Next on deck is another of those lovely State of Horror Authors. All the way from across the Pond, we have the lovely Claire C. Riley. She’s pretty, but don’t let that fool you…she’s quite the scary one too!
INTERVIEW WITH CLAIRE C. RILEY
It’s Valentine’s Day. What’s your take on the “Most Romantic Day of the Year”?
I know a lot of people don’t like or agree with Valentines day, seeing it as just another marketing opportunity and such, or that we should show our loved ones how much they mean to us every day, personally I like it. My husband and I don’t buy each other expensive gifts and I always tell him not to buy huge bouquets or whatever. To me it’s about making time, no matter what, to express your love and appreciation for your loved one. We’re busy people, and we have busy lives, but I think Valentines gives us, and others, that push we need to put on the brakes and remind each other why we spend our lives together. ‘Sure, honey, you drive me crazy with your snoring and you always forget t put the bins out, but I love your crazy ass!’
What made you decide horror would be your genre of choice?
Well really, horror chose me. I read in most genres, always have done, yet when I come to write, even when I’m aiming for ‘non-horror’ my brain always twists the story into something more horrific. I’ve decided to just go with it now.
From where do you pull your horror inspiration?
I love old school horror. Bram Stoker style vampires and George Romero style zombies, I also love silly horror like ‘The Little Shop of Horrors’ I would say that’s where my style stems from. Rotting zombies and inappropriate humour, mixed with lead characters that you won’t instantly love.
What is one horror stereotype you absolutely despise? What is one you love?
I don’t like any stereotypes. I think a good story and a good writer, writes how they feel without taking it apart. The same goes for reading. If I dislike a book, I won’t take the story apart and list the reasons it didn’t work for me.
BUT, If I had to say something that irritates me, I would say this. Writers that seem to have a little tick box of things that ‘should’ go into a good horror book.
It’s almost like they’ve looked at all the popular books and taken notes. ‘Hmm, this story had a dog, I’ll use a dog to’‘Inappropriate humour? Check’ ‘we need a little romance, perhaps with an army dude, yep, that’ll work’
And the thing is, you can see it as clear as day! Just write the story from your head. Don’t worry about lists, and sales, at least not yet. Just write it how it needs to be told. That’s the only thing you should be concerning yourself with. The voice of your characters.
What scares you?
Hahaha! So much scares me. Heights – but I’d love to do a sky-dive one day, getting lost (seriously), ants, spiders or generally anything with a lot of legs!
WHO SHE IS
Claire C Riley is a Best Selling British Horror Author, whose work includes: Odium The Dead Saga, Limerence (The Obsession Series) and several other full length novels including Thicker Than Blood co-authored with USA Today Best Selling author Madeline Sheehan. She writes dark twisty words, is a lover of epic romances, and an eater of cake! She writes characters that are realistic and kills them without mercy. She lives in the UK with her three young daughters, husband, and scruffy dog.
https://www.facebook.com/ClaireCRileyAuthor
www.clairecriley.com
THE STATE OF HORROR SERIES
Edited by Jerry E. Benns
From Charon Coin Press
Claire is featured in State of Horror: Illinois.
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Amazon Barnes & Noble Kobo CCP Store |
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