge difference between when you falsely believe your mauscript is ready and when it actually is. Sending your ms out before it’s ready is what gets you rejection letters. Be open to getting rejection letters. I have twelve flash fiction stories published by Wicked Shadow Press. I know that not all of the stories were written as the best they could be. But my most recent one, Halloween Candy, I edited it to be the best flash fiction story I ever wrote. It was a completely changed story. You have to edit as best as you possiby can so your story even stands a chance during submissions. 
  • I subscribed to Autocrit.com. I love it. I found a new supportive community of writers and I participated in their horror and paranormal writing courses. I have learned so much and I will miss the teachers, especially Gareth. He is amazing. I have learned a lot from him. In the writing/ publishing world, be openminded and never stop learning. 
  • Know how to market your own book. Publishers these days expect authors to do a big chunk of the marketing themselves. Yup that’s right. It helps to identify your target readers before submitting a novel to get published. That can help you to know how to market the book. It might be a good idea to focus on that before and during submissions. 
  • Write the book that only you can write. Write without fear, write with abandon. Editors are not looking for the next mockup of Stephen King’s Pet Cemetery  or It. They are looking for your book. Be original. They have seen it all. Do something no one has even thought of before. It does not always have to be your first novel idea. It can be your 20th idea. If it won’t leave you alone in your head when you are out drinking, driving or dreaming, that is the one you explore. 
  • Create something born from your passions in life, what gets under your skin. What gets you out of bed in the morning? Do what rallies you, angers you or inspires you. Do it all. If you work nights at a morgue, have you ever seen something scary or unusual while working there? I would read that. Do you work the night shift in a cemetery? There’s potential for a creepy story. I heard a story about a local witch who pissed off every other witch in her coven by trying to wake the dead on Samhain Eve/ October 1st. See if you can pen a story from that. Necromancy is generally or should be forbidden. Don’t try it on your own, but it sure could make for a spine-tingling story. 
  • You can have a huge oak/ mahogany wood desk to write at, but I have been writing for years using a simple desk/ table and a computer (desktop monitor). I buy pens, notebooks, and other writing supplies. I love Staples. The point here is, you have to write. You write and write and write. You always have to improve on your self and your writing. You can own the most state of the art laptop or chromebook, but you still have to write. Go ahead and invest in an external hard drive, fountain pens if you wish, a thousand ebooks, a big coffee mug. But you still have to write. Always save your files and back them up regularly on that external hard drive. But you still have to write. 

I hope these tips will help and inspire you to pen your own stories. They are meant to encourage, not discourage. I can’t wait to see what you achieve. 

Bright Blessings, Spiderwitch

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June 3, 2025 · 10:14 am

Flesh Eating Turtles by Nora Peevy )O(

Merry meet all,

My friend’s book is published! I am so happy for her. I am so excited to tell you about her new book. Grab a coffee and let’s dive into the weird and wonderful world of flesh eating turtles!

Flesh Eating Turtles was published by Evil Cookie Publishing.  Here is the synopsis of the book: 

“The latest in lab research has wreaked havoc with the food chain and left box turtles as the apex predator. Follow Agne Labs as they fight to put things right, if they can. #splatterpunk #horror #writertok #writersofinstagram #writersoftiktok #authorsoftiktok #authorofinstagram #authorsofbooktok #turtle Nora B. Peevy’s novel has just the right amount of blood and laughter to keep a reader interested. Available today on Barnes and Noble, Amazon, Google Books, Kobo, Apple Read Apps, and Smashwords. Pick up your copy today and let me know what you think!” (Nora Peevy). 

Here is the link to her fabulous book! https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0F99PNZLJ?fbclid=IwY2xjawKql01leHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFNUHZXVXNwUDRNZ3ZyaFoyAR6VD24c2EI6p8-LpNt2eO6pN–O94YdSYywNOLXItT9zFpxV9IooQqXA44TmQ_aem_0de-suuimcrs5SYEBq2FqQ

Nora is my best friend and a amazing author and editor. She does both with passion and enthusiasm. I am proud of her. I am sure we all can’t wait to see more of her future endeavours. 

Blessings Spiderwitch 

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January 31, 2025 · 11:09 am

What I learned about publishing my novel )O(

 

Greetings darklings:

Today’s post is going to be about what I learned about the writing/ publishing world in the last year. I have learned a great deal and I am happy I get to share that with you, dear readers. I know a lot more now than I did before. Writing is creation. Publishing is a business. 

First off, you need a manuscript, a typed or handwritten copy of a novel, novella or short story. Nothing gets published without that. That means that you have to persevere and actually write something. You have to write a lot and make mistakes and learn and be brave enough to spill your soul, blood, heart and tears onto the page. Do not edit it until you write the whole thing. Once you have, then you can take some space from it. That could be a night, weeks, months. Then you go back to it and cast as cold an eye on it as you can. You have to have some distance from your story because now you have to edit it and here is the real test. But if you do complete a whole novel or novella, congrats. You have achieved something where most other people would have quit. 

Now, once you have achieved objectivity to your story, you have to be cruel to it. In other words, you have to edit and make changes and gnash your teeth and now make it marketable. And the only way you do that is to edit it until it gleams and you have checked not just your spelling and grammar but that there are no repeat scenes, no two characters sounding the same or doing something that would not make sense. Your plot is tight, your pacing is brisk and you have checked and rechecked the dialogue of your characters. I recommend looking at your characters hard and making sure that you captured their ‘voice’. They can’t all sound the same and they have to talk the way that they would if this story were true. I took every single character’s lines of dialogue and put it all in different documents. Then I read each line of their dialogue for the characters in my novel The Cult of the Spider People. By the time I was done with editing their dialogue, no two characters talked the same and truly sounded unique. It was a lot more effort but it was worth it. 

Also, check the tone of your novel and make sure it is consistent. Sometimes a novel or a few scenes need a complete rewrite. These days, editors, agents, publishers and readers have seen and read everything. You have to be truly unique and persevere in this field. Publishing is a business. Remember that. But the more unique you are, the better. Write the story that not only you could write but that you would want to read. Polish, polish, polish your writing. Make sure your character’s eyes don’t change colour for no reason at a later scene in the story. Their actions must make sense. 

It does not matter if you write romance or horror or westerns, editing has to be done. By the time my manuscript for The Cult of the Spider People was published, there was not much editing the editor needed to do. I had done all the hard work already. We just made a few changes. Editing and revising is a lot of work but it is a necessary evil. 

So let’s say your novel/ novella or short story is accepted for publication. There is traditional publishing and there is indie publishing. Personally I recommend that you try for trad publishing. It opens a lot more doors for you. Congrats! You have gotten this far and still have a long way to go.

This is what I learned the hard way:

Indie publishers tell you they will get your book into bookstores but only if the bookstore managers go through Ingram to acquire the books. It is in my contract that my books would be in bookstores worldwide. However, that never happened. Bookstores are reluctant to take in books that are self-published. If you still want to go that route, you have to do it through consignment which is a whole other ball game, so to speak. Make sure that you have a legit publishing contract and that you have a thorough understanding of the terms in the contract. Yes you can get a lawyer to read through the contract with you if this is your first or second contract. 

Indie publishing means self-publishing. I was fortunate that the publisher never expected a payment from me. But do not be too difficult for a publisher to deal with. The publishing world is small and everyone knows each other. Be professional. You do not want to earn a bad reputation of being too aggressive or hard to deal with. Everyone is dedicated to books being made, and no one will want to deal with that. That goes for whether you are indie publishing your book or trad, be nice to everyone. The editor lives in North Carolina. That state was affected by a huge natural disaster when my book was ready to go print. The publisher stepped up to the ‘helm’. Be understanding that these things happen. It is beyond anyone’s control. 

I was lucky. The person in charge of creating the cover art of my book truly had the gift. Wow. She did a beautiful job for my book cover. I am very grateful. That leads to my next point. Be grateful for the contract you get. It is a mixture of perseverance and good luck that you get a contract, so be happy with it. It’s not just talent or who you know in the publishing world. If you follow what I am sharing here, it may just happen. 

Publishing a book and everything included with it takes time. Be patient. It will happen and you just have to wait. While you are waiting, and it looks like they forgot you but they didn’t, write something else. Work on your blog, practice your writing, and try to improve it always. I still take workshops and read and read. I read a lot. 

Be open to the changes. The editor Stephanie Ellis who helped me shape my book The Cult of the Spider People completely rewrote my book. The manuscript will be changed anyway so be open to it. Don’t refuse any changes. They are trying to improve your book to make it better and that can only happen if you are not a stick in the mud. Be more like putty or clay, something they can mold. They want your story to shine and make sales and that can only happen if you leave the diva attitude at home- in your drawer. Improve your writing all the time!

Go ahead and host a book launch in your own hometown. Promote and market your book like mad. Use ads or Amazon ads and anything you can think of to make sure the world knows that your book exists. Remember, the publishing team is still at your side to help you champion your book. 

If you get one book out, write your second one, and your third or your tenth book. Keep writing, keep improving yourself. Write what you would want to read. Be original. Keep trying. Mention the people who were helpful to you in your acknowledgements. Yes you can mention a concern to an editor. They are there to help you. You can take two months to three months to six months to write a book. Editors and publishers will wait. They will wait for a great book. There is no room for mediocre here. Be the best you can be. 

 

Blessings, Spiderwitch 

 

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October 26, 2024 · 3:49 pm

The Cult of the Spider People- Horrors Unleashed! )O(

Greetings darklings:

Hello and welcome to a very special blog post today. I have hugely good news to share!

I am so happy! My book is released on Amazon now. I shall include the link for readers to buy the book in either Kindle or paperback format. It’s now available worldwide. I am over the moon happy. I hope it gets a lot of good reviews on Amazon! Here are all the details!

Unveiling Nightmares
Happy Release Day! This is Heddy’s debut and also Bone Chillers Book #1. So exciting!
The Cult of the Spider People by Heddy Johannesen
✨Book Overview:
Seventeen-year-old Piper and her boyfriend Cory are held captive by horrifying spider cryptids in the savage dimension of Arachnall.
The Spider King tries to seduce her into ruling with him as his queen and makes Cory a soulless slave.
Piper must make an impossible choice: help the beleaguered Spider Queen dethrone the Spider King and escape or turn into one of the bloodthirsty monsters
Since this book has proven to be a success, I shall have to write the sequel. I want to include a review from my good friend Nora Peevy. She wrote a glowing review of The Cult of the Spider People on Hellnotes:
Book Review: THE CULT OF THE SPIDER PEOPLE

The Cult of the Spider People: Bone Chillers #1
Heddy Johannesen
Bone Chillers (October 25, 2024)
‘Reviewed by Nora B. Peevy

“Heddy Johannesen’s first standalone title is a creepy web of worldbuilding sending shivers down young adults’ spines. Piper’s mother is dead, and her father is hiding a secret, but she doesn’t know what it is. One day Piper and her boyfriend, Cory, go through the black door in the basement she is forbidden to go through. They find themselves in an odd world where H.R. Giger, Stephen King, or The Human Centipede would feel right at home.

What would you do to save the people you love and what part of you identifies you as human? These are two of the biggest philosophical questions Johannesen tackles in this teen horror book with grace and suspense. I can imagine discovering her book right next to  Christopher Pike’s when I read YA novels. I am captivated and waiting for the sequel to come out. Johannesen has left enough unanswered questions to warrant a sequel, and I look forward to losing myself in her next book.”

I love her review. She totally captured the essence of my book. The publication of my novel opens doors to new and amazing opportunities. I can’t wait to find out what the future holds for me. Like more reviews, maybe my book will earn awards. I want to make bookmarks to go with the books for readers. I want to hold a launch but I have to figure out how I pay for that. I get a discount but I may be able to work it out. I will figure it out. I can’t wait to get to sign books. I hope readers enjoy my book which is the whole point of publishing a book. 

My Mom and I spent the evening last night talking about the success of my book. We sipped cider, baked chocolate Halloween cupcakes and had a good time. I still hope to celebrate a book launch at Bookmark. I love that bookstore. They are really good people there. I have to give a copy to the Writers Federation of Nova Scotia and get copies into the local libaries here. 

Onwards and upwards! I am happier than I have been in a long time. Now for the sequel… 

Blessings, Spiderwitch 

 

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August 4, 2024 · 11:27 am

Interview with horror author Desiree Horton

Merry meet all,

Welcome everyone! Today we’re joined by Desiree Horton, an aspiring horror author. 

Why horror? Do you have a favorite subgenre in horror?

 I have loved horror since I was small. It began as something my mom and I would do together; watch a crappy horror movie and eat bread and dip. I began to read Goosebumps then made the jump to Poe and Stephen King, and have been a diehard horror nut ever since. I love all kinds of horror, and though slasher is my least favorite I still enjoy quite a bit of it. I love paranormal, supernatural, and creature horror. Anything to do with folklore is an instant yes from me!

Which other horror authors influenced you the most and why?

-Aside from the big ones like King, McCammon, and Poe, I’ve learned a lot from reading Grady Hendrix and Alma Katsu, and also Hugh Howey. 

Now I read mostly indie authors and they are the biggest inspiration. I love the community they’ve built and enjoy being a part of it. 

Tell me about your writing/ editing process

-I write something, and then I read back through and edit myself. Then I send it over to my aunt who does some light editing and gives me feedback. Then I edit again and depending on how large the manuscript is, I send it out or get some other readers for more feedback and editing. 

What inspires you to write horror?

-Anything in life can be terrifying, there is inspiration everywhere. I am an anxious person so there is a lot to choose from! I adore finding answers to mysteries and love the unknown, and I get to explore all of that writing horror. 

What do you love about indie publishing? 

-The community. Everyone is working toward the same goal and overall it’s very supportive. There are a few grumps in the mix but overall it’s been a pleasant experience. 

Which is your favorite horror movie or book? Which movie or book impressed and inspired you the most?

-My all-time favorite horror movie is Aliens and The Thing. My first favorite horror book that I reread every year is The Stand, but I have new favorite books every month. It’s hard for me to pick just one!

Is there any music that helps you to write?

-All music helps me write! I like to mix it up depending on the scene but my tastes are broad so nothing is off limits. 

Do you have any special projects you want readers to know about?

-I am currently working on a collection of space horror stories, and another novel that should be finished around September if all goes well. Hopefully, I get to share more about those soon. 

Where can readers find you on social media?

– on TikTok and Instagram @horrortonwritesabook and on Facebook by my name, Desiree Horton 

Blessed be, Spiderwitch )O(

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July 29, 2024 · 8:44 pm

Interview with horror author Shaun Avery )O(

Merry meet all,

Welcome everyone. Today we’re chatting with Shaun Avery as he shares his passion for horror with us. 

Why horror?  Do you have a favourite subgenre in horror?

 

Why horror?  Because it’s my favourite genre, of course!  Also because it’s the most versatile – you can tell a great horror story in 100 words and you can tell an equally great horror story in 1000 pages.  Plus it’s the most malleable for mashing up genres – there’s sci-fi horror, fantasy horror, noir horror, just to name a few.  My own favourite subgenre has to be body horror – blame seeing Hellraiser at an early impressionable age.

Which other horror authors influenced you the most and why?

 

The one that blew me away the most was definitely the late, great Richard Laymon – before him, the only horror I’d encountered was small town-set, Stephen King-inspired sort of stuff, and I was completely unprepared for the savage, unrepentant splatterpunk of that much-missed master.  To this day, the best book I’ve ever read is one of his, Island.  I’d encourage anyone with a strong stomach and a sick sense of humour to go check it out.  Also Bentley Little, Ed Gorman, Jack Ketchum, Brian Keene, Edward Lee, Bryan Smith – all the extreme guys for always pushing it to the limits (and often beyond).

Plus, in comics, Garth Ennis.  I’m such a massive fanboy of his.

Tell me about your writing/editing process.

 The first draft is always just the bare bones of the story – he went here and this happened, she went there and thathappened, that sort of thing.  This allows me to find the feel of the story, to get an idea of what it’s trying to say.  Then the next draft is smoothing it up, fleshing it out.  Next comes the really fun part, where you get to add all the extras, embellish the themes, make it sing . . .

That description makes it sound a whole lot simpler than it sometimes actually is!

What inspires you to write horror?

 It’s kind of the same as why I said I like it – it’s so versatile.  You can deal with any and all issues with horror and that’s why I keep going back to it both as a reader and writer – tales of terror can tell us so much about our lives and ourselves.

What do you love about indie publishing?

 The friends I’ve made and the lessons I’ve learned that have helped me become a better writer.  Mainly the former, though – there are so many cool people I would never have encountered had I not picked up a pen (another part of the editing process – when I’m writing prose, I do everything in handwriting first and then type it up) and hit a ‘send’ button sometime later.  That still kind of blows my mind sometimes.

Which is your favourite horror movie or book?  Which movie or book impressed and inspired you the most?

Damn, I already spoilered my answer for the book above!  As for movies, within the horror genre it’d have to be The Evil Dead and American Psycho, that latter one officially the most quotable film ever.  My all-time favourite movies, though, are the Zack Snyder DC Comics trilogy, especially Batman VS Superman.  I went to the midnight screening for that one.  That was a fun time!

Is there any music that helps you to write?

 I have such an eclectic taste in music, my YouTube algorithm must sometimes think I am several different people.  It’s usually punk or metal when I’m writing, though, Green Day and The Offspring for the former, Metallica and Megadeth for the latter (amongst many, many others!)  The heavier stuff tends to go best with the often gross-out things I write.

Do you have any special projects you want readers to know about?

 Comics are the medium I love most, both as a writer and a reader, so this self-published, co-created work will always have a special place in my heart: http://www.comicsy.co.uk/dbroughton/store/products/spectre-show/

Where can readers find you on social media?

On Facebook, under shaun.avery.50 – I’m something of a luddite, so Facebook is as far down the social media rabbit hole as I wish to go.

 

Brian Smith who I interviewed on this blog recently has cause to celebrate. His short story collection is released into the wild today. Read more about it here:

Strange Discovery and Other Strange Discoveries

It’s been six years since Brian J. Smith, the author of such novels as Bad Allergies, Dark Avenues and Dead River, has gathered a fright fest of stories to whet any horror fan’s appetite for the weird, dark tales with his first short story collection “Dark Avenues”.
Now, he returns with a brand new collection featuring seventeen dark tales.
A private eye searching for a missing teen discovers a strange town ritual…
A weary traveler discovers that the darkness harbors more than just shadows…
Two brothers discover that disturbing a demonic ritual has consequences…
When something crashes outside of a local radio station, a DJ discovers that it is just more than a meteor shower…
These stories are more are just waiting to be unraveled and read with the lights on.
As we said the last time you read a Brian J. Smith collection, don’t say we didn’t warn you.
“Phenomenal storytelling that will make you wish each story would go on and on. Brian is one to look out for.”
-Shannon Bradner, Curb Stomp
“From nostalgic, slasher-type tales and urban legends to a glimpse into an afterlife at the Infinity Drive-in, Brian J. Smith serves up horrific, bite-sized helpings of terrifying sex, drugs, and rock & roll. Brian’s love of the horror genre comes through with every word”. -Kerry E.B. Black, author of CarNex: Storm

You can catch Brian Smith in an interview here at this link: https://www.youtube.com/live/k5-DrodEvN4?si=KiJ-grJInv9C20iP

Blessings, Spiderwitch )O(

 #horror #horrorfiction #horrormovies #author #supernatural #paranormal 

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July 21, 2024 · 4:34 pm

Interview with horror author Zack Ellenberger

 

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/

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July 18, 2024 · 10:59 pm

Interview with horror author Destiny Eve Piper )O(

Merry meet all,

Welcome everyone to another awesome interview with a horror author! Today Destiny Eve Pifer  joins us to chat on horror fiction. 

Why horror? Do you have a favorite subgenre in horror?

 

I grew up watching horror movies and some classic horror anthology series like Tales From the Crypt, Friday the 13th the Series, The Hitchhiker, Tales from the Darkside, Kolchak: The Night Stalker and Freddy’s Nightmares. I fell in love with horror and fell even more in love with books like R.L. Stine’s Fear Street. So growing up exposed to horror sparked a great passion in me. My favorite subgenre in horror is Occult/Supernatural

Which other horror authors influenced you the most and why?

 

Aside from R.L. Stine I was inspired by authors such Christopher Pike, Ruby Jean Jensen, Michael McDowell, Caroline Cooney, Lois Duncan and John Saul.

Tell me about your writing/ editing process 

I write first and then go back and reread my work and then start the editing process. If I stop to edit then I lose my train of thought and so it’s best just to get the words out first. At least that is how I do it.

What inspires you to write horror?

I am able to lose myself in a whole other world and since I grew up inspired by horror I find myself drawn to writing about things that would not only scare me but scare my readers.

What do you love about indie publishing?

Well I like that they actually gave my book a chance and will be publishing it on August 15. I also like that they are a tight-knit community and I have had the privilege of meeting so many talented writers. I have learned so much from them and so much about the publishing process.

Which is your favorite horror movie or book? Which movie or book impressed and inspired you the most?

My favorite horror movie is the 1984 Fright Night with Chris Sarandon. It was perfectly done and the cast was outstanding. I loved the story and Chris Sarandon who I had the pleasure of meeting in person made a fantastic vampire. I have two favorite horror books and they are “The Exorcists House” and “ My Best Friend’s Exorcism.”

Is there any music that helps you to write?

I am a total music addict so I listen to a variety of music. If I am working on a hardcore horror story I am inspired by Alice Cooper, Ghost, Dorothy, Bring Me the Horizon, Crown the Empire, Spiritbox and of course Stevie Nicks.

Do you have any special projects you want readers to know about?

Yes my debut horror novel “The House that Echoed Madness” is being released on August 15, 2024

 

Where can readers find you on social media?

 

http://www.facebook.com/destinyevepifer39

https://unveiling-nightmares.com/

#horror #authors #nightmares

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July 15, 2024 · 11:57 am

Interview with horror author Jerry Blaze )O(

 

Merry meet all,

Welcome everyone to another awesome interview with a horror author! Today Jerry Blaze joins us to chat on horror fiction.

 

Why horror? Do you have a favorite subgenre in horror?

I write horror because life isn’t always sunshine and happiness, it’s full of chills, thrills and darkness. I think at our basic setup, humans need to be scared and disappearing into a story that scares them can provide that type of emotion rather than going out and doing something potentially dangerous.

My favorite sub genre is Splatterpunk. I love the extreme aspect, the focus on the nitty-gritty and the lack of creating psychological fears that can be mistaken or not have the same bite as having your insides ripped out through a knife wound (hahaha).

Which other horror authors influenced you the most and why?

 

Richard Laymon is my ultimate influence; the way his stories are fast-paced and direct with action, graphic death and intense sexual imagery spoke to me as a reader and writer. After Laymon, I found myself pursuing the works of Matt Shaw, Judith Sonnet, DE McCluskey and Eric LaRocca; their works were intriguing and different and not like the more classy works of Stephen King or Edgar Allan Poe. I was never big into Lovecraft, but I can’t subtract him from the list because his works inspired a lot of the horror that we see today.

Tell me about your writing/ editing process

 

That might actually be the easiest question to answer. I set a timer for around thirty to forty minutes and I write a chapter until the timer hits zero, then I stop for a quick smoke and a sip of coffee, returning right away. I typically aim for ten chapters each time.

My editing process is barely existent. I go through with auto-correct on the document after I finish it, I then send it to my beta readers and they usually point out what I missed, then I slap a cover on it and put it out for the world. I never rewrite or do drafts, I used to write erotica and the need for consistent work was always hovering over me, so I got in the habit of writing like a pulp writer from back in the day. Write, do a once over, publish and repeat; its been my process for the last 16 years.

What inspires you to write horror?

Horror is a free field where anything can happen, you can throw in as much as you want and still find something new to put in. Readers love horror, especially splatterpunk, they are the kind of people I really identify with. Horror is fun, its the kind of genre where you never know what’s next and when it happens, it can either shock, upset, arouse or annoy you. Nowhere else have I found those emotions coming up in any other genre.

I write horror novelettes and novellas because I think too many authors out there don’t respect the short fiction market. Everyone wants to write long novels and break into the long-fiction market, but I personally cap at 15K (or on good days, 17K). When I started writing horror, I wanted to bring back the popularity of the novelette, especially in Splatterpunk, I think I’m doing a pretty good job of it.

What do you love about indie publishing?

 

I love how far it has come in the last twenty years. I appreciate the fact that anyone can acknowledge their dream of being an author. I love that people flock to indie authors who are not being carried by traditional publishers and who push their works out via their own pocket, or by some chance, have a small press backing them up. I love that the books are allowed to be raw, real and not held back by standards enforced by high-rise office editors. Indie publishing is where I see all books coming from in the near future.

Which is your favorite horror movie or book? Which movie or book impressed and inspired you the most?

 

My favorite horror film will always be the original Texas Chainsaw Massacre film from 1973. My favorite horror books are Beware! by Laymon, Night Shift by Stephen King, the Goosebumps books by RL Stine, and Sardines (in the Dark) by Judith Sonnet.

The films that inspire me would be the Friday the 13th Franchise. I grew up in the woods of the Midwest and always feared a killer stalking me when I was out and about around dusk or nighttime. The eerie feeling of being stalked or watched is something that really provokes me, I like to add the feeling to most of my work, along with the feeling of helplessness when the killing starts up.

Is there any music that helps you to write?

 

I generally don’t listen to music when I write because I’ll find myself unable to focus or I’ll accidentally write in a lyric from a song to the story and then have to delete the sentence. I don’t go back and delete a word, I delete the sentence and rewrite it with a better word. So music, videos, or audio is a no-no for me.

Do you have any special projects you want readers to know about?

 

I am always writing! I’m a well-spring of ideas turned into trash! I have books coming out every month until well into next year. I really want to release 2 books a month, but I’m settling on 1 for now (unless another is being published by a small press). I have a few collaborations I’m working on that will prove extremely fun for the communities. At the moment, I’m personally working on a novella about a woman named “Crystal-Meth” who is hunting pedos in the woods, so that’ll be fun to finish.

I am also doing a side-project of writing non-horror erotic guides for people who may be suffering from a miserable love life.

Where can readers find you on social media?

My website, jblazehorror.com, Facebook, TikTok, Instagram, X (Twitter), Gmail, just look for JBlazeHorror and you’ll usually find me.

Happy reading!

Indeed!!!! Blessings, Spiderwitch )O(

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