Tag: amwriting

Care for the Body and Mind: Self-Care Tips for Introverted Writers by Stephanie Haywood

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In an extroverted world, introverts are often drawn to quiet, solitary careers, such as writing. As an introvert who is happy spending plenty of time alone, especially one who works remotely as a writer, it can be easy to neglect self-care. Plus, introverts tend to struggle with overthinking, perfectionism, and a reluctance to seek help, all of which can lead to overwork, burnout, and chronic stress. In this article, we’ll discuss how you can strike a harmonious balance between nurturing your body and mind and harnessing your unique creative strengths as a writer!

Pursue Fulfilling Career Goals

Setting career goals is a great way to give your mental health a boost. According to Positive Psychology, goal-setting can help you align your focus and promote a sense of self-mastery. If you’d like to take your writing career further, think about how you can use your skills in other

positions. For example, you could work in education as a creative writing teacher. Keep in mind that this might mean going back to school and getting a bachelors od education. Online universities can be a great option for introverts! Look for accredited online schools that offer bachelor’s education degrees at competitive tuition rates.

When it comes to hunting for your next job, be prepared to step out of your comfort zone. You’ll interact with several people during your job search. Writing a cover letter is a great way to break the ice and increase your chances of landing an interview. To write an engaging cover letter, be sure to research the company you’re applying to and mention any connections you have.

Avoid Unhealthy Coping Behaviors

Due to their contemplative nature, introverts are prone to stress. Introverts also tend to face more anticipatory anxiety, which means your stress response is constantly firing. While alcohol can offer temporary relief from stress and anxiety, this coping behavior can have long-term negative effects and even increase your anxiety levels over time. If you’re struggling to cut back on drinking, consider finding treatment help nearby. Choose a rehab center that offers the type of treatment you need. If cost is an issue, look for facilities that offer free treatment services through government health programs.

Embrace Self-Compassion

Introverts are highly self-reflective. While this introspection can fuel your creativity, it can also lead to you to become overly self-critical. Introverts frequently set exceptionally high standards for themselves and can be relentless in their pursuit of perfection. This self-imposed pressure can result in feelings of inadequacy and anxiety. Embracing self-compassion is crucial! Psychology Today suggests looking for reasons to be proud of your introversion. Leaning into your strengths, such as your creativity, listening skills, and outside-the-box thinking can help you be more forgiving of your perceived flaws.

Set Boundaries

Setting boundaries is of utmost importance if you’re an introvert, as this allows you to safeguard your alone time and recharge when needed. Without clear boundaries, you may find yourself overextending, both in your social life and your professional life as a writer. This can lead to burnout and a decline in the quality of your work. Establish limits with friends, family members, and even your freelance clients to preserve your energy and communicate your needs to others. This process can also be incredibly empowering and provide a boost to your confidence!

Introverted or extroverted, self-care should be at the top of everyone’s priority list. Introverts, in particular, need regular self-care to manage the overwhelm of existing in a world that values extroversion. By pursuing your career goals through online education, seeking help for negative coping behaviors like drinking, and learning how to forgive yourself and advocate for your needs, you can nurture your creativity as a writer while forging a path to greater well-being.

Guest blog post by Stephanie Haywood, read her previous guest blog post HERE and HERE or visit her website: MY LIFE BOOST.

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Poetry: Safe Harbor

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Will I ever have that moment

Where I’ll become

Someone’s safe harbor

I wish to be the port

Someone unloads the secrets

You reveal at 3a.m.

Over cigarettes and coffee

Will I ever have that moment

Where I’ll become

Someone’s safe harbor

Where the sight of my port

Will bring the greatest relief

After weathering storms

Will I ever have that moment

Before my time runs out?

Photo by Leigh Patrick on Pexels.com

Did you enjoy this poem? You can find this poem and many others in Bleed Like Me: Poems for the Broken

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6 Smart Self-Promotion Strategies for Writers by Stephanie Haywood

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If you’re an aspiring writer, and you’re working on building up your portfolio, you might be wondering how to make a name for yourself and succeed in your literary pursuits. You can find helpful guidance from The Inkblotters! Plus, here’s how to create a brand-new resume for your job hunt, design a portfolio website to host your work, and network with other writers.

Polish Your Resume

If you’re looking for jobs that involve writing, you’ll want to take some time to update your resume first. Whether you’re looking for an editorial role at a magazine or you’d like to land a job in content marketing, you’ll need to illustrate all of your relevant skills and experience on your resume.

Going with a PDF filler can help you conveniently write up a brand new resume with a clean format. Plus, if you use a PDF filler, you can edit the document afterwards if you happen to make any mistakes. You’ll just have to upload the file online, make any necessary changes, and then download it to share it on applications.

Create a Portfolio Website

Maybe you’ve had a few short stories, poems, or articles published, and you want to establish a central platform where you can share links to all of your work. Or perhaps you’d like to publish your own blog to flex your writing muscles. Every writer needs a website so that their audience can easily read their work! You can purchase a domain name, use a free design template, and add features like an author bio, a portfolio page, and a contact form.

Maintain a Submission Schedule

It can be tough to write consistently, submit your work regularly, and keep your chin up when facing rejection. But when you’re early in your career, it’s especially important to handle rejections with grace – don’t let it stop you from submitting your work to publications! Try to keep up with a daily writing schedule, and maintain a spreadsheet tracking your submissions.

Leverage Social Media

Social media can be a very powerful tool for writers. To get the word out about your work on social media, BookBub recommends focusing on building connections with other authors, agents, and readers first – focus on sharing pieces by others, responding to your followers, and dishing out compliments to writers you like!

Network With Other Writers

It’s also a good idea to check out local writing events and organizations so that you can meet other authors! You can learn a lot from befriending writers, especially if they’ve successfully published in your favorite genre. To make friends in your niche, Writing Blossoms recommends enrolling as a member in a professional writer’s association that hosts events and workshops in your area.

Read at Local Events

Reading your own work out loud for an audience can be nerve-wracking – but with practice, you’ll feel more confident standing in front of a crowd! Look for local open mics near you, and sign up to read at one each week. Make sure to brush up on the guidelines for performers in advance, and practice your reading in advance. For example, if you’re allowed to read for five minutes, go over your material at home to ensure that you’re not going over the time limit.

It’s easy to assume that writing is a solo activity – but as a writer, you’ll benefit greatly from a strong community who can support you in your endeavors. You don’t have to try to make it on your own! By fixing up your resume, sticking to a consistent writing and submission schedule, and making an effort to connect with other writers, you’ll go far in your career.

Photo via Pexels

The Inkblotters shares everything that blogger Azzurra Nox has learned about skincare, cosmetics, and healthy living. Connect with Azzurra today!

Guest blog post by Stephanie Haywood, read her previous guest blog post HERE.

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Poetry: Goodbye, 1999

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Photo by cottonbro studio on Pexels.com

Twenty years, and we’re still waiting

For the moment we were promised

Big changes were in the air

But our good intentions were a route to hell

January was grey as I listened to my favorite song

And some days I still long

For those teenage mornings on the quad

Smoking Camels with the cheer squad

Goodbye, 1999

The planes are falling from the sky

We were ready for a party

Glitter dress and tinsel toes

The cops fucked up and took us home.

And from the backseat I sang,

“Goodbye, 1999….tonight’s gonna be

my final night….tonight’s gonna be….”

Fire and smoke, it was on the news

Didn’t you see those towers burn?

There’s no spark or fuse

Only lessons to be learned.

But I don’t know how to move on

I keep looking backwards – whiplash

It was the summer of hate and the autumn of dawn

Show me again how you monster mash

Goodbye, 1999

The planes are falling from the sky

We were ready for a party

Glitter dress and tinsel toes

The cops fucked up and took us home.

And from the backseat I sang,

“Goodbye, 1999….tonight’s gonna be

my final night, tonight’s gonna be…..”

We’re a generation stuck in the past

Not knowing that our youth isn’t gonna last

They robbed our dreams and killed our souls

And we forgot to rock and roll

Mary had a little lamb,

But now she doesn’t give a damn

Dead and bloody – the lamb is gone

And we’ve forgotten the holy song

Goodbye, 1999

The planes are falling from the sky

We were ready for a party

Glitter dress and tinsel toes

The cops fucked up and took us home.

And from the backseat I sang,

“Goodbye, 1999….tonight’s gonna be

my final night, tonight’s gonna be…..”

I met a boy with a sad smile

I asked him to stay with me for awhile

But his feelings are shook – misunderstood

One day he walked into his Science lab

And fired a gun – a girl fell, holding a hall tab

Nothing’s been the same since Columbine

Little hearts carved on the table, SG forever mine.

We didn’t need a Nixon, we had a Bush

We had endless wars and thousands dead

We’ve spent our youth in Swedish beds

And sleepless nights in H&M

Just so we could push and push

And I’m singing, “Goodbye, 1999.”

The planes are falling from the sky

I was promised a party

Glitter dress and tinsel toes

But the cops fucked up and took me home.

And from the backseat I’m still singing,

“Goodbye 1999….tonight’s gonna be

my final night, tonight’s gonna be the night….

The night I die.”

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Women in Horror Interviews Part VI

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For the month of March, in order to celebrate Women in Horror, I’ll be highlighting interviews with some of the authors that appear in Hush, Don’t Wake the Monster – Stories Inspired by Stephen King Women in Horror Anthology.

Marnie Azzarelli author of “Carrie’s First Day”

Which Stephen King novel/short story inspired your short story?

Salem’s Lot! I’m just kidding, it’s a retelling of Carrie.

Who’s your favorite modern female author?

I think they’re both extremely underrated, but I love reading anything Marisha Pesl or Helen Oyeyemi have to offer.

Which song would be the soundtrack to your story?

“you should see me in a crown” Billie Eilish.

What are some of your current writing projects?

While I’ve been on a bit of a hiatus the last couple of years, I’m planning on publishing more original writing on both my website’s blog at marnieazzarelli.net, and on a new, yet to be named Tumblr blog (more info will be available on my socials). Plus I have plans in the works of releasing my own short story collection sometime in 2023!

Who’s your favorite final girl and why?

While I’ll always have a soft spot for Laurie Strode, I have to say that Nancy Thompson is really one of the ultimate final girls. She’s smart, resourceful, and kind of kicks Freddie’s ass no matter what movie she encounters him in. I would not want to take Nancy in a fight because while she doesn’t have brute strength, she could definitely figure out a way to get rid of me with a quippy one-liner.

Lauri Christopher author of “Fair Erasures”

Which Stephen King novel/short story inspired your short story?

In Stephen King’s short story FAIR EXTENSIONS a dying man makes a deal with a roadside devil to extend his life. All he has to do in exchange is curse his best friend to a life of misery. In my story FAIR ERASURES, Lacey Milton struggles with an unwanted pregnancy and her best friend’s betrayal, but Mr. LeVid offers her a way to erase the situation. And it won’t be messy at all.

Who’s your favorite modern female author?

Seanan McGuire, writing as Mira Grant, changed the zombie landscape in her FEED trilogy. She unapologetically writes gritty, strong female characters.

Which song would be the soundtrack to your story?

Lacey might have been listening to Ani DiFranco’s Amendment after she settled up with Mr. LeVid and drove off into the rest of her life. Much like this anthology, Ani takes the “point of view of women” in her lyrics.

What are some of your current writing projects?

I am working on a middle grade novel about a boy who has to spend the summer with his fraud of a ghost-hunting Dad. But when he discovers he can see ghosts, he’s the only one who can help a young friend escape a dangerous haunting.

Who’s your favorite final girl and why?

Since the appropriate-for-the-80s age of 8 ½, Laurie Strode has been my girl. I watched through the space between my fingers as she unfolded a wire hanger and owned her power to survive. Plus, when you share a name with someone battling a masked killer, the story takes on an added edge of life or death.

Read Marnie Azzarelli & Lauri Christopher’s stories in Hush, Don’t Wake the Monster along with other amazing authors!

Purchase book here!

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Women in Horror Interviews Part V

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For the month of March, in order to celebrate Women in Horror, I’ll be highlighting interviews with some of the authors that appear in Hush, Don’t Wake the Monster – Stories Inspired by Stephen King Women in Horror Anthology.

Christabel Simpson author of “The Kiss in the Outhouse”

Which Stephen King novel/short story inspired your short story?

The Kiss in the Outhouse was inspired by a Stephen King short story called Weeds, which I decided to read after seeing an adaptation in the movie Creepshow. King’s story was first published way back in 1976 in a magazine called Cavalier, and is a tongue in cheek horror about a farmer who starts to change into a plant when he touches a meteorite that has landed in one of his fields. My own plot is totally different, but as with Weeds, it involves a man who is part plant, as I found this idea intriguing. Like King’s character, my plant person is marginalized by his condition, but rather than being driven to kill himself as happens in Weeds, he has learnt to live with what he is. Other ideas I borrowed from King were the use of a close-knit community and characters with secretive layers. The story Weeds is thought to be a homage to H.P.Lovecraft’s The Color Out of Space, so in a way, writing a Weeds homage felt like the passing of a baton.

Who’s your favorite modern female author?

There some truly excellent female writers out there right now, but for me, the one who really stands out is Tamsyn Muir. I read the first two books in her Locked Tomb trilogy a couple of years ago and they blew me away. There’s just so much to like about them – they’re a mix of science fiction and horror, which are two of my favorite genres, the queer representation is great and they’re full of laugh out loud moments. It’s more than that, though. Muir has a writing style which is totally unique. It can be disorientating at times, but you can’t stop reading. Her world-building is excellent and she offers an intriguing perspective on things. I’ve been putting off reading the last book in the trilogy, because I don’t want the saga to end, but I’m sure I’m going to love it. Other writers I’m really into are Arkady Martine (I’m reading one of her books at the moment and enjoying it immensely), Nicky Drayden and Natalie Zina Walschots.

Which song would be the soundtrack to your story?

I have three contenders for this and haven’t been able to choose between them, so I’ll mention them all. The first is Birds of Paradise by Chromatics. I got into Chromatics when I heard their song Whispers in the Hall in the movie Birds of Paradise (a fave of mine) and think their music really fits the tone of my story. I focused on Birds of Paradise (which isn’t used in the aforementioned movie, by the way, despite having the same name) because it seems to share some of the same themes and has a fragile feeling to it which foreshadows what happens between the lovers in my story. Also, I think the haunting, repetitive melody would complement my words rather than overpowering them. Song number two is IloMilo by Billie Eilish. If stories had end credits, then I could definitely imagine this song playing over mine, as the theme of being separated from a lover ties in well with my ending. It has a super catchy melody, which is obviously important for a soundtrack song, but there’s something ominous about the bass line which fits the mood of my story perfectly. The final song is White Noise by PVRIS. This one’s louder and more intense than my other choices, but still feels like a good fit. My lead character ends up like a ghost of her former self, which ties in very well with the theme of the song, and the shifts in tempo kind of mirror her emotional journey. It’s a great song, full of raw emotion and sends shivers down my spine every time I hear it. I also considered Kate Bush, Joan Jett, Florence and the Machine, In This Moment, Bjork and a bunch of others for this question, but as I’m supposed to be picking one song, not planning an entire album, I’ll leave it at that.

What are some of your current writing projects?

Right now, I’m working on a horror story about a woman who has a ghostly encounter when she and her girlfriend go to view an apartment in a building that used to be an asylum. I think I’ve got some nice moments in it and I’m hoping it will resonate with people as I’ve incorporated some experiences from my own life. I’m aiming for short and punchy, so should be done with it pretty soon. After that, I’m thinking of writing a story to submit to the Lesbian Historic Motif Podcast about two Vestal Virgins who have an illicit relationship in ancient Rome. I’ve tried to get my work into the podcast before without success, but it’s something I’d really like to do, so I’m not giving up. I have quite a few ideas for poems as well, so I’ll definitely be getting to those.

Who’s your favorite final girl and why?

After giving it some thought, I’m going to go with Ripley from the Alien movies, who you wouldn’t necessarily think of as a final girl, but who totally meets to criteria. I think it’s great that she’s surrounded by the toughest of the tough soldier types and she’s the one who survives. What makes it even better is it’s totally believable. A lot of modern writers seem to go over the top with their strong females, like they’re overcompensating for the millions of times we’ve been cast in the shitty role of damsel in distress, but you never feel like that with Ripley. She doesn’t beat her enemies because she has superhuman strength or agility; she’s just clever, resourceful and absolutely won’t give up, which is way more inspiring. If you believe in a character, then you can believe that if you’d had the same training and life experiences and you were in the same position, maybe you could come out on top as well.

Kay Hanifen author of “The Hunting Lodge”

Which Stephen King novel/short story inspired your short story?

The strongest influence on the short story was my favorite of King’s: The Shining. I loved the mood he created with the isolation and the feeling of a never-ending snowstorm. To a lesser extent, I also took some inspiration from Dolores Claiborne because I have a fondness for stories about women murdering their abusive husbands.

Who’s your favorite modern female author?

That’s a tough one because there are so many great female authors out there! I really enjoy the work of Hailey Piper and Kiersten White. If you want to stretch the definition of modern a bit, then Shirley Jackson is one of my all-time favorites. The Haunting of Hill House is absolutely brilliant and a huge inspiration for my writing.

Which song would be the soundtrack to your story?

I didn’t listen to this song when writing my story, but “I Walk Alone” by Tarja Turunen fits the mood pretty well.

What are some of your current writing projects?

I’ve been working on sending out a lot of short stories and have a novel or two in the very early stages, so I don’t want to jinx it. I hope to publish a novel sometime in the next five years.

Who’s your favorite final girl and why?

That’s like making me choose my favorite child. It’s so difficult. But if you put a machete to my throat, I have to go with Deena from the Fear Street Trilogy. She’s smart, tough, funny, and will stop at nothing to protect her brother and save the girl she loves. The trilogy is full of fun characters and clever plot twists, and it was directed by a woman, so if you haven’t checked it out yet, I highly recommend it!

Read Christabel Simpson & Kay Hanifen’s stories in Hush, Don’t Wake the Monster along with other amazing authors!

Purchase book here!

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Women in Horror Interviews Part IV

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For the month of March, in order to celebrate Women in Horror, I’ll be highlighting interviews with some of the authors that appear in Hush, Don’t Wake the Monster – Stories Inspired by Stephen King Women in Horror Anthology.

Trisha Ridinger McKee author of “Finding Toni”

Which Stephen King novel/short story inspired your short story?

Pet Sematary

Who’s your favorite modern female author?

There are so many, and it depends on what I’m in the mood to read. I love Eden Royce, Elin Hilderbrand, Kristin Hannah, and so many more. I love giving new authors a chance as well.

Which song would be the soundtrack to your story?

I Would Die 4 U by Prince

What are some of your current writing projects?

I will have three novellas coming out in time for Valentine’s. I’m hoping to get my thriller book out sometime this year.

Who’s your favorite final girl and why?

Nancy from Nightmare on Elm Street. That was the horror series I grew up with, and I love her strength and persistence.

Amy Grech author of “Dead Eye”

Which Stephen King novel/short story inspired your short story?

“Apt Pupil” inspired my story, “Dead Eye”, in which a young boy discovers the perils of hunting fair game firsthand.

Who’s your favorite modern female author?

Samantha Kolesnik — she’s award-winning author of genre fiction, including True Crime and Waif. True Crime examines nature vs. nurture in the origin of a serial killer.

Which song would be the soundtrack to your story?

“Billy’s Got a Gun” by Def Leppard.

What are some of your current writing projects?

I’m seeking a publisher for my NYC Crime novellas, Alphabet City/Vicious Pink.

Alisha Galvan author of “As for the Fallen Seed”

Which Stephen King novel/short story inspired your short story?

The Stephen King novel that inspired my story was Misery, how Annie started as a young child and grew into the crazed woman she became. I always love a good creepy kid story, but I wanted to take it a bit further; Annie wasn’t just some obsessed fan of Paul Sheldon, her morbid fascination runs in her bloodline.

Who’s your favorite modern female author?

Picking just one female author is impossible, but a few of my favorites are Gillian Flynn, Alice Feeney, and Karin Slaughter. I love twisty dark thrillers as much as horror.

Which song would be the soundtrack to your story?

The song that I listened to often while writing this story was Little Talks by Of Monsters and Men.

What are some of your current writing projects?

Currently, I am in the final stages of publishing a short horror story collection entitled A Path Through the Forest, my goal is to have it available to readers by January 2023. I am also querying agents with an emotional thriller novel titled Autumn. My current work in progress, Bitter Crown of Thistle, is a dark thriller.

Read Trisha Ridinger McKee, Amy Grech & Alisha Galvan’s stories in Hush, Don’t Wake the Monster along with other amazing authors!

Purchase book here!

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Book Review: The Shoemaker’s Magician by Cynthia Pelayo

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Just because I brought great gifts to humanity does not mean my presence is benign.

PLOT SUMMARY:

A fabled lost movie. An increasing body count. How much do you risk for art?


Paloma has been watching the Grand Vespertilio Show her entire life. Grand, America’s most beloved horror host showcases classic, low-budget and cult horror movies with a flourish, wearing his black tuxedo and hat, but Paloma has noticed something strange about Grand, stranger than his dark make-up and Gothic television set.


After Paloma’s husband, a homicide detective, discovers an obscure movie poster pinned on a mutilated corpse on stage at the Chicago Theater, she knows that the only person that can help solve this mystery is Grand. When another body appears at an abandoned historic movie palace the deaths prove to be connected to a silent film, lost to the ages, but somehow at the center of countless tragedies in Chicago.


The closer Paloma gets to Grand she discovers that his reach is far greater than her first love, horror movies, and even this film. And she soon becomes trapped between protecting a silent movie that’s contributed to so much death in her city and the life of her young son.

GRADE: A+

REVIEW:

I pre-ordered the novel months ago and perhaps out of the sheer will of manifestation (or is it magick) it somehow appeared in my Kindle library two weeks before the actual release date. Obviously, I was overjoyed.

Where do I even begin? I read Pelayo’s first book Children of Chicago and absolutely loved it (and will forever feel lucky that she sent me a promo book box for it and you should absolutely read the interview she did for the blog here). This book, like the previous one, is standalone, however, it does reference some characters from the previous book (and I’m a sucker for writers keeping their stories in the same “world” so to speak). I’m a lover of fairytales, fables, horror show hosts (Elvira was the reason why I got into horror movies at the tender age of two), cursed films, occult, Greek myths, and murders. This is to say, that this book had SO MUCH that I love – and I was so happy that it delivered tenfold.

First of all, I loved the protagonist Paloma – a woman who not only overcame a terribly abusive childhood but that was a loving mother to her son Bela (hands down the coolest kid in a horror book, ever) and a badass horror influencer. I’m a huge fan of old horror movies and silent movies in general, so obviously I was geeking out at all the movies mentioned that I’ve seen a million times. I loved how she and Bela would chill out at Logan’s Theatre and watch horror movies as though it were a second home cause it reminds me of my own local theatre that a friend of mine owns, where going there 2-3 times a week is like visiting family – cause for those of yes who love movies, you’ll understand the potency and magick of the moving picture.

Pelayo is a very talented writer, however, I do want to acknowledge that this second novel showed so much growth as a storyteller – with the richness of the details, research, and basically soul of the book. Yes, the book is about trying to track down a serial killer, but it’s also so much more. It’s about the importance of art, love, and magick, and how all those things are intermingled.

I don’t want to share too much about the plot because I think you need to slowly discover this tale, that’s filled with mystery, darkness, history, and monsters. It’s incredibly gripping, each page dripping with the emotion of someone who has not only suffered but that also loves in tremendous amounts. In fact, if there’s a lesson to take from this extended fable is that anything you do out of love will always be worth it.

If you’re a fan of horror, cinema, Chicago history, and detective stories, then this is for you.

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Women in Horror Interviews Part III

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For the month of March, in order to celebrate Women in Horror, I’ll be highlighting interviews with some of the authors that appear in Hush, Don’t Wake the Monster – Stories Inspired by Stephen King Women in Horror Anthology.

Cheryl Zaidan author of “The Girl with the Peculiar Smile”

Which Stephen King novel/short story inspired your short story?

My story wasn’t based on a specific work by Stephen King but rather I played with some of the concepts he uses – including supernatural elements and traumatic family dynamics. King also writes great child protagonists, so I wanted to make my main character a smart, wise-beyond-her-years girl who is also still very much a child – much like Trisha McFarland in The Girl Who Loved Tom Gordon.

Who’s your favorite modern female author?

Gwendolyn Kiste has been a favorite for a while now. And Her Smile Will Untether the Universe is an amazing collection of her short stories. Beautifully written and quite creepy.

Which song would be the soundtrack to your story?

I was thinking I didn’t have one and oddly enough Strange Little Girl by The Stranglers popped up on my shuffle. It fits (and it’s also a great song.)

Who’s your favorite final girl and why?

It sounds like a cliché but I adore Nancy from the original Nightmare on Elm Street. She comes across as a nice, sweet girl but when things get tough, she’s ready to fight. When Nancy says, “I’m into survival”, you know she means it.

Sealey Andrews author of “Emily Mine”

Which Stephen King novel/short story inspired your short story?

My story was inspired by Stephen King’sCujo.The influencing elements were a slow-burning domestic tension and an exploration of the dichotomy between feelings of resentment toward motherhood versus the inherent need to protect one’s child from danger. And, of course, there is a crazed animal with an agenda of his own.

Who’s your favorite modern female author?

One of my favorite modern female authors is Louise Erdrich. Her novel Future Home of the Living Godis particularly outstanding.

Kristi Petersen Schoonover author of “Let The Rain Settle It”

Which Stephen King novel/short story inspired your short story?

My favorite short story of King’s is “Rainy Season,” which has always been an unpopular choice—it’s been accused of being too similar to Jackson’s “The Lottery” and in general, its reviews aren’t positive. But it’s been said the experience of a story is different for each reader, because it depends on what that person brings to the table. I didn’t read it until it was reprinted in his 1993 Nightmares & Dreamscapes collection. As a starry-eyed twenty-two year old who was, at the time, blissfully unaware she was engaged in a toxic relationship, I connected most with the subtle clues King presents about the broken young couple heading toward not just physical demise, but an eventual emotional disaster if they did survive. While John and Elise aren’t the focus of King’s narrative—the spotlight, as always, shines on unsettling Mainers—they’re clearly in a place where the ordinary drudge of life and its reactionary transgressions have squelched the blush of love and romance. The blinders are off, they see each other for who they really are, and it’s not pretty. This is something we face in our every day lives, and so, if we look deeper, it’s an important commentary on the real world. “Rainy Season” isn’t just another folk horror tale or creature feature. It’s a warning that the killer toads of life are always at your romantic door, and sometimes, it’s just better to let them in.

Who’s your favorite modern female author?

The contemporary female writer I love the most as far as the short form goes is Gina Ochsner. Her collections The People I Wanted to Be and The Necessary Grace to Fall are fantastic in both emotional timbre and light infusion of the supernatural, and I read them over and over. Her work is definitely worth examining.

Which song would be the soundtrack to your story?

“Barren Ground” by Bruce Hornsby & the Range.

What are some of your current writing projects?

I have a LOT of irons in the fire. My new collection, Songs for a Dying World, is slated for 2024, and a new novel, Tidings—provided I get it finished—is slated for 2025. But I write a lot of stuff in between for specific calls, or stories that just show up. My non-writing time is all spent on 34 Orchard. I’m also currently editing Wicked Sick for the New England Horror Writers.

Who’s your favorite final girl and why?

I’m not exactly sure that she’d be considered a “final girl,” but my favorite female in a horror film has always been Rachel Keller from The Ring. She’s got pluck, confidence, drive and ambition; she’s passionate and crackerjack in her career; she’s a single mom to a precocious child. But she’s also vulnerable in many ways: she’s an emotionally damaged person, although we don’t know quite why; her life is disorganized and chaotic—probably fallout from trauma; she has all the hallmarks of a trauma survivor—and she does her best even though she often fails. She’s also, clearly, still hurt by and in love with her son’s father—who has moved on—but is headstrong enough to go to him for help. It’s her vulnerability that makes her stronger—because she knows how to put that vulnerability aside and do what she has to do when it matters. It fuels her ultimate success, and that’s the true definition of a strong female heroine.

Read Cheryl Zaidan, Sealey Andrews & Kristi Petersen Schoonover’s stories in Hush, Don’t Wake the Monster along with other amazing authors!

Purchase book here!

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Women in Horror Interviews Part II

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For the month of March, in order to celebrate Women in Horror, I’ll be highlighting interviews with some of the authors that appear in Hush, Don’t Wake the Monster – Stories Inspired by Stephen King Women in Horror Anthology.

Rachel Bolton author of “Sharp Teeth”

Which Stephen King novel/short story inspired your short story?

Carrie inspired “Sharp Teeth.” I always had sympathy for Carrie, more than Stephen King did. In On Writing he considers her a girl version of Harris and Klebold, which I disagree with. Part of me wanted her to win. For this anthology, I didn’t want to write an exact reinterpretation. I took certain themes from the book and played around with them under different circumstances. The biggest difference is that Ann wanted her powers.

Who’s your favorite modern female author?

My two favorite modern female authors are Carmen Maria Machado and Gretchen Felker-Martin. They both write very differently from each other, but their work is beautiful, frightening, and deeply political. All things great horror should be. All things I want to achieve as a writer. 

Which song would be the soundtrack to your story?

I can’t think of a specific one, but any 50’s pop song would be fitting. Especially if it’s by a girl group. 

What are some of your current writing projects?

Oh boy, I have a lot going on. I’m trying to finish a novella, I have numerous short stories in progress, and there is a full length comic script that desperately needs a full second rewrite. I hope to have a short story collection out in the next few years. I also write a Kennedy themed substack called Trapped in Camelot. 

Who’s your favorite final girl and why?

Ellen Ripley! She’s tough, vulnerable, and always handles herself whenever she’s surrounded by idiots. “Get away from her, you bitch!” Best line ever. 

Jane Nightshade author of “The Sorting”

Which Stephen King novel/short story inspired your short story?

My story The Sorting was loosely inspired by the Loser’s Club from Stephen King’s IT. The Loser’s Club of a gang of misfit kids ring true to the way I grew up in an era where neighborhood kids hung out together and rode all over town without having to tell their parents where they were going. A different time.

Who’s your favorite modern female author?

I don’t know if they qualify as “modern” but the horror stories of Shirley Jackson and Daphne DuMaurier are big favorites.

Which song would be the soundtrack to your story?

Since my short story takes place on Halloween, I’d say it would be a great Halloween song like “Little Ghost” from Paranorman.

What are some of your current writing projects?

Working on a full-length novel that’s an origin story for one of my more successful short tales, Rockin’ Around the Murder Tree. Continuing to write at least one or two short stories a month as well. Also, getting ready for the publication of my collection of short stories, “A Scream Full of Ghosts,” coming out sometime next year from Dark Ink.

Who’s your favorite final girl and why?

My favorite final girl is Olivia Hussey in the original “Black Christmas.” She’s a very good actress.

Read Rachel Bolton & Jane Nightshade’s stories in Hush, Don’t Wake the Monster along with other amazing authors!

Purchase book here!

DID YOU ENJOY WHAT YOU JUST READ? IF YES, THEN SUBSCRIBE TO THE BLOG, GIVE THE POST A LIKE, OR LEAVE A COMMENT! NEW POSTS ARE UP EVERY TUESDAY & THURSDAY!