Horror World Interview with the Fans
By Steven E. Wedel

Well, between grading papers and the holiday, I forgot my interview for Horror World. Now, I could have stood on a street corner and done it, but the bums and religious zealots had all those claimed, so I went to virtual street corners, Horror World and Facebook. Here’s how it went.

Horror World: What was the best horror story you read in 2009?

Becky  said, “I didn't get a lot of new horror read this year, however I re-read GERALD’S GAME by Stephen King, and it's still one of my favorites.

 Jessica, a 17 year old from Oklahoma City, also chose King as her favorite this year. She said, “For this year, I am actually in the process of reading UNDER THE DOME. I'm about halfway through it. It's really suspenseful and I can't wait to see how it ends.”

Ethan also chose an older book. “Although the book is a few years old, MURCHESTON: TALES OF THE WEREWOLF was my favorite horror story. Not real scary but great plot, characters and detail.”

Keith chose SNARL by Lorne Dixon.

Tony “without a doubt it was Tim Curran’s DEAD SEA.”

Adam Hughs chose IN SILENT GRAVES by Gary Braunbeck

Thad said “either Tim Curran's SKIN MEDICINE or Gary Braunbeck's FAR DARK FIELDS.

Horrordude liked CHILDREN OF CHAOS by Greg F. Gifune

Horror World: What was the best horror movie of 2009?

Allin, said, “MY BLOODY VALENTINE in 3D. It was a horrible movie for many reasons and they didn’t play into the 3D near enough, but it was nice to see the studios using the3D technology on a horror movie instead of the typical family fare.”

Always concise, Keith said, “Toss up between DEADGIRL and MARTYRS.”

Becky chose a low-budget mega-hit. “It's been a long time since I saw a movie that actually scared me. I almost hate to admit it, but I enjoyed PARANORMAL ACTIVITY.” She wasn’t alone in that choice. Jessica said, “The best horror movie by far has to be PARANORMAL ACTIVITY. At first I didn’t believe all the hype. Then I saw it with a few of my friends, and I was afraid to sleep in my room with the lights off for two weeks.”

For Ethan, there was no movie scarier than the U.S. economy. “I don't even think I had the opportunity to make it to a horror movie this year,” he said. “Being unemployed blows monkey chunks.” Indeed!

Tony tells us, “I haven’t seen many new ones, but I loved 2012. Great special effects”

For Adam, “I honestly can say i am not a big fan or "horror movies”  I think that when it comes to horror that movies miss the mark 99% of the time… horror and fear are a lot about perception and watching something on a screen can never live up to what is going on in your mind when reading a good novel.”

Thad writes “I don't watch a lot of horror movies, unless you want to count the awful Syfy Original Movies, which I absolutely love in their cheesiness. I still want to watch Mega Shark Vs. Giant Octopus with Lorenzo Lamas and Debbie Gibson. With a cast like that, a horrible movie can't be far behind.”

Horrordude didn’t watch enough movies this year to even form an opinion.  “Too many books to read,” he said

Horror World: What makes a good horror story for you? Is it gore, atmosphere, characters, or something else?

I have to confess that Jessica is one of my Advanced Placement students, and a very mature 17 year old. So I wasn’t surprised by her sophisticated, not-your-typical-teen answer. “The atmosphere definitely gets me the most interested in a horror story,” she said. “If the author can’t make me feel like I’m there experiencing what the characters are going through, I lose interest.The atmosphere definitely gets me the most interested in a horror story. If the author can’t make me feel like I’m there experiencing what the characters are going through, I lose interest.The atmosphere definitely gets me the most interested in a horror story. If the author can’t make me feel like I’m there experiencing what the characters are going through, I lose interest.The atmosphere definitely gets me the most interested in a horror story. If the author can’t make me feel like I’m there experiencing what the characters are going through, I lose interest.The atmosphere definitely gets me the most interested in a horror story. If the author can’t make me feel like I’m there experiencing what the characters are going through, I lose interest.The atmosphere definitely gets me the most interested in a horror story. If the author can’t make me feel like I’m there experiencing what the characters are going through, I lose interest.The atmosphere definitely gets me the most interested in a horror story. If the author can’t make me feel like I’m there experiencing what the characters are going through, I lose interest.The atmosphere definitely gets me the most interested in a horror story. If the author can’t make me feel like I’m there experiencing what the characters are going through, I lose interest.”

Allin felt about the same. “To me, horror for the sake of horror is not interesting. The same for gore. In most movies gore for gore just ends up looking silly and cheap. The best horror stories have more suspense then actual gore. In most stories, in book and movie form, it seems like too many authors are willing to dispose of proper character development just to have a higher kill ratio. They forget that is a lot of what makes the reader want to see a character die or not.”

Suspense also was the draw for Becky. She said, “I'm all about the suspense. Something that ties me to the story where I can’t put the book down because I have to know what is going to happen.”

Ethan said, “Atmosphere,” proving he can be even more concise than Keith, who said, “Characters, don't like 'em, don't care if they die.”

Tony said “Almost nothing beats good characterization and atmosphere. But I think the most important elements are: The Director, the editing, the cinematography, and of course the script. I remember how the horror movies in the early 50 – through the late 70’s scared me to death, and they did it all without being extremely graphic (with the exception of The Exorcist), being somewhat low tech, and having original ideas.”

For Adam, “It's the emotion that does it for me. If an author can convey emotions well then I think the story has a lot more punch. Sure all other aspects are important, but if I cannot feel [the characters then it seems kind of empty.”

Thad tells us,” I guess it has to be the right combination of things. Characterization can only take a story so far before you need something else. The same with gore or atmosphere. It's like obscenity--I can't define it, but I know it when I see it.”

Horrordude says, “Good writing, and the ability to hook me into reading the rest of the book.”

Horror World: What is your favorite monster, and why?

Keith had my favorite answer, saying, “Werewolves - Most fearsome and ferocious creature. Period!”

Of course, somebody had to pick the vampire. Becky said, “I've always been drawn to the vampire stories. There's something so tragic about having to live forever. However I have to add that vampires don't "sparkle."I've always been drawn to the vampire stories. There's something so tragic about having to live forever. However I have to add that vampires don't "sparkle."I've always been drawn to the vampire stories. There's something so tragic about having to live forever. However I have to add that vampires don't ‘sparkle.’” Well, at least there’s that.

Ethan also chose the dirt-sleepers. “Vampires, followed closely by werewolves & ghosts. I have always been a fan of Vlad Tepes as well as Stoker's "Dracula." The power, mystique, sexuality all contribute as well as my love of old castles.Vampires, followed closely by werewolves and ghosts. I have always been a fan of Vlad Tepes as well as Stoker's DRACULA. The power, mystique, sexuality all contribute, as well as my love of old castles.”

Jessica went back to Stephen King. “My favorite monster is definitely Cujo. His story scares me the most because it could actually happen. Being the scariest makes him my favorite.”

Allin said, “The things you cannot see. If you can see it you can see its reactions to different weapons and find a way to kill it, but things like bacteria and viruses have different effects on different people and well as being difficult at best to control and contain. Ghosts, to some of the same degree as well.”

Tony thinks, “Regan in The Exorcist. Having been brought up a catholic and seeing the devil personified in a young girl, who looked as gross and disgusting as we’ve always been taught what the devil (or an evil demon) would look like, left a deep physiological scar on me at the time. One that, truthfully, remains to this day.”

Adam didn’t have a specific monster in mind but the concept of “Any monster who can hide the fact that he/she/it is a monster in plain sight,” really unnerved him.

Thad also eschewed the currenlty popular vampire in favor of:   “The werewolf. Most people don't like them, and I tend to root for underdogs, no pun intended. I also think you can make a werewolf's human half any type of character you want, because they are still human most of the time, unlike vampires.”

While I thought Horrordude would chose a branding iron wielding maniac, he said, “Probably not even considered a monster in book or film, but Scarecrows.  Not only the freaky look of them,  but if  they’re written into a story the right way (See Gifune’s KINGDOM OF SHADOWS), they can really give you the shivers. Freaky bastards”

What?  No Clowns?  What’s wrong with you people?  Clowns are CREEPY!

Horror World: What is your least favorite kind of horror movie? Why?

Allin had some strong words about that. “Badly written ones. Bad production and acting can be ignored if the writing is done well enough, but not the other way around. Movies that try to changes the facts in well established traditional folklore do not create new twists or aspects. They simply contaminate the myth, which in turn makes the writing look like a discount store rip off of the real stories.”

Ethan chimed in with, “Crap like the Blair Witch Project because it had stupid characters, lazy camera work & no suspense. Give me something more like "The Descent" for atmosphere and suspenseCrap like the Blair Witch Project because it had stupid characters, lazy camera work & no suspense. Give me something more like "The Descent" for atmosphere and suspenseCrap like the BLAIR WITCH PROJECT because it had stupid characters, lazy camera work and no suspense. Give me something more like THE DESCENT for atmosphere and suspense.”

Keith added, “Vampire flicks with too much romanticism. Need more monsters!”

Becky agreed with Allin. She said, “Movies where they use gore to try to hide the fact there is no story. I have no problem with gore, in fact I really enjoy gore, but when it's buckets of blood but no story I have no desire to ever see it again.Movies where they use gore to try to hide the fact there is no story. I have no problem with gore, in fact I really enjoy gore, but when its buckets of blood but no story I have no desire to ever see it again.”

Surely the teenager, Hollywood’s favorite target, chose plotless flicks with nothing but nudity and gore … right? Jessica said, “My least favorite kind of horror movies is teenage slasher films (with the exception of HALLOWEEN). I prefer horror films that actually have a decent storyline. Also, these types of movies usually have horrible actors that nobody has ever heard of.My least favorite kind of horror movies is teenage slasher films (with the exception of Halloween). I prefer horror films that actually have a decent storyline. Also, these types of movies usually have horrible actors that nobody has ever heard of.”

Tony said, “Slasher flicks in general. For the most part they are repetitive, lack originality, and have characters that as interesting as cardboard.”

Adam agrees with excessive gore crowd.  “Movies that are pretty much gore for the sake of gore. I think once you use too much blood and guts that you become numb too it in the movie and then part of the thrill is gone.”

Thad states, “Slasher flicks.”

Finally, Horrordude chimes in with “Slasher flicks boring enough to put you to sleep. Because if they're not done right, they just bore the shit out of you.”

Are we seeing a trend here?  Hollywood, are you listening?

Horror World: What horror novel or movie are you looking forward to in 2010? Why?

Did Jessica contradict herself with this answer? “I’m looking forward to SAW VII. I love the SAW movies; they all have very interesting storylines. Usually sequels aren’t very good, but I think the SAW movies are great. The logic behind the games is scary, and the games are even scarier. The SAW movies definitely keep the adrenaline pumping until the credits roll.I’m looking forward to Saw VII. I love the Saw movies; they all have very interesting storylines. Usually sequels aren’t very good, but I think the Saw movies are great. The logic behind the games is scary, and the games are even scarier. The Saw movies definitely keep the adrenaline pumping until the credits roll.”

Keith said, “I think I'm looking forward to Valley of the Scarecrow by Gord RolloI think I'm looking forward to VALLEY OF THE SCARECROW by Gord Rollo.” Hmm. I have to admit, a scarecrow book from Gord does sound intriguing.

Ethan and Becky are both hoping Del Toro does good things with THE WOLFMAN remake. She said, “I'm afraid I'll hate it, but I'm really looking forward to the Wolfman remake.I'm afraid I'll hate it, but I'm really looking forward to THE WOLFMAN remake.” Ethan added, “Loved the original movie as a kid and the remake looks like it may have been properly made.Loved the original movie as a kid & the remake looks like it may have been properly made.”

Tony is really looking forward to “Gray Bruanbeck’s final novel in The Cedar Hill series of books. But I also hear that Robert McCammon is coming out with a new horror novel and if true, that would be the balls.”

Adam has quite a few on his list.  “By far Gary Braunbeck's new one; also Brian Keene has a few on the way and even though he never actually announces work or anything like that, I am hoping for another Bentley Little this year.”

Thad is awaiting “Gary Braunbeck's final Cedar Hill novel. Strange Magic by Gord Rollo. I'd also like to see Four Rode Out come out in 2010. I shouldn't have to explain why.”

Jan has this on his wishlist:  “Richard Laymon's THE WILDS - being a Leisure MMPB I can finally afford to read it.”

Horrordude can’t wait for “The Underneath by Tom Piccirilli. Because he’s one of the best writers working today.”

Horror World: If you could write your own novel or make a movie in 2010, what would it be about?

Ethan’s on it. He said, “I'm currently working on a horror/fantasy novel. Let's just say it's a hybrid of vampire and selkie mythology.”

Allin played coy. “You’ll have to wait and see if I get it done.”

Keith’s also got a project in the works, wanting to give Gord some competition. “THE SCREAMING FIELDSThe Screaming Fields cause there's not enough Scarecrow actionTHE SCREAMING cause there's not enough Scarecrow action.”

Becky said, “To me, there's nothing scarier than something that could actually happen. Movies about humans who have snapped always appeal to me.”

Jessica went after our red-nosed circus friends. “I would write a horror novel about clowns. I don’t care what people say; those things freak me out. I’d rather go for a moonlit walk with a werewolf than catch myself face-to-face with one of those things.I would write a horror novel about clowns. I don’t care what people say; those things freak me out. I’d rather go for a moonlit walk with a werewolf than catch myself face-to-face with one of those things.”

Tony would write a ghost story from the ghost’s point of view. It would involve her interactions between the living, and what my view of hell is. Think Carrie by way of Greg Gifune.

Adam hates to say it but he’s always wanted to write a collection of stories that center around a haunted 24/7 convenience store where all kinds of crazy/goofy/scary/creepy stuff goes on during the night.

Thad gives us two answers.  “Literate answer: A deconstructionist homage to monsters and what makes a monster.  Fan answer: A kick-ass horror/action novel with werewolves and vampires and assorted others.”

Finally, Horrordude, Horror World’s resident paranoid states “I can’t answer this! If I answer this then everyone will know my ideas, and then they’ll wind up on Oprah and not me.”

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