You’ve written a horror short story called ‘Frying Tonight’ which is set during the American Civil War. Could you please tell us a bit about it?
I love the research part of the writing process; so when the calls for submissions came for this project, I spent a long period just researching and reading on line accounts of that period. The idea just crept up on me; without giving too much it really addresses the limits humans would go to stay alive and how this could become sort of acceptable and natural, kind of like something we would today think was barbaric was very every day….sort of Scarlett O’Hara meets Hannibal …saying no more ha ha
Where did you get your ideas from for ‘Frying Tonight’? Did you need to do a lot of research? How difficult was it to write in another time period?
As previously mentioned, I had already made sure I had a clear grasp of the events of that period, common mistake many writers make is just not doing their research especially with regard to language, this was the deep south, so I am very looking in that I have many supportive American friends who checked over the vernacular for me.
You have a keen interest in politics and justice for the people. Do you think that this filters into your writing?
Very much so, although my short stories unfortunately have to be a lot snappier with less character growth, I would like to think my longer novels (when completed) not so much address or change the world (I am a realist), but my characters are real enough to show the reader how life can be for those experiencing injustice.
You have been published three times, one of which is in an anthology called Anxiety Disorders: True Stories of Survival. Can you please tell us a bit about this?
Any form of mental illness is still pretty much not spoken about; this anthology was fantastic because it gave me the opportunity to address a period in my life many years ago, write about it and hopefully inspire others to realise they are not alone and many people from all walks of life either experience anxiety, depression etc, but its not the end of the world….
How long have you been writing?
My mum always said I was born with a book, pad and pencil in my hand. I have been writing since I could pick up a pen really, moved around a lot as a child overseas, so writing became like the best friend I never had chance to make!
What inspires you?
Living inspires me, what I see around me every day, basic every day things from a horror perspective can be turned into a short story, I just don’t have enough hours in the day!
What is your writing space like?
As I am currently in my last year at university, I have took over the whole house with my books, writing takes a back seat at the moment, but the ideas folder on my laptop is full….and I still try to write a little bit every day, think that’s really important.
Who are your favourite authors and why?
I was an early reader, so had gone through the whole gambit of children’s novels by age 9, so started on my mums bookcase, The Shining (King) and Rosemary’s Baby (Levin) were hidden from her, but really yes, my lifelong love of King started at that age. I just love his characterisations, bit like Marmite you either love him or hate him. Dickens, again the characterisation but also the social commentary, the use of words, just brilliant. And of course, David Moody, not just a great writer, but a friend and I hope one day to be able to write as well as he does.
What is it that draws you to the horror genre? Have you been interested in horror since childhood?
As above….and I had a pretty bohemian childhood so we spent lots of time in the great outdoors, nature is pretty horrific and as children me and my brother were pretty fascinated with dead things both in the sea and on land!
How do you celebrate Halloween?
Of course, it’s a massive deal in my house. I live in a 200 year old refurbished church, so externally the atmosphere is already there, but always decorate and dress up and throw a party! Most years I’m not a zombie, generally a witch.