CHHR: When did you realize you wanted to be a writer?
Comic books were the catalyst for wanting to become a writer. From about the age of 7, I started writing and drawing my own superhero comics. It was in my teenage years and discovering the horror films of the 80’s that I found my dark side.
CHHR: What does your writing schedule look like?
I have a full-time job and I am a dad so I usually try and write around those responsibilities. I am most creative at night.
CHHR: Do you have any interesting writing rituals? If so, what are they?
I write everything longhand in notebooks. I hate doing it any other way. I often have horror movie soundtracks running in the background when I’m writing. Wojciech Kilar’s suite from Bram Stoker’s Dracula usually gets me in a fervor.
CHHR: Do you like writing short stories or novels?
Hmm. The eternal question. If I had to choose I would say novels. They give me more room to breathe. Short stories though can carry a lot of weight if done well. This is probably why I adore writing (and reading) novellas!
CHHR: How is the horror scene where you live?
I live in a small regional city in Queensland, Australia so there aren’t that many horror readers sadly. But there is a lot of support for speculative fiction in general and pop-culture, which is a real positive.
CHHR: Do you use outlines or do you go with the flow?
I’m a pantser, not a plotter per se. It’s like putting a skeleton back together. I let the characters build themselves and run with the story.
CHHR: How did publishing your first book or short story change your writing process?
My first novella came about from a mentor program I did with the Australian Horror Writers Association, so at the time, I was already re-learning everything. The mentorship helped me focus on story and characters, rather than worrying about genre or what the industry wants. That stuff held me back, but now I just write for me. Getting published is the icing on the cake.
CHHR: What do you think makes a good horror story?
Flawed characters and slow-burning dread. Holding a mirror up to humanity and making the reader question who the real monsters are.
CHHR: What are you currently working on?
Right now, I’m planning three novellas. Recently I finished a Halloween-themed short story for a spec-fic journal in my hometown. I also have a non-fiction how-to-write-horror piece to complete for an anthology invite.
CHHR: What is in your TBR pile?
The Fireman by Joe Hill, Black Mad Wheel by Josh Malerman
CHHR: What is the last book that scared you?
Bird Box by Josh Malerman. Terrific stuff.
CHHR: What is your favorite horror book?
The Hellbound Heart by Clive Barker
CHHR: What is your favorite horror film?
There are so many, but my all-time fave would have to be The Thing.
CHHR: What is your spirit animal?
Apparently, the hummingbird.
CHHR: What is your favorite beer?
Anything that’s cold!
CHHR: If you could have a beer with one author, who would it be?
Living – Stephen King. Dead – Edgar Allan Poe.
Greg Chapman
Author of:
HOLLOW HOUSE *Nominated for a Bram Stoker Award*
TORMENT
Illustrator on:
Bullet Ballerina - SST Publications
The Bram Stoker Award-winning WITCH HUNTS: A GRAPHIC HISTORY OF THE BURNING TIMES - McFarland & Company
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