Q&A with Carrie
When did you first realize that you wanted to be a writer?
I wish I could say that there was some dramatic moment, but in truth, I was always writing. My grandmother was a published poet and a novelist (as well as my first editor). She encouraged me to keep a daily diary. I started at the tender age of five and that early discipline served me well. I believe that writing something, every day, is how you become a writer.
Why horror? What attracted you to this genre?
Why not horror? I always felt that it was the most generous genre in terms of plot and character. A horror novel can include romance, mystery, history, crime, drama, comedy, science fiction and fantasy. While I do enjoy other types of fiction, I find myself returning, again and again, to horror. I guess, in the end, I write what I love to read.
What elements must be present in all horror novels?
Actually, the question should be, what elements must be present in all 'good' horror novels... I believe that it's characters that you respond to in an emotional way, love or hate them. Indifference will sink any story.
What scares you in real life?
Death. Everything else you can live through, however horrible it may seem--divorce, unemployment, or poverty. I have no interest in near death experiences such as parachute jumping, hang-gliding or walking alone after dark--life is just too fragile. I'm also not too fond of roller coasters.
Who are some of your favorite writers?
Stephen King made an early impact with 'Carrie,' which was the the bane of my childhood. I can't tell you how many of my peers thought it was funny to suggest that I should run for prom queen, so that they could splatter pigs' blood on me. Anne Rice was another early influence. Tabitha King, Dean Koontz, Stephanie Meyer and Laurell K. Hamilton are other authors that I'd pick up when they publish a new book. As a Kindle owner, I am also always looking for new authors to read.
Carrie's books are available on Amazon.
I wish I could say that there was some dramatic moment, but in truth, I was always writing. My grandmother was a published poet and a novelist (as well as my first editor). She encouraged me to keep a daily diary. I started at the tender age of five and that early discipline served me well. I believe that writing something, every day, is how you become a writer.
Why horror? What attracted you to this genre?
Why not horror? I always felt that it was the most generous genre in terms of plot and character. A horror novel can include romance, mystery, history, crime, drama, comedy, science fiction and fantasy. While I do enjoy other types of fiction, I find myself returning, again and again, to horror. I guess, in the end, I write what I love to read.
What elements must be present in all horror novels?
Actually, the question should be, what elements must be present in all 'good' horror novels... I believe that it's characters that you respond to in an emotional way, love or hate them. Indifference will sink any story.
What scares you in real life?
Death. Everything else you can live through, however horrible it may seem--divorce, unemployment, or poverty. I have no interest in near death experiences such as parachute jumping, hang-gliding or walking alone after dark--life is just too fragile. I'm also not too fond of roller coasters.
Who are some of your favorite writers?
Stephen King made an early impact with 'Carrie,' which was the the bane of my childhood. I can't tell you how many of my peers thought it was funny to suggest that I should run for prom queen, so that they could splatter pigs' blood on me. Anne Rice was another early influence. Tabitha King, Dean Koontz, Stephanie Meyer and Laurell K. Hamilton are other authors that I'd pick up when they publish a new book. As a Kindle owner, I am also always looking for new authors to read.
Carrie's books are available on Amazon.
