What don't you like to see in a horror book?
Torture rape. Degradation of a child. I believe these are some of the boundaries NO writer should cross.
Do you think horror has changed a lot in the last 20 years?
Definitely! Over the years, horror movies and stories have de-sensitized a lot of people, so Hollywood and writers have had to up the ante to get the same chills and screams as before. Then again, there are some classics like The Exorcist that continue to terrify today. It's the only movie I've never been able to watch all the way through in one sitting.
What's the scariest book you've ever read?
Off Season by Jack Ketcham tore me up the first time I read it. And Salem's Lot, when King's book originally premiered back in the 70s, gave me nightmares. More recently? Hmm...that still remains to be seen.
To be honest, I get more goosebumps watching The Ghost Hunters on the Sci-Fi Channel!
Do you get scared while writing your own horror fiction?
No. However, I will admit that I tend to have "dreams" whenever I'm deep into writing a book. Nightmares? Sure! Write 'em down!
What's your favorite fictional horror fiend? Why?
I don't have one, can you believe it? Neither the classics, like Frankenstein or Dracula, or the more Holly-weirdish types like Freddy or Jason, made me a fan. But there are certain series that I adore. Like the Alien movies. The 28 Days Later series. The SAW series. Anything by Romero with the Dead series.
What do you plan to do this Halloween?
I teach Kindergarten, and I always dress up. Of course, I don't go for the really scary stuff. Not for my wee ones. But if I dress up goofy, it's a fun day for all. Then, as I have in the past, I'll sit inside my house on Halloween night, watch what's on cable, and let my youngest son dole out the candy. He's seven foot two, and just appearing at the front door makes the trick-or-treaters scream!
Article comments