If you grew up in the 1980′s, you already know how exciting and “totally awesome” it was. Staying out until the streetlights came on, playing video games at the local convenience store, hanging out at the mall- so many things that made it an exciting time for a kid on the verge of becoming a young adult. Life felt somewhat more carefree.

Many books, movies, and television shows capture the nostalgia of the 1980s; we feel that same magic… even for a short while. Author MS Chambers (Samantha) has written a new book, The Coos Crusaders, that transports us right back to the heart of the mid-80s…1985.

In the tradition of such films and books as The Goonies, The Body (Stand By Me), and Stephen King’s book/film IT, The Coos Crusaders takes you on an exciting, wild, and unusual adventure that will take you back to your own youth and memories you may have of your own great times shared with friends. So come on, open the book, turn the pages, let your imagination go, and join them!

The story is of a group of kids in the throes of budding adulthood who live in Coos Bay, Oregon. They’re the closest of friends. The kind of friends you’d perhaps consider brothers or sisters. Friends who believe they’ll always be together. “The Coos”, as they call themselves, can’t imagine a time without one another. They spend countless hours watching movies, hanging out in their treehouse, doing all the fun, exciting things adolescents do. And c’mon, it’s Coos Bay…that beautiful Pacific Northwest seaport full of old tales, legends, folklore, and the unknown. So get ready! Join the Coos Crusaders as they journey down the adventure path.

This story is full of nostalgic moments, modern-day pirates, and local history. This read is enjoyable for a variety of age groups, especially preteens, as well as adults; and everyone in between. It’s for anyone who wants to return to a more innocent, fun time and remind themselves that sometimes we’re all kids at heart.

I recommend you pick up your copy of The Coos Crusaders… an adventure story to enjoy!

I had the pleasure of interviewing author MS Chambers. Here is that exclusive interview!

Anthony W. Northrup – Thank you for joining us today, Samantha. Let’s begin by telling our readers a little about yourself.

MS Chambers – Thank you, Anthony. I’m excited to be here! My name is Samantha Chambers, known as MS Chambers in the literary world. I am a multi-genre author from Kansas City, Missouri. My self-published works include the dark fantasy trilogy The Sisters of the Moon: Pearls of the Sea, Blood of the Moon, and Ashes of Oak; the psychological thriller Seclusion; Macabre: A Horror Anthology; sci-fi horror romance MandeVilla; and YA adventure The Coos Crusaders.

I collaborate with my two extraordinary daughters to bring my books to life. My youngest, Mirrissa Alexander, serves as my full-service editor, while my oldest, Beverly DeBurger, paints my cover art. I don’t know how I would do it all without them! I draw inspiration from all of life’s mysteries and magic, regularly exploring history and lore to enrich my storytelling.

I am passionate about family, reading, cooking, travel, horror, and nature. My spouse, Alex, and I love spending time together. We enjoy watching movies and shows, and our beloved Chiefs, reading, gardening, going on outings, and spending time with our huge family. We have six daughters and eight grandchildren, and couldn’t be prouder of them all.

AN – When did your interest in writing begin?

MSC – My mother was also a writer, though she was never published. Her incredible stories and obsession with books were what inspired my deep love of reading and my drive to write. When I was little, we read together all the time. I read long before I started school, and excelled in English Literature in every grade. I wrote many short stories, poems, and other pieces, and I won some awards during my school years.

I was always the “nerdy girl”, head down, a book in my hands, and lost in the world I was reading about. I couldn’t get enough. I loved many authors and genres, even books that were more difficult to read, like Mark Twain, William Faulkner, Mary Shelley, Shakespeare, and more. I craved books. I needed them like I needed air.

I always knew I would become a writer. And so I made it my life’s goal to become a published author someday. I knew it would have to wait until my children were grown; parenting is a full-time job. Years later, when things settled down, that time came. I sat down, I began writing, and I never stopped. My debut book release was in December 2022.

AN – Let’s talk about your new book, The Coos Crusaders. Without spoilers, share with us what readers can expect.

MSC – The Coos Crusaders is a Young Adult/Adult adventure book. It’s a nostalgic coming-of-age adventure novel about friendship, courage, and the bittersweet passage of time. It’s filled with treasure-seeking, swashbuckling pirates, fearless youth, the woes of growing up, adventurous exploration, daring endeavors, and thrilling action. It’s set p in 1985 and encompasses my love of the 80s. Expect a trip back in time filled with history, legends, nostalgia, fun, and adventure, but you can also expect some hot topics, some heartfelt, sad moments, and even some scary ones. And at the end, there’s a special author’s note!

I turned 50 this year, and this book is a gift to myself. I worked hard; it includes so much! It’s a story very much about me growing up in so many ways. I dedicated it to all my friends, past and present, and especially to my grandsons, Cooper and Samual. My way of saying thank you for all the grand adventures!

AN- The films The Goonies, Stand By Me, and the Losers’ Club from Stephen King’s novel/original film IT seem to have inspired your characters. Are the characters in your book based on real people you’ve known, or inspiration from those books/films I mentioned?

MSC – The titles deeply inspired this book, as did the Indiana Jones movies. I love adventure, The Goonies, and I am a huge King fan. I grew up in the Pacific Northwest and love the area. I always planned to write a book based there.

Yes, the characters are inspired by the group of kids I grew up with. They were some of the greatest kids I ever knew. Friends, I’ll never forget. The characters are also inspired by special people in my life now, including you, my friend, and many of the characters from the titles you mentioned. Tidbits of this person and that make up each character.

AN – Is the lead character, “Gill,” based on you as a young teen? Is there some of your personality in all the young adult characters?

MSC – Yes, Gillian or “Gill” is based on me in almost every way. I was a very adventurous child and teenager, one who loved to explore and learn, read and write, play baseball, go to the movies, listen to music, go camping, and so much more. I was (actually) the only girl in my band of brothers in the 80s, which suited me just fine as I was a big tomboy and always looking for my grand adventure!

AN – This book is an adventure story, but it is overflowing with nostalgia. Was it a challenge to go back to 1985, the year the story takes place, and to do the research for that time? Please, explain your research process to us.

MSC – Though I did a ton of research to make sure all details, dates, and facts were in order, I remembered a great deal. It was easy to go back in time! I was born in 1976, so I was ages four through thirteen in the 80s. I got to experience the decade as a child and as a teen, and it was all incredible! Some of the very best years of my life! It was a time when kids could be kids, play outside, and use their imaginations. It was life before the internet and mobile phones. Technology was happening then, but it didn’t explode till later. Everything was a cultural phenomenon. Fashion, film, and music were awesome! Everything was in neon, including our lives! It was all an exciting adventure, and camaraderie and friendship meant everything! Growing up in the 80s was really special. I feel like anyone from that decade would agree that we’re a special breed!

AN – There’s a plethora of history and geography throughout the book. Did you find it exciting to learn or read pirate stories and myths from long ago? Do you think you could have been a good pirate yourself? laugh

MSC – It was so exciting! I love pirates, and obsessively love myths, lore, and legends. Accurate historical and geographical facts are something I take pride in including in my books as well. I knew a lot about the area since I grew up in the PNW. But I did extensive research on Coos Bay, the surrounding area, and other places in the book. I learned so much! Hmmm… I think given the right tools, I could have been a pretty good pirate! Argh!

*Fun fact: Real historical pirates did not actually say “arrgh” or “arrr”. That iconic sound is a Hollywood invention popularized by British actor Robert Newton in the 1950 film Treasure Island.

AN – You touch on some sensitive subjects in this story as some of your characters go through physical and mental abuse, discrimination, and other hot topics. Do you think young adults today will see how far we’ve come with these types of subject matter in your story?

MSC – Ah, yes. I hope so, though abuse and discrimination sadly still happen all over. I can only hope that reading about these characters’ feelings helps young people (and older) know that they aren’t alone. That there are also people out there who understand what they may be going through… and want to help. I care, and so do many others! I also hope that it shows them how to respect, treat, and love others. We are all unique and special in different ways, and that’s okay! In fact, it’s amazing! Stand up for what you believe in, and be proud of who you are!

Embrace your youth! The world is changing and growing, and excelling every day. The faster and faster it goes. Before you know it, you’re all grown up, and life is passing you by. Don’t forget to stop, listen, look, learn, love, and embrace the smallest of things! Be a kid while you can. Get off that cell phone and get outside! Play, adventure, explore! There’s so much to discover, and I promise you’ll be amazed by what you find. Remember, the greatest treasures are not always made of gold!

AN – The story is aimed at young adults. What would you like those of us that are older to take away from reading The Coos Crusaders?

MSC – Older people, especially those who grew up in this decade, will love Coos! Though it’s written so young adults can read it, it has adult themes and is targeted for adults who love adventure. I hope they too will immensely enjoy the trip back in time to the “most excellent” 80s! There’s so much nostalgia to revel in, and even if you weren’t from that era, you will still find joy in the adventure, and certainly learn a ton about the decade. I hope you will read it with your kids and take the grand adventure together!

AN – Lastly, is this a one-time adventure for The Coos Crusaders or will we see a “next generation” book? What’s next for MS Chambers?

MSC – This is it for The Coos Crusaders, but don’t you worry, I have more adventure books up my sleeve. Just wait and see!

AN – Where can readers find The Coos Crusaders and your other books?

MSC – All of my books are available on Amazon under MS Chambers. Connect with me on my website at mschambersauthor.com, via Linktree at linktr.ee/mschambersauthor, or across social media @MSChambersAuthor.

AN – Thank you for spending time with us, Samantha. We look forward to your future projects and appearances.

MSC – Thank you so much for having me today, Anthony! It has been an immense joy! I look forward to future appearances with you. And of course, your amazing endeavors as well! Thank you so much for reading The Coos Crusaders and for doing this review and interview!

I hope you have enjoyed this review and interview with author MS Chambers. It was a true pleasure to have been able to bring her to the forefront.

Nightmares can creep into our minds in the dead of night like a cold fog or a phantom waiting to whisk us away, coming in all shapes, sizes, and forms: a cat, a dog, a car, a machine, a rat, an abusive husband, a haunted hotel, or even….a dancing clown! Only one man I know has masterfully taken the most innocent things in life and turned them into the most diabolical beasts or situations we’ve ever imagined… author Stephen King!

For decades, Stephen King has scared the hell out of us with his creative, bizarre imagination, writing some of the most iconic and epic novels of all time: The Stand, The Shining, Carrie, Salem’s Lot, Christine, IT, and many others, including short stories and novellas; he has always seemed to take us to a realm that we don’t otherwise experience. It’s nearly unfathomable that a simple laundry machine or a porta potty becomes a killing machine; he has an uncanny knack for doing that so well; we all love it and can’t wait to see what’s next.

Would it seem unusual for a group of talented writers and filmmakers to get together and share their scariest scene from a Stephen King story? In the newly released book MY SCARIEST STEPHEN KING SCENE, you will be privy to what they have to say.

MY SCARIEST STEPHEN KING SCENE is written and edited by Richard Chizmar, creator of Cemetery Dance Publications. Inside, you’ll also find essays from some of the horror genre’s most exceptional contributors, such as W.H. Chizmar, Robin Furth, Brian J. Freeman, Mick Garris, Bev Vincent, and many others. These contributors are from what is known as the “Stephen King Universe” and have written about many things that are considered… all things King. The essays are exclusive, interesting, entertaining, and yes, in some cases…terrifying, as they interpret what each of them felt while reading their favorite Stephen King story.

Such scenes as Pennywise in IT, or the Grady Twins in The Shining, or a mother and son trapped in a car in the novel Cujo, and an innocent, sweet child, Gage Creed, coming back from the dead in Pet Sematary, or a realistic character such as Paul Sheldon being hobbled by a maniacal Annie Wilkes in Misery- all these are the stuff that nightmares are made of, right?

I really enjoyed that several articles focus on lesser-known scenes and popular characters in some of King’s books, which, after reading the essay, are, indeed, scary! Some contributors even shared their favorite nightmare scenes from short stories and novellas.

This book is informative, entertaining, detailed, and exciting, with the element of “scare,” making it a fun read. We sometimes take for granted that horror authors and filmmakers are immune to scares themselves. My only wish is that the book was longer! This is a chapbook; it is small and thin, and does get the point across nicely, but I was left wanting… MORE. Perhaps there will be a part two.

I came away thinking of my own all-time favorite scary scene in a Stephen King book and/or film, and hands down, it will always be the “Grady Twins” in the Overlook. A massive hotel in the dead of winter…those two monotone twins definitely creep me out every time.

If you enjoy reading about how horror books and films affect others, especially some of your favorite contributors in this book, I urge you to get your copy of My Scariest Stephen King Scene by Richard Chizmar and contributors who really love to be scared, and share it with you!

This book is available through Cemetery Dance Publications, which can be found online.

When it comes to classic horror novels, one may think of Bram Stoker’s Dracula, Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein, or Richard Matheson’s I Am Legend, just three of the many classics from decades past. However, one author has dominated the horror genre in recent years: Stephen King. With well over 60 novels, short story and novella collections, and many other written works, Stephen King has proven to be the “Master of Horror”. With such a long list of credits, one may ask: Who is the most evil villain Stephen King has ever created?

Among Stephen King fans, you’d get a variety of answers, but the majority would say…PENNYWISE THE DANCING CLOWN from the Stephen King epic novel, IT, which was released on September 15th, 1986, forty years ago.

This novel is over 1100 pages of enthralling reading. Stephen King’s IT is considered his greatest work to date and centers around seven friends who reside in Derry, Maine, in the 1950′s who are terrorized by a killer clown named Pennywise the Dancing Clown, an evil not of this earth, who is suspected of taking one of the group’s younger brothers, Georgie. The friends set out to stop Pennywise from killing other children in Derry, and at one point they think the nightmare has ended. However, 27 years later, Pennywise returns from his slumber. Now, the “Losers’ Club,” as they are known, is back in Derry to stop Pennywise once and for all.

September 15, 2026, marked the 40-year celebration of Stephen King’s massive hit novel IT. Tom Deady’s STILL FLOATING: 40 YEARS OF PENNYWISE is not only a tribute to this spectacular piece of work, but part of a worldwide celebration surrounding this masterpiece from King.

This nearly 400-page anthology-style book includes essays by some of the most noted names in the Stephen King Universe. Authors such as Glenn Chadbourne (who also does the amazing artwork in the book), Hans-Ake Lilja, Mick Garris, Brian James Freeman, Jonathan Janz, and Bev Vincent are just a few of the most dedicated scholars and fans of the novel IT, as well as other esteemed contributors, who share their thoughts and memories, interesting facts, and personal stories. I enjoyed this book immensely, especially the deeper personal memories some contributors shared. That is the impact King has on his readers.

Some of the intriguing points I enjoyed in this book were the contributors’ perspectives surrounding certain chapters such as GHOSTS OF THE KENDUSKEAG STREAM: The Gay Bashing of Adrian Mellon and the Restless Shade of Charlie Howard, THE BLACK SPOT: Hanlon and Hallorann in Stephen King’s IT, as well as essays revolving around the members of The Loser’s Club. The book also includes exclusive interviews with Glenn Chadbourne, Bev Vincent, Richard Chizmar, James Tinker, and several others. The entire book is a wonderful tribute to the classic horror novel IT and perhaps one of the biggest achievements of Stephen King’s career.

I recommend this book to all readers, not only Stephen King fans, but those who have left the light on for 40 years, hoping Pennywise doesn’t pay them a visit in the middle of the night. This is your book!

I know you’ll enjoy this interview with author and editor Tom Deady as much as I enjoyed reading his answers.

Anthony W. Northrup – Thank you, Tom, for joining us today. Will you please share a little about yourself to get started?

Tom Deady – Thanks for having me! Haven was my first novel, published in 2016, and I’ve been writing steadily since. I have several novels, novellas, and short stories out there, including a YA/MG horror series. I dipped my toes into the editing waters, so to speak, when I developed The Rack, a tribute to the mass-market paperback days and their lurid covers, recently brought to the forefront by Grady Hendrix in Paperbacks From Hell.

AN – Before we begin discussing the book, STILL FLOATING: 40 YEARS OF PENNYWISE, tell us the first time you read the epic Stephen King novel, IT. Was that your first King read that began your Stephen King fandom?

TD – No, my introduction to Stephen King was ‘Salem’s Lot when I was around thirteen years old. After that, I devoured everything he wrote as soon as it came out. So, I read IT for the first time almost forty years ago. While I credit ‘Salem’s Lot as my inspiration for becoming a writer, IT is the foundation for shaping the type of horror I write.

AN – How did the book STILL FLOATING come about?

TD – The idea formed in 2018 or 2019 when I realized the 35th anniversary was approaching. I wanted to write a comprehensive analysis of the novel, adaptations, and its impact on horror and pop culture. I outlined the entire book—something I never do for my novels—and quickly realized I was in over my head. To properly commemorate the book, it would take more than a single author. I shelved the idea. When I realized the 40th anniversary was approaching, I pulled out the outline and used it as a sort of checklist for essays I requested from other authors, artists, critics, and scholars. Still Floating is the result.

AN – You have a long and impressive list of talented contributors in this book. Please share your process for deciding who would be in your book, and what you felt they would bring.

TD – Many contributors were folks I had talked with at different events or on panels, and I knew they were fans of the novel and had a specific skill set or background appropriate for the outline. Other contributors were recommended when word got out that I was working on the anthology. My goal was to provide a well-rounded look at the novel, and authors alone wouldn’t accomplish that. The essays submitted by book collectors, critics, publishers, artists, and scholars highlight how the novel’s impact has transcended authors alone.

AN – Were there any writers you would have liked to participate in the book who unfortunately weren’t able to?

TD – Absolutely. Several folks had to decline due to impending deadlines. That’s on me for not starting the ball rolling earlier. Others I didn’t ask because they had already committed to Richard Chizmar’s commemorative anthology, Deadlights.

AN – What is it about the novel IT that is so epic and sits on a different level than other King books?

TD – For me, there are several reasons. First, the scope is incredible. Pennywise is an evil entity preying on a small town; even in a single snapshot, it would make for a great story. But King expands that horror and shows how it occurred every 27 years, going back literally to the beginning of the world. Second, the way King weaves fact and fiction into the novel, tying historical events in Bangor to the story, is fascinating. In a way, it makes the suspension of disbelief easier when you consider how horrific the true-life events were. Finally, I think it’s the dual timeline where we get to see the Losers as adults and how they dealt with—or didn’t deal with the trauma they suffered as children. Many novels are a sort of slice-of-life, written to serve the plot but leaving the reader to wonder what happens to the characters later, after the monster is defeated. King shows us those lives in great detail and in his typical unflinching manner. In my opinion, it adds great power to see the Losers reunite to finish what they started 27 years earlier, but with the weight of adulthood replacing the magic of childhood.

AN – Were there any specific essays in this book that made you emotional, or details in the novel that brought never-discussed issues to the forefront before, but glad there were?

TD – Yes, to both. While all the essays are wonderful and build the full story of IT and Pennywise, a few definitely stand out. Christa Carmen and Lauren Daniels wrote very personal essays that really hit me emotionally. The depth of how the novel impacted and influenced their lives is incredible. John Langan’s dissection of the ‘werewolf’ scene at Neibolt Street is fascinating. I’ve read the novel many times, but John made connections that I missed every time. The detail and analysis are top-notch. Michael Rowe’s discussion on the Charlie Howard story is as powerful as it is important. Finally, Jonathan Janz’s essay on IT’s influence on Stranger Things is so intriguing to me. Just as we might not have had The X-Files without Kolchak: The Night Stalker, it makes you wonder if we would have had Stranger Things without IT.

AN – Do you have a favorite Loser Club member or one you can relate to? If so, who and why?

TD – That’s a tough question. I think the genius of how King created the Losers is that we see more than one of them in ourselves. For me, it’s a combination of Bill, Ben, and Mike. I was a library kid and a bookworm. I loved reading history as much as I loved fiction. And I was picked on quite a bit—not for being overweight but for being so skinny.

AN – With the novel’s 40th Anniversary this month, does it amaze you that such a novel made an unbelievable impact on the world with film adaptations, TV series, merchandising, an icon in the horror genre (Pennywise the Dancing Clown), and a book that can STILL terrorize readers 40 years later? How does that make you feel?

TD – IT has been my favorite horror novel for forty years. I was ecstatic hearing about the 2017 and 2019 adaptations. I loved the 1990 miniseries; I wanted a more in-depth adaptation with free rein of an R rating to make it appropriately scary. While the films fell a bit short for me, particularly Chapter Two, they brought a new audience to IT, Pennywise, and other n King novels. I think the struggles that the Losers face—cosmic child-eating clown aside—are real and important, and sadly, still exist today.

AN – Lastly, are there any other Stephen King novels you would like to do an essay book on? If so, which one? Would you like to share what’s next on your agenda?

TD – I’m sad that I missed the 50th anniversary of ‘Salem’s Lot. That said, so many of his books, particularly the earlier ones, were so influential that I could see myself doing more anthologies similar to Still Floating. I’ve always loved Duma Key and Hearts in Atlantis, so…you never know. As far as projects in the works…I’m releasing three previously published novellas in a single volume titled A Gallery of Monsters. The title is an homage to the great television series Night Gallery, brought to life by Ben Baldwin’s amazing cover art. After that, I’m putting out my second collection of short stories. As for works, I have two novels I’ll be shopping. One is based on the aufhocker, a German shapeshifter. The other is an apocalyptic story. Finally, I’m working on the third book in my MG/YA Hopedale Mystery Series. Oh, and the third installment of the Rack!

AN – Thank you, Tom, for spending some time with us today. STILL FLOATING is a wonderful book, and we look forward to your future projects.

Sometimes we talk about the past decades. We all love to reminisce about our childhood, what influenced us, and what made us happy. Some consider the 1980s their favorite decade. Bring up that decade in conversation, and people can’t wait to share their thoughts and memories of the decade that was dubbed “totally awesome”! In these conversations, many agree that the 1980s were one of the best decades for horror films.

Horror films have been a fan favorite for as long as we can remember. There’s just something about being scared practically to death, then living to tell about what it was that made you feel that way. From the early beginnings of the Universal Monsters in the 1920s through the late 1940s (Dracula, Wolf Man, Frankenstein, The Mummy) to those from the 1950s forward, such films as King Kong, Godzilla, Jaws, and the biggest subgenre of horror films to emerge from Hollywood: Slasher films (Friday the 13th, Halloween, A Nightmare on Elm Street), we could be talking for hours about some of our favorites. I’m happy to find a book that covers everything I enjoy about horror, and specifically some of the greats that hit the big screen in the 1980s.

THE GOOD, THE BAD AND THE OUTRAGEOUS: 1980s Horror Cinema is a fantastic book by author Bryan Senn.

I was absolutely excited when I was offered the opportunity to review this book! I love the 1980s, and I love 1980s horror films! In this new book, let me begin by saying it is HUGE!! It is a doorstop! Over 800 pages of amazing reviews and more! Bryan breaks down the best, the worst, and “What the hell were they thinking?” horror films from the “Decade of Decadence.” Bryan reviews each film in alphabetical order in amazing detail, including backstories, history, behind-the-scenes content, interview clips, and more.

What I really enjoyed that stood out in this book, other than Bryan’s amazing views and knowledge of these films, is that before he takes you on this trip down 80s horror memory lane, he breaks down certain topics about horror films from this era, such as “Scream Queens” (horror film leading ladies who dominated the genre with their strength and wit to survive the slasher in a mask), Foreign Horror films, and breaking boundaries (filmmakers going past the norm and breaking new ground) with special effects that we’ve never seen done before on the big screen.

I also enjoyed how Bryan shared his own memories of going to the theater and seeing the latest horror flick, especially sequels! However, the highlight I could really relate to was the discussion about “Video Store Rentals” or “Be Kind Rewind”! I worked at video stores when I was younger, and I can tell you, Bryan nailed it in this chapter of his book! He brought back so many wonderful memories.

This book is a ton of fun to read and full of everything you’d want to know about horror films of the era; it captures the feeling of the 80s film experience of seeing these films for the first time and the nostalgia surrounding them.

This book is packed full of information that it could be used as a film reference aid… because Bryan Senn got it right! I highly recommend this book to anyone who loves the ins and outs of film, loves horror, and most importantly loves the horror films of the 80s!

It was a pleasure reading this new book from Brian, and I am happy to share this interview with all of you. So, let’s get to know author Brian Senn a little better.

Anthony W. Northrup – Thank you, Bryan, for joining us today. For those not familiar with your work, please share a little about yourself.

Bryan Senn – Well, I’ve been retired now for six years (from a psychology career), living in a small town in Western Montana (paradise, actually) with my wife and several cats. So now my job is to ski, play pickleball, and write about movies, lol.

AN – You’ve written several books about the horror genre. When did your fandom for this genre begin? What drew you most to writing about this subject?

BS – I was an imaginative kid, so horror/science fiction was a great draw for me. When I was nine or ten, my parents gave me the seminal Denis Gifford book Horror Movies (you know, the green cover) for my birthday, and I devoured it. I wanted to see every movie pictured or written about at that time! After this, I (like so many fans of my generation) would go through the TV Guide each week marking anything that looked like it might be horror or science fiction. And this enthusiasm for the genre has never left me. I love how horror movies can take us to places—both physical and emotional—that we’ll (hopefully) never go in real life. I also love how horror films let us face our fears and anxieties in a safe—and (hopefully) entertaining—way. They break taboos, they explore extremes, they provide temporary respite from our real-world issues, and the best of them make us both feel and think.

AN – What are some of your favorite horror films and why?

BS – Too, too many to list, lol. My second book was called Golden Horrors: An Illustrated Critical Filmography of Terror Cinema, 1931-1939, and I still consider it my magnum opus, even though I’ve penned 11 more since then. I have a real admiration and fondness for 1930s horror cinema, from Frankenstein (1931) and The Mummy (1932) to Island of Lost Souls (1932) and The Black Cat (1934). The latter may very well be my all-time favorite (I’m a big Karloff fan), but each of these films has layers. There’s so much to dig into. That said, I, of course, have favorites from each of the succeeding decades: The subtle terrors and complicated characterizations of The Body Snatcher (1945); the thrilling suspense and naturalistic interactions of The Thing (1951); the ground-breaking, in-your-face, did-they-really-just-go-there? frights of Night of the Living Dead (1968); the family-dynamic grotesquery and sheer terror of The Texas Chain Saw Massacre (1974)… I could go on and on, lol.

AN – Let’s talk about your book The Good, The Bad and The Outrageous: 1980s Horror Cinema. How did this book come about?

BS – I’ve written or co-written books on horror films of the 1930s (Golden Horrors), the 1940s (Forties Frights, coming out this November from McFarland), and the 1960s (Sixties Shockers), and so became well-versed in the highs and lows of a specific decade of horror cinema. Yet all those were viewed through a historic lens, since I wasn’t born until 1962. But the 1980s, well… I lived it. I was in the sticky-floored, gum-coated trenches, watching the good, the bad, and the outrageous as they arrived on American drive-in and indoor screens (not to mention via the voracious venue that was home video). So for me, this decade is personal, and I wanted to thoroughly—and critically—explore it. As I came of age in the Eighties (I graduated high school in 1980), so did horror cinema, with the decade seeing taboos broken, technology flourish, and storytelling go off in wild, uncharted directions. For me, the 1980′s became a perfect cinematic storm, as it was the first decade in which I could fully apply my critical faculties alongside my youthful enthusiasm while watching many of these films first-run in the theater (I was a devoted denizen of our local cinemas). This led to some truly memorable experiences. For instance, during a screening of Lucio Fulci’s The Gates of Hell at the late-lamented Valley Drive-In, when the head-drilling sequence came on, a squeamish friend I was with simply got out of the car and walked home. That was ‘A Statement’! Then I took my girlfriend to see The Evil Dead. Oops. When the woodland rape sequence started, she left the theater to wait in the lobby, leaving me to finish watching on my own (which I—with perhaps more cinematic dedication than relationship wisdom—did). A couple of years later, the same thing happened during Demons. Fortunately, these cinematic incidents cost me neither friend nor girlfriend, as I’m still in touch with both—the latter having even married me!

AN – How long was the process for this book, as it is over 800 pages; that’s quite a tome.

BS – Yeah, I’m nothing if not thorough, lol. This one took two to three years, I think (I’m not great with keeping track of time). Fortunately, now that I’m retired, I can devote more time to my research-and-writing avocation; otherwise, it probably would have taken twice that. I’ve had 13 books published since 1992, so that’s an average of one every two-and-a-half years. But as you say, The Good, the Bad and the Outrageous: 1980s Horror Cinema is a BIG one, lol.

AN – You break down the horror genre into many categories. How did you decide which horror films made the cut (no pun intended) and which didn’t? Explain the process of elimination?

BS – Unlike with my earlier decade-centric books (not to mention several all-inclusive subgenre tomes like Drums of Terror: Voodoo in the Cinema; The Werewolf Filmography: 300+ Movies; and Mummy Movies: A Comprehensive Guide), it soon became apparent that such a comprehensive approach to Eighties horror was impossible. With over 1700(!) horror/sci-fi/fantasy films released from 1980 to 1989, such an exhaustive undertaking would require three million words, a ten-volume set, and a lifetime to research and write. That left a pick-and-choose approach in which I could take a representative sampling of the decade’s best, worst (yet still enormously enjoyable), and most outrageous examples and give them the in-depth coverage they deserved, thus providing an incisive overview of the genre as it stood in that innovative and entertaining decade. This allowed for a more illuminating look at the most impressive specimens, while avoiding wasting time and energy (and precious page space) on the dull and inane. By limiting this book to 88 titles covered in-depth, I could leave off the pedestrian, the mediocre, and the boring, and instead focus on the worthy, the memorable, and the batshit crazy. Of course, me being me, I just had to include a comprehensive—and lengthy (at 145 pages!)—Appendix listing all 1700-plus Eighties horrors, complete with a brief description/assessment of each.

AN – One of the features I enjoyed about this book is that you don’t give harsh criticism or eliminate the worst of horror films. You treat each one as its own gem. Why is that?

BS – To my mind, the only truly “bad” movie is a boring one. Unique low-budget efforts like The Deadly Spawn, The Children, or even Boardinghouse (the first-ever shot-on-video horror feature) make up for whatever they might lack in production values or Oscar-level acting with cleverness, imagination, and sheer outrageous entertainment value. So in the book I cover not only the acknowledged ‘80s classics like An American Werewolf in London, The Thing and A Nightmare on Elm Street, but lesser-known but still creditable efforts such as Alligator, Dead & Buried and Motel Hell, and unique obscurities like The Strangeness, Lady Terminator and Tales of the Third Dimension that comprise the best and most engaging the 1980s had to offer. And some doozies from this pivotal decade brought us the slasher phenomenon, the makeup man as rock star, wall-to-wall synth music, and such outrageous sights as a man cutting off his own hand with a chainsaw before attaching it to his bloody stump to battle a cadre of demons; a detached fetus-sucking witch-head flying through the night with internal organs dangling from its gory neck; and a reanimated disembodied head giving head!

AN – What do you feel made the horror films of the 1980s so different, special, unique, and basically nothing like it ever since? Why do we crave 80s horror so much?

BS – As the Seventies brought gritty brutality to the fore, so the Eighties made horror fun. Along with some immense technical advancements (the Eighties were THE decade for practical effects), scenarios became more outrageous, more over-the-top, and were often leavened with a liberal dose of black humor that upped the fun factor exponentially. Additionally, during the Reagan/Thatcher era, film seemed to become that much more transgressive and satirical, perhaps in reaction to the stifling backward- looking conformity and conservatism espoused at the time. The 1980s offered plenty of anxiety to be explored and exploited, from AIDS to Reagan’s “Star Wars” boondoggle to the hypocrisy of the “Family Values” movement to the widening economic gulf between rich and poor—brilliantly realized in John Carpenter’s They Live, and something perhaps even more relevant today than it was then. Additionally, the 1980s marked a more-or-less changing of the guard in Monsterdom as well, with Dracula, Frankenstein’s Monster, the Mummy and the Wolf Man giving way to the likes of Michael, Jason, Freddie and Pinhead, spawning a whole new generation of fascinating “monsters.” Also, the 1980s saw the rise of the near-insatiable home video market, with nearly half of all American households owning a VCR by mid-decade. Myriad independent film companies backed low-budget filmmakers like Fred Olen Ray and David DeCoteau to produce cheap but memorable movies like Deep Space, Hollywood Chainsaw Hookers, and Sorority Babes in the Slimeball Bowl-o-Rama. Additionally, the 1980s were the first time horror fans could take ownership of the movies they loved, actually owning and revisiting them at will. These days, of course, that’s taken for granted, but back then…wow. All this just adds to our continuing fascination with 1980s horror.

AN – What fun or interesting fact impressed you the most while doing the research for these films? What would you like most for readers to take away with them after reading this book?

BS – Just how much so many Eighties genre filmmakers did with so little (money-wise), creating memorable movies with little more than determination, imagination, and hard work. In the book, I not only try to illuminate just why these films prove so entertaining (and meaningful), but I delve into the often-crazy stories behind the making of them as filmmakers strive to make something out of nothing. With the sheer volume of horror produced during the decade, the Eighties have something for everyone, be it the terrifying body horror of Cronenberg’s The Fly, the astounding creature effects of Carpenter’s The Thing, the gonzo humor-and-horror mix of Raimi’s Evil Dead II, the sly comedy and genuine tragedy of An American Werewolf in London, the sexy spoofery of Hollywood Chainsaw Hookers, or the jaw-dropping batshit-craziness of Mystics in Bali.

AN – Lastly, you cover many, many horror films in this book and at over 800 pages – Will we ever see a sequel or possibly a 90s horror cinema book? And what is next for Bryan Senn?

BS – Oh, I’d love to do a sequel book that covers another 88 Eighties gems in-depth (in fact, I’ve already compiled a list, lol). It all depends, however, on how this book does. If enough people show interest in the topic and buy it, my publisher BearManor might just want a follow-up… As to what’s next, right now I’m nearly finished with my current writing project—a book on… get this… cats in horror cinema! Lol. I’m a lifelong cat lover, so this is a purr-fect project for me (groan).

AN – Thank you, Bryan, for taking the time to share with us today.

BS – Thank you, Anthony. I greatly appreciate the interest. And remember… EIGHTIES RULES!!! (lol)

The horror genre has changed many times over the past century, especially in film, from the old black-and-white monster films of the 30s and 40s to Sci-Fi horror of the 50s and 60s to satan-themed films and box-office blockbusters of the 1970s. However, it was in 1978 when director John Carpenter released his iconic horror film, Halloween, the first mainstream slasher film. Since then, Hollywood has made a tidal wave of slasher films, reaching the heights of Halloween.

Sean Cunningham’s 1980 iconic slasher film, Friday the 13th, would do just that. Literally 100s of these types of films were released from 1978 through the 1980s, until they somewhat ran out of steam by the early 1990s. However, Wes Craven would spark a new tidal wave with his box-office hit Scream in 1996 and would later spawn many sequels (seven as of this writing, with Part 8 currently in pre-production).

Wes Craven is known for many classic horror films, but it was in 1984 that he took the slasher film sub-genre by storm! He literally took it to a level never seen before in cinema history. Wes brought terror not only to the movie screen in 1984, but into our nightmares! A Nightmare on Elm Street broke box-office records, introduced a new type of horror in which the victim dies in their sleep, and, in the process, Wes created a new type of boogeyman. His name was Freddy Krueger, and character actor Robert Englund portrayed him perfectly!

These films would not only dominate the box office in the 1980s and early 1990s, but also create a Pop Culture icon recognized around the world to this very day. Wes Craven made horror film history with his new creation, and the maniacal Freddy Krueger certainly earned his seat at the head table of iconic horror madmen.

I saw the film, A Nightmare On Elm Street in 1984…

I was 13 years old. The film scared the socks off of me! I became a fan instantly. My bedroom walls were covered with Freddy’s posters alongside those of other film legends. I looked forward to each sequel that came out in theaters to see the latest adventures of Freddy’s nightmares. I bought merchandise and played the soundtracks over and over. Yeah, I was a fan, just like millions around the world.

In 1990, I would have the honor and pleasure of meeting Robert Englund at the first Annual Horror Hall of Fame. He was genuinely kind to all his fans.

With such an iconic character and a classic horror film like A Nightmare on Elm Street, it would be obvious that someday someone would sit down and write a book sharing the history, behind-the-scenes stories, and tales from the set about not only this film but the entire franchise.

Well-known author Wayne Byrne has done just that. His bestseller, YOU CAN’T KILL THE BOOGEYMAN: The Ongoing Halloween Saga, tells the stories and history of the Halloween franchise. However, before that, Wayne released a book about the Nightmare on Elm Street franchise, which is also a great read.

WELCOME TO ELM STREET is a collection of behind-the-scenes stories, tales from the movie sets, and interviews with the cast and crew of every film in the Nightmare on Elm Street franchise. There is even a chapter on the Freddy’s Nightmares TV series, which I particularly found interesting. There are rare behind-the-scenes photos throughout the book as well.

Wayne has a very special kind of narrative. When he writes about this specific subject and genre, you can feel the excitement and fandom in his words. I thought I knew a lot about The Nightmare on Elm Street franchise, but there was information in this book I’d never heard of! This information really impressed me. Wayne dug deep, got the true stories from the movie sets, and brought information not only about the finished films but also about what it really took to make them—the blood, sweat, and tears. More often than not, horror wasn’t taken as seriously as a genre as it is today. Just as much work goes into these films as any. This year (2026), three horror films took home Oscars from the Academy Awards.

WELCOME TO ELM STREET…I highly recommend this book to those who love the Nightmare franchise and want to relive the excitement, or to those who are new to viewing these films and want the inside scoop on what it took to make them. Each page offers an entertaining, interesting, informative, and exciting perspective on these movies… which inspired me to rewatch the entire franchise.

I had the honor and pleasure of speaking with author Wayne Byrne about his book, WELCOME TO ELM STREET: Inside the Film and Television Nightmares—an exclusive interview.

Anthony W. Northrup – Thank you, Wayne, for joining us today. Let’s begin by sharing what you’ve been up to since the release of your book, Welcome To Elm Street: Inside the Film and Television Nightmares, in 2022.
Wayne Byrne – Thanks for having me, Anthony. Well, I’ve been extremely busy since then. I have published five books since Welcome to Elm Street, including Walter Hill: The Cinema of a Hollywood Maverick, Roy H. Wagner: A Cinematographer’s Life Beyond the Shadows, You Can’t Kill the Boogeyman: The Ongoing Halloween Saga – 13 Films and Counting, and two collaborations with Amanda Kramer (from The Psychedelic Furs) which are music oriented – Hired Guns: Portraits of Women in Alternative Music, and The Evolution of American Film Music, 1960s – 1990s. The latter is releasing in a few weeks, so I’m in the middle of promoting it right now. And I’m also finishing up two other books, one of which is a look at class and culture in American Cinema of the late twentieth century; I’m co-writing that with my friend Carolina Cioara, and that is more of a sociological and analytical book, which is the approach I took with Welcome to Elm Street. However, there is also a lot of production documentation in there, as you know. And I’m also finishing up a follow-up to Hired Guns with Amanda, this time focusing on male touring musicians, which should be titled Instrumental Voices. So Yeah, I really need a holiday!

AN – Take us back to your youth when you first saw the film, A NIGHTMARE ON ELM STREET in 1984. What was your reaction to the over-the-top, larger-than-life looking out at you from the screen…Freddy Krueger?
WB – I first encountered Freddy Krueger in 1988. With my father’s help (because I was five years old), I was able to rent A Nightmare on Elm Street 3: Dream Warriors, which had just come out on VHS. I was aware of Freddy as a kind of cultural icon because by 1988, he was everywhere; he wasn’t just a horror-movie boogeyman. There was a budget shop in my hometown called Donal’s Walkaround, and it was like what you might call a “Dollar Store” in the States. They used to sell Freddy toys and merchandise aimed at kids, such as these squeezable rubber Fred-heads that you filled with water and used like water pistols, and then there were the Freddy lunchboxes and these cool Freddy decal stickers. Which, of course, I would always ask my mother to buy me. So, by the time I saw my first Nightmare on Elm Street movie at five years of age, I was already familiar with the image of Freddy Krueger. My reaction was one of absolute joy and fascination. I loved being scared by Freddy and the way the filmmakers used music to create this atmosphere of dread and surrealism, but I also loved the world of Elm Street; there was something about the way they were shot and presented to us that really intrigued me. To put it in context, I was growing up in Ireland, so I was most familiar with constant rain and grey skies as our standard weather, but seeing this lovely middle-class midwestern town of Springwood resplendent in blue skies and sunshine, with its tree-lined suburban white picket fence houses, it felt like some exotic land far, far away. And yet, I could somehow relate to that milieu, albeit in my more modest County Kildare version of it. The juxtaposition of that bright and well-manicured environment with the darkness that Freddy brings and the sins that exist behind those white picket fences really fascinated my young brain.

AN – What do you feel makes Freddy so different and legendary compared to Jason, Michael, or Leatherface?
WB – The difference is personality. Those other villains are silent. But Freddy Krueger is hugely verbal. Also he is self-aware, and he uses a winking, witty sense of humour in providing a kind of meta commentary over the proceedings, whilst also representing something deeply troubling – think of all the things that he is a symbol of: trauma, divorce, abuse, addiction, ignorance … all the sins of the parents that the children of Elm Street are now suffering for. So, a lot is going on in Freddy Krueger. Wes Craven was a deeply intelligent filmmaker and put a lot of heavy themes within this character. He presents a lot of discourse for viewers willing to engage with those intellectual themes and subtexts. And as you progress through the franchise, you discover his backstory, which is very much rooted in some dark and disturbing goings on in this idyllic small midwestern community. But the other essential ingredient is Robert Englund. Robert is one of the greatest actors and is also a wonderful raconteur in real life; he is a big personality even when you are talking to him one-on-one. And after having conversations with him, I really understood why Freddy Krueger became as iconic as he did, because Robert injected him with such a complex personality; he brings immense charm and turns on the menace as required.

AN – Let’s talk about your book, Welcome To Elm Street: Inside the Film and Television Nightmares. When and how did this book first come about? What inspired you to take on one of the biggest horror franchises in cinema history?
WB – Well, it is all because of my first book and how I ended up being an accidental writer because of that. I was given the chance to choose a subject when a publisher wanted to work with me more. My debut book was The Cinema of Tom DiCillo: Include Me Out, and that was an absolute passion project. If I had only released one book, I would have been happy with that. It was published by a prestigious house, Columbia University Press, and that carried some importance when I eventually went elsewhere to write further books. I had no intention of having a writing career; I was not even that big a reader. Films were always Text to me; I would consume films in place of books, and so I learned storytelling and structure through cinema. We often hear from famous writers and from the industry that to be a writer you must read a lot…well, no, not necessarily, because I’m an example of not having to do that. And when I did read anything, it was usually film history and criticism books, but it certainly wasn’t often. But in doing that first book, I discovered that editors and publishers appreciated my writing. And I also discovered that I really enjoyed doing the press stuff for the book; getting to be featured in these high-end newspapers and magazines was a lot of fun and quite a surreal thrill. Never in my wildest dreams did I think I would be featured in The Irish Times for having written a book. To this day, I still love doing promo work, which is probably blasphemous for an author or artist to say. But to me, the promo is the fun part of it all, because the hard work is done, and now I’m just getting to talk about the book. How hard is that, right? So, I thought, “Wow, I like this writing thing! Maybe I’ll keep going.” So, after having published a book on my favorite director, I decided to do a book on my favorite actor, Burt Reynolds (Burt Reynolds on Screen). And during the making of that, I struck up a friendship with Burt’s dear friend, the great director of photography Nick McLean, and then we ended up working together on a book (Nick McLean: The Life and Works of a Hollywood Cinematographer). That was totally unintentional, but such was our camaraderie and my love of his work that it felt natural. So, now I’m three books in and my publisher told me they really liked working with me and if I had any other books in mind they would be more than happy to hear them out and offer a contract. So, now I’m being asked, rather than being the one asking, and straight away I think “Elm Street!” What informed my choices were subjects that I’m deeply involved with personally, and Elm Street was such a huge part of my childhood; it was part of who I am and part of my love of movies. But it was also an opportunity to discuss the sociological aspects of the films that have fascinated me all these years. That’s how I ended up writing Welcome to Elm Street. Sorry for the long story, but the context of how I ended up having the opportunity to do it is key to my doing it.

AN – Were there any challenges while writing this book or reaching out to cast/crew for interviews for the book? If so, what were they?
WB – It was quite smooth. These are things I’ve been thinking about and wanting to say about these films for years, decades even, so getting them down on paper isn’t a challenge. The only challenge in doing a franchise book like this is that many of the people you hope to interview are those who are making a living on the convention circuit, where every interaction is monetised, so their time is monetised. Some of them have extended that to doing interviews for serious books like this. So, I would receive price lists. I found this very strange, and of course, I wasn’t going to pay anyone for an interview, nor would my publisher. If you pay one person, then you’d have to pay them all. That’s just not the way writing books works. Unfortunately, I had to say “no” to anyone who presented a price list, so they aren’t in the book.

AN – There were many interesting behind-the-scenes facts that I didn’t know it took to make these films. While doing your research, what fun fact did you find most interesting?
WB – There were so many interesting things that it’s hard to pin one down, but I’ll be a little self-indulgent and tell you about my personal favorite thing I learned. It has nothing to do with the production side of things on Elm Street, but everything to do with Robert Englund. When we were talking after our interview about the films, he began telling me about his love for coming to Ireland. He recommended one of his favorite Dublin restaurants, which I’m familiar with. It’s called ‘The Winding Stair’, and it sits along the banks of the River Liffey, which divides Dublin City into North and South sides. Robert told me about the fish and wine that he loves to order while sitting at his favorite window table from which he can observe the Liffey and the city going about its business. Every time I get a bus home from Dublin, the bus stop is literally right across the road from The Winding Stair, and I often think that on any given night, Freddy Krueger himself could be that silhouette sitting at the window enjoying some fine Irish cuisine. That was a fun story for me to hear because I’m so familiar with that restaurant and that part of town, and I never would have thought that it was a favored haunt of Robert Englund.

AN – Which interview for the book did you find exciting, not just as an author, but as a fan of the franchise?
WB – Robert was, of course, a wonderful interview. So generous in his time and thoughts. And he really met me on all those intellectual ideas I had on the films and wanted to discuss. He sees the films in a very similar way, and he would because he had all those discussions with Wes early on. And it was surreal too because Robert actually asked me for a copy of my Burt Reynolds book, as his earliest screen role was in Burt’s great neo noir film Hustle. Robert plays the hood who shoots Burt at the end. So, Robert has the distinction of being one of the few people to kill Burt Reynolds in a film, which, of course, I discuss in that book. And I heard back that he really enjoyed my Burt book. All the interviews were fascinating to conduct. They were all very lovely people, and they appreciated the questions I asked and the angle from which I was coming. I have great memories of them all. Tuesday Knight made me blush when she said I was “cute”, which I presume she meant in a puppy dog kind of way. Production designer Mick Strawn, who also wrote my foreword, is the funniest guy in the room. He had some really hilarious stories, and among them came some heavy subtext about the stress he endured while working on those movies and the TV show Freddy’s Nightmares. The workload did sound like a nightmare. And I really enjoyed speaking to anyone from that because there was so little information out there on that, and I really love it. Bobby Lesser was such a fun interview, and there was a bit of a personal connection there; I met him through my friend Amanda Kramer, as her mother (the actress Beverly Dennis) was friends with Bobby and his wife Annie Bardach. And I really enjoyed speaking with Chuck Russell, and the reason for that is, like Robert, he too liked to discuss the thematic ideas that I was bringing to my analysis of that film; some people you interview are more production oriented, they’ll tell you about the craft and industry aspects of it all, and others are willing to discuss the themes and subtexts. And that kind of sums up my books: they are part production and part thematic analysis. But Chuck went there with me to talk about the psychological and sociological ideas behind A Nightmare on Elm Street 3, and I loved that. Those were my two favorite chapters to work on. And I met some good friends through it as well – I met Elm Street 3 director of photography Roy Wagner, and I ended up writing a book with him (Roy H. Wagner: A Cinematographer’s Life Beyond the Shadows). I became friends with the assistant director of that film, Dennis Maguire. As you know from reading it, those guys did not hold back in detailing the trouble that production endured and the huge effort involved in getting it finished. It was fascinating for me to document it.

AN – The Freddy’s Nightmares chapter was extremely interesting. Did you watch that series growing up, or visit it while researching the book? Are there any current horror films you feel would make an entertaining television series? If so, which franchise and why?
WB – Well, here’s a fun fact. As a concept, this book began as a Freddy’s Nightmares book. That was my first thought when my publisher asked what I wanted to write about next. I wanted to do a deep dive into the entire television series again because I loved it so much, and it was so hard to find any background material on it. But thankfully, my wise commissioning editor told me that a book on the entire franchise might be more commercially sensible and still give me the opportunity to discuss Freddy’s Nightmare in-depth. My initial love of Elm Street is probably more to do with Freddy’s Nightmares than the films, because that started as a Sky TV broadcast back in 1988 or 1989. It would be screened at midnight, just when I’d be going to bed. I would have my dad record it for me, and then I would watch it religiously on a Saturday morning. So, instead of Saturday morning cartoons, I had Saturday morning Freddy’s Nightmares. I would say that seeing Freddy’s Nightmares, A Nightmare on Elm Street 3, and A Nightmare on Elm Street 4, all around the same period of 1988/89, is responsible for my love of the franchise, and they are really responsible for my writing this book. To be honest, I’m not familiar with contemporary horror franchises beyond hearing their titles from time to time; nor am I familiar with any contemporary cinema, for that matter. My head is firmly in the past, in the history of cinema generally pre-Millennium. In saying that, I could picture something like The Leprechaun franchise as a fun TV show, but it would have to be Warwick Davis, as, like Robert Englund, he is what truly makes that character work, and it is because of the personality he brings to it.

AN – Your attention and coverage of the music used in the film was a fantastic treat. However, one song you didn’t cover and would like your opinion on is “Love Kills” by Vinnie Vincent Invasion (who later formed the Heavy Metal band, Slaughter). Can you share your thoughts on this song and music video for the film?
WB – Thank you! That was a big interest for me, as someone who plays music and grew up with a lot of music around me. I had four older siblings, and there are some big age gaps between them, so I grew up in the 80s and 90s hearing a wide variety of music. From my brother’s room, I could hear hard rock, from my sisters, I could hear U2, Sinead O’Connor, Luther Vandross, Fleetwood Mac, The Bee Gees…all sorts of stuff. And then I was consuming all these soundtracks as well, which are part of my musical awakening, so I really wanted to dig into the musical culture of the Elm Street franchise. I like Love Kills. It has the perfect tone for the Elm Street world with that processed semi- acoustic minor key arpeggio picking in the verses; it kind of reminds me of the guitar in the verses of the Goo Goo Dolls song I’m Awake Now from Freddy’s Dead. The video Love Kills is a lot of fun, and it really emphasises how much A Nightmare on Elm Street 4: The Dream Master was “The MTV Nightmare” and how the franchise eventually leaned into these great compilation soundtracks drawing from pop, new wave, and rock bands.

AN – Do you feel horror has earned its respect, so to speak, in cinema with three horror films winning Academy Awards this year? Do you prefer modern horror or the cheesy horror films of the 80s and 90s?
WB – I’m completely out of the loop with modern horror. The only contemporary horror that I’ve seen is the last three Halloween films, which turned out to be a wise decision as I ended up having to write about them in my Halloween franchise book. But, knowing that horror is finally being recognized by the industry and the mainstream is wonderful to hear, because I’ve been saying for years, both when I’m boring people about it in the pub over pints, and when I’m writing about in my books, that horror is the greatest genre for delivering relevant social, psychological, and political issues to viewers. Sometimes it reaches viewers who might not watch a more explicitly sociological or political film, but good horror cinema wraps its themes up in such an entertaining way that it can really slip some deep and dark themes through to its viewers in a subtle or subliminal way. And that is what Robert told me he thinks is the ultimate power of Elm Street – that we sit there with the lights off and popcorn, enjoying this incredibly entertaining monster show, all the while we are consuming themes that ruminate upon societal ills and the psychological malaise. It is incredibly powerful when done well, as the Elm Street franchise did. The whole reason I’m interested in sociology and analyzing cinema through a sociological lens is because of the way Wes Craven delivered those themes in A Nightmare on Elm Street, and how other filmmakers carried them throughout the franchise.

AN – Here is the question that everyone wants to know… Who won: Freddy or Jason? *laugh.
WB – Ha, the real winner was the box office!

AN – For someone who grew up in that era of slasher films, describe your thoughts on what it was like for you going to the movie theater or video store and watching the latest sequel to, not just the Freddy franchise, but also the Jason Voorhees and Michael Myers films as well.
WB – Oh, the video store was my film school. I can’t begin to describe how important the video stores were to me, but also the attendant element of my father being so supportive of my interest in films that he would rent these movies for me, which informed my love and passion for cinema. And these would be movies not for my age group: A Nightmare on Elm Street, Halloween, Friday the 13th, Lethal Weapon, Death Wish, Cobra, etc. Without all of that, I would never have become a writer. I distinctly remember renting the VHS of Halloween 4, Halloween 5, Friday the 13th Part 7, and Friday the 13th Part 8 when they were all newly released. One of my favorite moments from any horror franchise is the opening credits sequence to Friday the 13th Part 8: Jason Takes Manhattan, because of the images of late-80s New York and that amazing song, The Darkest Side of the Night, by Metropolis. I fucking love the production and guitar sound on that. I remember seeing that opening sequence and thinking it was so different form the usual way that Friday the 13th films opened – instead of the camera creeping around some dark rural campground it opens with the wide vista of the big city followed by a montage featuring Times Square and various city streets, New York in all its grime and glory, at once dingy and impeccably decadent. The movie theatre was also crucial; one of my most cherished memories was my very first visit to the cinema, and that was for Masters of the Universe, which was released here in Ireland in 1988. I saw it at the Dara Cinema in Naas, and I will never forget it. Probably the greatest and most important experience of my life. Certainly, the most influential.

AN – Lastly, you have now written books about Freddy Krueger and the A Nightmare on Elm Street franchise, and Michael Myers and the Halloween franchise. So, will you take on Jason Voorhees and the Friday the 13th franchise, or Leatherface and The Texas Chainsaw Massacre franchise? In other words, what is next for Wayne Byrne?
WB – Haha, I don’t think so. There’s already a great book out on the Friday the 13th franchise called Crystal Lake Memories by Peter Bracke. And as for Leatherface, I like the first three films, but after that, I wouldn’t have enough interest in the franchise to spend the time and energy it takes to do these kinds of books. You really have to love the subject to invest that much of yourself into it, and I just wouldn’t have that for the entire Texas Chainsaw franchise. I recently signed a publishing deal for a book that will be examining the Living Dead movies. Still, it won’t necessarily be a franchise book in the way my Elm Street and Halloween books are, as I will be covering George Romero’s entire career, but using the Living Dead films as the narrative pillars of that arc. And I’m also in talks with some publishers about doing a book on Woody Allen movies. Still, a very specific set of his films, namely what I call his “Middle Serious Ones”, which is kind of a facetious reference to his “Early Funny Ones” – so I am mainly interested in his more dramatic works from the 80s. So, that and maybe some other projects are all in various stages of development. And I really do need time off. I’ve been pounding out books since 2017, and I worked on my first book for 5 years before it was published. But certainly, since 2017 it has been non-stop for me, but I’m at the point now where I’m happy with what I have contributed to the literary world and to film history, so after these next few books I might just sit back and smell the roses … or smell the wine! Maybe that will be for good, or maybe just until I’m inspired to pick up the pen once again. One doesn’t really retire from art in the traditional sense of retirement. Who knows? We’ll see.

AN – Thank you, Wayne, for taking the time to give this fun and very inspiring interview regarding your book.
WB – Thanks again for having me, Anthony. It’s always a pleasure talking shop with a fellow writer. I hope I offered some decent insights into why I did the Elm Street book. It is a book that truly means a lot to me for various reasons.

AN – WELCOME TO ELM STREET: Inside The Film And Television Nightmares is such a vital read for anyone who loves these films, and everything we didn’t realize went into the making of our favorite razor-gloved fiend…Freddy Krueger

When it comes to the next generation of authors, certain names come to mind: H.G. Well’s son, Anthony West, Roald Dahl’s daughter, Tessa Dahl, Stephen King’s two sons, Joe Hill and Owen King, and Richard Chizmar’s son…William “Billy” Chizmar.

Billy, as he’s known to his friends, has quite an impressive list of credits to his name. He’s worked with his father, best-selling author Richard Chizmar, on various books and films such as Widow’s Point, Murder House, Trapped, and several short story collections, and Billy has written many short stories of his own, the release of THEM is his “debut novel” and sure terrorize you, establishing his name further in the literary world.

THEM is a science fiction/horror story uniquely told through the eyes of a lone survivor of an apocalyptic America after a secret government project gone wrong, and through a series of flashbacks that explain how the initial project started and how it went off course.

While attempting to transport matter across the universe, the government hopes to encounter alien lifeforms. What they don’t anticipate is THEM…a life form that takes over Earth, eating and killing any living being in its path! A lone survivor treks up the East Coast in hopes of finding other survivors and looking for the answers he seeks. His journey takes him through an aftermath that’s more frightening than he could have imagined.

THEM has amazingly detailed art that further enhances the story. It lends to the experience of what the reader sees and feels. As the first novel by W. H. Chizmar, I can only imagine he will have the reader looking for more of his stories, and we all hope that will happen soon.

I found the story an interesting mix of science fiction and horror, which was also suspenseful and terrifying. William Chizmar had all the ingredients that made it the perfect alien invasion. The story is detailed and realistic enough to paint a desolate future. I found myself hoping this scenario would never come true.

As a debut novelist, William Chizmar not only brings the story full circle but leaves enough to the imagination that perhaps there could be more to come. We’ll have to wait and see.

For those who love a good science fiction/horror read, this book is for you. THEM by author W. H. Chizmar.

I wanted to recommend bookstores and online booksellers as I generally do that, however, when I went online to do so I found that all the sites I visited were SOLD OUT. That’s a sign of a GREAT book. Hopefully, there will be more books available soon in other stores/online. Keep checking for a paperback that may be released as well.

I had the honor and privilege of interviewing W. H. Chizmar (Billy) and discussing his thoughts on his new novel, THEM…

Anthony Northrup – Your latest new book release is called, THEM! What can you tell us about this latest tale without spoilers?
William Chizmar – THEM is the first novel I’ve ever written, but it’s right in my comfort zone. There are a handful of little people and a “whole lot of big monsters” wallowing in the end of the world, just trying to make the best of it.

AN – How long was the writing process and when did you first begin/end?
WC – I started THEM in the spring of 2020, shortly after my penultimate year of college came to a (un)ceremonious end. I’d take my laptop outside once online classes had finished and write for a few hours. I can’t remember exactly when the story of the Scorpions first began, but I was captivated by them immediately. A very rusty short draft was completed by summer’s end, which I printed out and carried around in my briefcase my whole senior year, pulling it out and marking it up whenever I had a spare half-hour. I continued to make revisions after I graduated, however, my then-untitled novel fell to the wayside once I began to focus on my Patreon page and the accompanying short stories. Yet, I never stopped thinking about it. In 2023, THEM debuted on my Patreon page via monthly serials, and Lividian’s limited version coming in September will feature even more corrections and additions made that winter.

AN – The book is told in two narratives. Why did you choose to tell the tale in that form?
WC – It didn’t feel like my choice. The story arrived as two distinct voices from the same sorry world, from the moment I started. It’s a book about difference and commonality, and it needed those parallel tracks for the reader to follow and watch derail.

AN – I had a very strong “creature-feature” vibe the whole time I read the book. What type of research did you do for this book? Did you watch old black & white creature feature films to prepare for it? If so, which were they, and which are your favorites?
WC – Big time. 1954′s THEM! is high on the list, of course. I borrowed the giant-killer-ant movie’s title (minus the excellent, enthralling punctuation), and it was the second true creature feature I saw as a kid, right behind the original version of The Blob. Tarantula, Godzilla, and King Kong, all come to mind as visually influential films, along with more modern ones like The Host, Cloverfield, and Jaws. As for reading research, H.G. Wells’s War of the Worlds, Stinger by Robert McCammon, Stephen King’s The Mist, the works of W.B. Yeats, Cormac McCarthy’s The Road, Birdbox by Josh Malerman, Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein, and I Am Legend by Richard Matheson each were particularly insightful into monsters and apocalypse throughout literary history.

AN – I also noticed a lot of nods to Stephen King and his works throughout the book. Die-hard fans will catch this. Was this on purpose and are you a big Stephen King fan?
WC – For sure! King is one of many authors I give a few nods to. All authors are, on some level, thieves, and I feel it’s best to admit when you’re trying to build off their words. Off the top of my head, I think there are also allusions to William Faulkner, Kate Chopin, Cormac McCarthy, James Joyce, and a few others if you can find them!

AN – I also felt there may have been some influence from Stephen King’s The Mist. Is that safe to say?
WC – Yes! One of the main characters even mentions reading The Mist and later watching Frank Darabont’s adaptation. I wrote a paper in my junior year of college comparing King and Darabont’s versions through an environmentally critical lens. It was one of my better ones, and many ideas I elaborated on would inform my writing of THEM.

AN – This feels a little like an open-ended story. Will we see a sequel anytime, or possibly a film adaptation?
WC – I know what the sequel will entail when I write it, but that’s a big “when!” I’m in no rush for now, and there are plenty of other stories asking for my attention. As for a film adaptation, I haven’t thought that far!

AN – There are some frightening and creepy scenes in this book. Were there any scenes in particular that you enjoyed writing most? If so, what were they?
WC – The very first few pages. The first time the man sees the Nightwalker (actually, anything with the Nightwalker). The Metro tunnels. The Epilogue.

AN – This book has a limited number of copies printed. Will fans be able to get a chance to get this book another time with a larger reprint? If so, when can they expect it?
WC – I’m hoping for some movement on the paperback front once the limited edition gets out in people’s hands. No news yet!

AN – What would you want readers to take away from reading and experiencing your story?
WC – I’d like them to think about what’s special and what isn’t special about being human.

AN – Lastly, what’s next for Billy Chizmar?
WC – As for what’s next? I’ve locked myself in the Widow’s Point lighthouse once again writing with my dad, the salt, and the ghosts.

We certainly look forward to returning to Widow’s Point, William, and hopefully seeing a sequel to THEM. Until then, continue checking online for new release dates for a reprinting of THEM by author W. H. Chizmar

Who could have imagined that fifty years on, author Stephen King’s writing career would become a veritable universe of its own. From websites, fan clubs, fan pages on social media, film festivals, and entire book clubs dedicated to his work alone, one could discover something new indefinitely. There are even writers and webmasters who call themselves Stephen King ‘scholars’.

They not only read Stephen King’s works, watch his many books made into films and television adaptations, they study, analize, and many times go into great detail about his work as any great scholar often does. Stephen Spignesi, Bev Vincent, Robin Furth, the late Rocky Wood, Dave Hinchberger, Glenn Chadborne, Tyson Blue, Kevin Quigley, Joe Maddrey, and myself, are several of these ”scholars’ who just seem to thrive in the Stephen King universe.

However, there is one among us who has not only studied King’s works, but brings the ‘constant reader’ the latest Stephen King news as it happens. This would be Hans-Ake Lilja. Hans is a native of Sweden, who also resides there as well. He’s also the creator, and head writer of the very popular and informational webpage, LILJA’S LIBRARY. Hans shares Stephen King news, books, films, and has conversations with Stephen King fans all around the world! Hans has three books published which are all about this fascinating writer, but has had the distinct pleasure of meeting with Stephen King on more than one occasion on which he interviewed Mr. King. To meet this esteemed author once is lucky, but to have done so more than that, it’s a fan and fellow writer’s dream come true!

Hans has a new book that’s just been released, STEPHEN KING: Not Just Horror. Here is my review of this new publication, and…I feel very privileged to bring you this interview with Hans-Ake Lila.

There are so many books written about author Stephen King. His works, his life, his films, trivia books, and even one about his Dollar Baby Program (by yours truly), but Hans-Ake Lilja’s new book, STEPHEN KING: Not Just Horror, takes us in a different direction than the usual books about King’s works. In this new book, Hans discusses more about the man himself. He talks about the more personal side to Stephen King. Inside this book, you’ll learn about those who King has collaborated with, such as his sons Joe and Owen, author Peter Straub, and author Richard Chizmar.

Hans also talks about how Stephen King has written a children’s book (although this children’s book is no fairy tale). Stephen King is not just a writer, but an actor, director, and musician, and Hans delves into these three areas as well. There’s also a section that discusses Stephen King’s over 40 years as a published writer, and how he has impacted the literary world.

Although, I thoroughly enjoyed this book cover to cover, it was the two chapters with Hans’ exclusive interviews with King I particularly enjoyed. Hans asks questions in these interviews that are not only professionally related, but he does ask some more personal ones as well. He asks what the fans would want to ask. I enjoyed the joking and light-heartedness in the way Hans asked, and King answered these questions. Hans really gets King to open up, and that sometimes seems to be a rare thing. Hans has packed a plethora of information into this new book. I really enjoyed this book, and it made for a very entertaining, as well as informative read.

I highly recommend that anyone who enjoys Stephen King, or for anyone who loves to find out new trivia, points of interest, and great facts on different persons of interest, that you purchase your own exclusive copy of STEPHEN KING: Not Just Horror, by author Hans-Ake Lilja…available at bookstores, and booksellers online, and at Amazon,com

I hope you enjoy this interview with the author Hans-Ake Lilja. It’s my express pleasure to bring it to you.

Anthony Northrup – Thank you Hans for joining us today. Let’s begin with sharing with us a little about yourself? When did you first discover the works of Stephen King (books/films)?
HL – - Back in 1983 I was 13 and got my first King book (Carrie) as a Christmas present. My parents thought I read too much comics and wanted me to read a book instead. Not sure why they picked Carrie as a starter, but they did! I read it and liked it but still thought comics were the thing. Some time later I had to do a book report in school and since I had only read one book prior (Carrie by King) I checked out King in the library and found Cujo with its cool cover and picked that one. After reading that one I was hooked and read every book I could find that was translated into Swedish. And when I had done that I read everyone I could find in English (starting with Dark Tower 3), and I never looked back.

AN – Was it hard to find Stephen King books in your country growing up? Since the Internet and social media weren’t around back then, how did you find out about the latest Stephen King news (book and film releases)?
HL – You could find them in Sweden pretty easily, but the problem was that it took years to translate them so we were always behind the US. Dark Tower 3 took 15 years to get translated. Not that we know that back in the 80’s though. And the way we found out about new books was by checking the bookstore and one day when you walked in there was a new book on the shelf. Same for movies. Often we found out about them when they arrived at the cinemas or in the video store.

AN – You had an opportunity to meet and speak with Stephen King a few times. What was the first thing that popped in your mind when he agreed to speak with you in your first Stephen King interview? Were you more, or less nervous the second time you interviewed him?
HL – “Is this really going to happen?” I think it was the first thing but then I got very focused on the questions. I know I would have time to ask quite a few but still wanted to ask the right one. I was less nervous the second time, still nervous but less than the first time.

AN – How would you best describe Stephen King to those fans who don’t get the opportunity to meet him?
HL – You know how you say don’t meet your heroes; they might not live up to your expectations, meaning maybe they are idiots? Well, King is the hero you do want to meet. He is very kind, humble and down to earth. He was very easy to talk to.

AN – Let’s talk about your new book, STEPHEN KING: Not Just Horror. How did this project get started, and how long was the process?
HL – My Swedish publisher wanted me to write a book about King (something I had thought about myself) but to do it I wanted to find an angle that was new. I didn’t want to write a book about a King that already existed. Like the great books by Bev Vincent for example. If that was what they wanted they could just buy the translation rights for Bev’s books. But then I realized that what people get most surprised about when I do lectures about King is that he writes stuff that isn’t horror. That in turn led to the idea for the book. And as the title says, I wanted to get people aware that King does other things than horror. Once I had the angle I wrote the book pretty quick. Maybe in a few months.

AN – How does this book differ from your other books about King?
HL – Quite a lot I would say. My first book, Lilja’s Library – The World of Stephen King: The Book (2010) is a collection of reviews and interviews from my site. The Illustrated Stephen King Movie Trivia book (2013) I wrote with Kevin Quigley and Brian Freeman and it’s a trivia book. Shining in the Dark (2017) is a collection of stories by other authors that I edited. So compared to those first three books you might say that Not Just Horror is the first book that is all me. All my books are quite different from each other.

AN – What can fans look forward to who want to pick up a copy of your new book?
HL – They get an easy read book about stuff that King has done that isn’t horror. Hopefully they learn something new and get entertained on the way.

AN – What chapter did you enjoy writing most and why?
HL – This is hard. They were all fun in their own way, but I think I enjoyed the Rock star chapter the most. I learned a lot about The Rock Bottom Remainders when I wrote that.

AN – Stephen King will be celebrating 50 years this year as a published writer, and the 50th anniversary of his bestseller, CARRIE. What are your thoughts on this amazing milestone anniversary, and thoughts on CARRIE the novel?
HL – It’s some time since I read that book but it’s next on my reading list (how could you not read that book this year?). I do remember it as a good debut novel though, and I look forward to reading it again. I think it’s amazing that King has been publishing books for 50 years and that I was here to experience it.

AN – Your webpage, Lilja’s Library, is the leading website for all information about Stephen King and latest news. How does that make you feel personally, bringing fans news and updates about the world’s greatest writer?
HL – It feels great. I had no idea how big the site would be 28 years ago when I created it. And the fun thing is that when I created it I was just creating the site I wanted to read. I didn’t find it, so I created it, and then when I realized that a lot of others felt the same way I knew I was doing something right. I hope to keep going for many more years and maybe celebrate with something fun in 2 years when the site celebrates its 30-year anniversary.

AN – You have another new book about Stephen King coming out. Share with us what you can about that, and when we can expect it? When will it be in English and/or available in America? Will you be writing more books about King or possibly about his sons, Joe and Owen?
HL – Yes, my next book is called Stephen King: Stories From Five Decades of Storytelling and focuses on the fact that King celebrates 50 years as a published author this year. Its format is similar to Not Just Horror, but its content is divided into 5 sections, each focusing on one of the 5 decades he has been active. It’s being released in Swedish on April 4, and I hope to have it out in the US during the year as well. I don’t know any details, yes but that is the plan.

AN – Lastly, besides the obvious, what do you enjoy most about Stephen King the man? What is next for Hans-Ake Lilja? Where can readers pick up a copy of STEPHEN KING: Not Just Horror ?
HL – As for Stephen King the man I really like is that he is still a down to earth man even though he is famous. I love that he continues to write stories that we can read, and I hope that he continues for many, many years to come. For myself I have a new book coming out, Not Just Horror is spreading around the world, and I have a bunch of lectures on Stephen King coming up, so I’ll stay busy. Not Just Horror can be found wherever you buy your books… So go get it

AN – We certainly look forward to all your future projects Hans. Thank you so much for joining us today! Stephen King fans, and constant readers alike can pick up a copy of STEPHEN KING:Not Just Horror, at all your favorite book stores, online booksellers, Amazon.com & Bear Manor Media Publishing webpage and don’t forget to Follow Lilja’s Library

Imagine, a warm summer’s Saturday night in the early 1980′s. At the local theater excitement fills the air, everyone is anxiously awaiting the lights to dim, the curtains to pull back, the previews to finish, and for the main feature to begin. Finally, the entire theater is quiet, all eyes fixed forward, and you hold your breath as the larger than life title flashes on the screen…FRIDAY THE 13th!

This is how it was for me. Growing up I was a die hard, serious horror fan. I couldn’t wait for the next big horror movie to come to our local theater. Especially if it was a sequel, and we all knew, even back then there would be a sequel to the original Friday the 13th film. We just didn’t actually know how many. Now, we know there are many, and why? Easy, people loved Jason Voorhees so much they just couldn’t stop the fun with just one film. He was the ultimate slasher since way back when…and with a part 2, well, need I say more?

Ron Henning, author of the book SACKHEAD: The Definitive Retrospective on FRIDAY THE 13th PART 2 (2023), and I have something in common. Way back when, although we didn’t know one another growing up, we watched FRIDAY THE 13th films late at night on cable television when our parents were asleep…and with part 2, Ron was as hooked as I was!

We didn’t have streaming channels, DVD’s, and VHS cassettes weren’t quite yet a part of the home entertainment mainstream until the early1980′s (until video stores became a thing). No, if you wanted to rewatch your favorite film you either went right back to the movie theater again, or you waited until it was on HBO, Showtime, The Movie Channel, or Cinemax. I did this a million times, and apparently so did Ron Henning.

I’ve been a serious and dedicated Friday The 13th fan for over 40 years now. Since I was a 9 year old boy I was hooked! So hooked, I was ready to go to Camp Crystal Lake if there actually would have been one. Instead, I rewatched the films hundreds of times. Whenever there was a ‘making of’, or a documentary film, or book, as with any good Voorhees fan, I was front and center. I had to have it all And, you could relate to anyone who knew this slasher villain, he was known worldwide. I mean, what a concept…a masked killer,in a summer camp, terrorizing and killing dumb teenagers in their lakeside cabins. It was brilliant, and audiences became more and more curious about Jason, and Camp Crystal Lake. Wait a minute, this is a character in a film who has haunted the dreams of countless movie goers for over 40 years! What was all this fuss over?

Well, author Ron Henning has the answer to that, and many other amazing questions in his new book, SACKHEAD: The Definitive Retrospective On Friday The 13th Part 2. In this wonderful book, Ron discusses his fandom about the second film. He brings us exclusive interviews with the cast, fun facts, trivia, rare photos, and a question/answer section that fans will definitely want to read. Each chapter is entertaining and allows us to look deeper into each character in the film. I found this particularly interesting as some of the characters’ backstories were very detailed.

This book is a real treat for any fan to read, and you can see that Ron has taken his time to bring as much as he can to that fan who thought they might know everything there is to know about…Friday the 13th Part 2. He takes us ‘beyond the lake’ so to speak, and reveals to us a great deal more. This is a book written for fans, by a true fan, and it shows. As a fan of the franchise, you will truly love and appreciate reading this book.

I highly recommend SACKHEAD: The Definitive Retrospective on FRIDAY THE 13th PART 2…By author Ron Henning…Available on Amazon.com…as well as other fine booksellers online…

Now, I hope you will enjoy reading this exclusive interview with author Ron Henning, as much as I enjoyed the opportunity of bringing it to you.

Anthony Northrup – Thank you Ron for joining us today. Let’s begin with telling us a little about yourself.
Ron Henning – I am the founder and Senior Pastor of an evangelical church located in New England. I am also the author of various books on theology and ministry and write and teach extensively on the Scriptures. An ordained pastor, I attended College in Seattle, WA (where I was born and raised) and hold a B.Th. In addition to full-time pastoral ministry, I am a former Marine and 20-year veteran employee at Microsoft.

AN – Share with us the very first fandom moment when you saw the first FRIDAY THE 13th film? What was that experience like, and how old were you at the time?
RH – I wrote about it in the Introduction to my book SACKHEAD: The Definitive Retrospective on F13 PART 2. “Too young to see the movie in the theater upon its initial release, I first saw F13 PART 2 as an impressionable 12-year-old on pay-cable in 1982 (or some time thereabouts) while at a friend’s sleepover. With our two brothers in tow, my best friend and I broke into his father’s locked bedroom (who happened to be away working the graveyard shift) to steal the key that unlocked the cable box. Once our mission of larceny was accomplished, the four of us stayed up late into the night watching the 1981 sequel with great abandonment, hidden behind our pillows, and protected in our sleeping bags. Ever since, each viewing of F13 PART 2 invariably takes me back to that special night; a time when I wore a younger man’s clothes and held tightly to a younger man’s ambitions.”

AN – Your parents didn’t disapprove of you watching an R-Rated film?
RH – They were mindful of what I watched growing up, but not too totalitarian about it. Rated R horror movies that showcased violence or scare were not as frowned upon as, say, films with gratuitous sexual content or coarse language.

AN – Let’s talk about your book, SACKHEAD: The Definitive Retrospective on Friday the 13th Part 2. How, and when did this book come about, and with such a large franchise, why did you start with Part Two instead of Part One?
RH – As a writer, one day I just decided that it would be fun to put my vast knowledge of F13 PART 2 down in print for the benefit of the fandom world. I was reluctant as to how it would be received, but plowed ahead anyway on the gamble that other like minded fans would be as interested in the writeup as I myself (had I not been the writer).

AN – How long was the process of the book from start to finish? What was the response from the fans and those involved?
RH – I studied the film academically for a year, primarily in my role as creator and Admin of the Facebook group dedicated exclusively to the film. I then spent another six months writing the book. As it relates to the fans and the cast, the response to the book has been overwhelmingly positive, boasting a 4.7/5 on Amazon.

AN – In the book, you break each chapter down with fun facts, trivia, interviews, and photos. However, there is a story about each character’s background, and sort of “deleted scenes”, so to speak. Explain a little more about that part of each chapter, and how fun was it going deeper into each character in the film?
RH – Writing the character survey for each character was bitter-sweet. It was bitter in that the fictional writing was terribly difficult for me, especially as I placed on myself a self-imposed limited word count. It was also sweet, however, because I got to ingratiate myself with the character and, in some cases, bring them to life beyond what is written about them in the script or portrayed on the screen.

AN – I really enjoyed the Fun Facts part of each chapter. Was that a challenge to dig up such trivia, and was there any particular “Friday the 13th’ fact even a die hard fan such as yourself didn’t know?
RH – Because I studied the film academically and scholastically for a year-and-a-half before writing the book (in support of the Facebook group I manage), I had all the trivia and fun facts already in my arsenal and ready to go. But, yes, researching the trivia, reconciling story problems, and highlighting fun little tidbits that were hardly known to others was a blast to do.

AN – Actor Bill Randolph who plays ‘Jeff’ in the film wrote your Foreword for the book. How did that come about, and what was your reaction when he said, yes?
RH – I met Bill in Atlanta, George and then again in Chicago, Illinois around 2021-22 where I “handled” him at conventions as he interacted with fans. In doing so, I struck up a good rapport with the man, and on that basis, he heartily agreed to write the Foreword when asked sometime later. I was over the moon about it because Randolph is one of my favorite cast members (an absolute sweetheart) who just so happened to portray my favorite character (Jeff) in the franchise. Bill has been a big supporter of mine.

AN – Do you have a personal favorite Part 2 character and least favorite? If so, which ones?
RH – As noted already, Bill Randolph’s “Jeff” in F13 PART 2 is my favorite character; he’s the early 80’s slasher version of John Travolta in my view. His character was earnest, sincere, and relatable to me. Conversely, my least favorite character in Part 2 is probably Sandra, only because she’s hardly fleshed out as a character and not granted a lot of screen time.

AN – Let’s talk about the character ‘Jason Voorhees’. Is he a victim, or a true killer out for revenge? Do you have sympathy for him at all?
RH – He’s both a victim and a killer—which are not mutually exclusive in F13 lore. My sympathy for Jason only extends to the character up until he committed his first assault (Chris, in Part 3, which happened a few years before Part 2) and his first murder (Alice, in Part 2). So, while I’m saddened by his traumatic upbringing and unfortunate circumstances, his response to it is unforgivable. The ends do not justify the means.

AN – In the book, you have a section that answers some great questions that have been on Friday the 13th’s fans’ minds for decades. Are there still questions too tough to answer?
RH – The only question for which there is no legitimate answer narratively is the drastic change in Jason’s size (not to be misconstrued with appearance) over the course of two days (i.e. between Part 2 and Part 3). In one day, Jason goes from being 5’10, 175 lbs. (in Part 2) to 6′ 3, 230 lbs. (in Part 3).

AN – Two questions I have always had and still have after reading your book. First, why did Pamela wait from 1958 until 1979 to spread her revenge (meaning, what did she do all those years in between)? Secondly, if Jason was so smart throughout the whole franchise (because at times, he was quite clever), why didn’t he see his mom at the camp all those years until 1979, and the night she died?
RH – Great questions … An entire podcast is warranted to answer both questions in a more fleshed out and meaningful way. But I will say this about Pamela: From 1958 and to 1979 there was no need to spread her revenge since Camp Crystal Lake was closed the whole time. She did, however, start fires and random power outages throughout the 1960s and 1970s; but it did not necessitate that she murder anyone because the camp was closed. She only unleashed her murderous revenge when Steve Christy dared to reopen the camp in 1979. That’s when she decided to pick up where she left off in 1958 when she killed camp counselors Barry and Claudette and took out her revenge on Christy’s counselors. Regarding Jason, there’s a difference between smart and clever. Jason had an imbecile IQ, to be sure, but he also developed shrewdness over time, as killers must do if they hope to go on without getting caught. The two are not necessarily mutually exclusive.

AN – Besides Friday the 13th Part 2, which other films in the franchise are your favorites, and why? Besides ‘Ginny’ and ‘Alice’, who are your other favorite Final Girls, and why?
RH – Part 1 is the Classic. Part 2 is my Favorite. Part 3 is the Iconic. Part 4 is the Best. (The 2009 Remake is notable for its excellent version of Jason). Kimberly Beck (Trish Jarvis) is my second favorite Final Girl behind Amy Steel’s Ginny Fields.

AN- What is your all-time favorite kill in Part 2, and in the franchise, and why?
RH – The kill that had the most visceral impact on me in F13 PART 2 is the skull hammering of Deputy Winslow (Jack Marks). It still haunts me to this day.

AN – What is it about Friday the 13th Part 2 you just love SO much?
RH – Again, I’ll defer to the Introduction to my book SACKHEAD: The Definitive Retrospective on F13 PART 2. There are principally three reasons why I love this 1981 slasher sequel. And while all art is subjective, my reasons for loving this otherwise scandalous movie are ostensibly objective. First, F13 PART 2 was novel for its time. Second, it was (and still is) nuanced. And lastly, for rank-and-file Gen X’ers like myself, it is surely nostalgic. These three “N” words combined, in my view, put F13 PART 2 in a slasher-league of its own.

AN – Have you ever taken the Crystal Lake Tour, if so, when and what was that like? What was your favorite moment and specific location on the tour?
RH – No, I haven’t taken the tour. I was actually supposed to work on it last summer and handle all the cast from Part 2, but I decided to bow out for personal reasons.

AN – You met, and interviewed the cast of Friday the 13th Part 2 at a few horror conventions. What was that experience like, and do you plan on attending future Friday the 13th sequel anniversary conventions?
RH – Wonderful experience. All the actors exceeded my expectations. I do plan on working with them again in the future, but on a more limited basis due to other responsibilities. I also plan on attending more conventions in the Northeast myself—only this time as the talent (with two books) rather than handling the talent. Wherever there’s an F13 con, you can count on me being there peddling my wares and serving as an ambassador to the series.

AN – The biggest question of all from fans is: Did ‘Alice’ really die? What are your personal thoughts and theories on this on-going fan question?
RH – Yep. She’s dead. Her decomposed skeleton is even seen on the ground in Jason’s shack at the closing of F13 PART 2 with the icepick still in her temple. She’s a goner.

AN – There have been many actors who have worn the mask (or sack), who is your favorite, and why, and do you have a favorite ‘Jason’ memory?
RH – Sackhead Jason is my favorite incarnation of Jason, but Richard Brooker’s Jason in Part 3 is the one that is quintessential in my mind, and the one whom I still have nightmares about.

AN – Lastly, what do you feel sets the Friday the 13th franchise on a different level than other franchises like Halloween, A Nightmare On Elm St., or the tidal wave of slasher films of the 80′s? Why do you think it survived for over 40 years? Finally, will you be doing any other retrospective books surrounding Jason Voohrees and The Friday films?
RH – A Nightmare on Elm Street tends to be more cerebral in nature whereas Halloween is more haunting. The F13 series, however, is just straight up quintessential slasher at its best and really helped to define the genre as it is now. It survives to this day because it not only helped to invent the genre but defined it by its hockey mask wearing antagonist. What’s next for me is a book on F13 PART 3, written in the exact same format as my book on Part 2, slated for release in March. It’s entitled: “JASON 3D: A Comprehensive Exposé on Friday the 13th Part 3.

Well, I, for one, will be very excited to read that! Thank you Ron, for taking the time for this really very informative look into who you are, and your motivation as to what prompted you to write your very in depth book SACKHEAD:The Definitive Retrospective on FRIDAY THE 13th PART 2 by author Ron Henning.

To say author David Tocher is an established young talent would be an understatement. David studied Shakespeare’s life and complete works, World literature, English literature, theology, and holds an Associate of Divinity degree, studied Judaism, has studied novel writing, editing and proofreading. His accomplishments are quite extensive.

He’s also a graduate of CDI College in British Columbia, Canada. He is also a supporter of the film arts, and has a list of associate producer credits to his name. David is also a contributor in both of my books, STEPHEN KING DOLLAR BABY:The Book, as well as my upcoming release of STEPHEN KING DOLLAR BABY:The Sequel.

David has also published his own short stories. He has quite the knack for drawing his readers in, holding their interest, taking them over the top (right up to the very end), then reminding us… “it’s just a book”.

In David Tocher’s latest book, LETTERS FROM A DEAD WORLD, he brings his readers a mixed bag. It’s a collection of six short stories that tap into a gamut of feelings bordering on fear, sadness, adventure, and horror. Right to the last page, he has his readers right where he likes them: wanting more!

These six new stories consist of:

• Letters From A Dead World – a science fiction story with strong overtones of reality. A good spin on the apocalyptic genre.
• Chelsea Mourning – a vampire tale that deserves to have a sequel to it.
• Feather Canyon – a creepy, yet sad tale.
• Confidence Man – a good tale, solid and entertaining.
• Rebecca Raven – David takes the old “hitchhiker scenario” to a new level. It is well written, and although a strong tale, it is also sad and emotional. This is my personal favorite.
• Ekphrasis – This was another of my favorites. It is very reminiscent of something you’d see as a Twilight Zone episode. Be careful the next time you see someone with a sketch pad.

The cover art is eerie, and brilliantly done by Lordan June Pinore. The introduction was intriguing, and well written by Nancy Kilpatrick. All in all, LETTERS FROM A DEAD WORLD is a gripping read, and holds your attention until author David Tocher is ready to let you go.

I had the privilege of interviewing David regarding this new book and here’s what he had to say! 

Anthony Northrup – Thank you David for taking time with us today. Can you tell us a little about yourself?
David Tocher – Sure thing. I’m David Tocher (pronounced “talker”), and I’m based in the Okanagan region of British Columbia, Canada. My work spans various roles as an editor, a fiction author, and an essayist. I’ve also been fortunate to be credited as an Associate Producer of several independent films. When I’m not deep into my writing or immersed in reading fiction, you can bet I’m kicking back and enjoying some B-movie horror films – it’s a guilty pleasure I relish every minute of.

AN – When did you first take interest in writing, and who were your influences?
DT – Writing’s been in my blood since I was a little kid. Words and books, they’ve been my thing right from the start. I received some formal education in college and university, and I’ll tell you, that really changed the game for me. Choosing to study World Literature and English Literature, well, that was one of the best moves I made as a writer. Back in the early days, I was cutting my teeth on authors like Stephen King, Peter Straub, Richard Laymon, Robert Bloch, and Ray Bradbury, among others. They were the contemporary legends who inspired me. And as the years rolled on, I also found myself head over heels for classic literature.

AN – Let’s talk about your new book, LETTERS FROM A DEAD WORLD. When did you first begin this project, and what made you decide to do a short story anthology as opposed to a full novel?
DT – I delved into crafting Letters from a Dead World after finding inspiration in the works of Lovecraft, Poe, Dickens, and Brothers Grimm. Over the course of fourteen years, my short stories initially found their homes in small press anthologies, and, to be honest, I thought they’d just linger there indefinitely. But then, the unexpected happened. Readers from around the world began reaching out online, expressing their enjoyment of my work and asking for more. It was a delightful surprise, to say the least. Eventually, the rights to these stories reverted back to me, and I had a thought: Why not gather them all into a single book? It just felt like the right thing to do—a little gift for all those incredible readers who had shown me their love. So, Letters from a Dead World is my way of sharing these stories with you, each with a modern twist on the classic inspirations of Lovecraft, Poe, Dickens, and Brothers Grimm. For example, Feather Canyon is my interpretation of Poe’s Annabel Lee; Rebecca Raven lifts the plot structure of Grimm’s Little Red Riding Hood (a.k.a. Little Red Cap); and, Confidence Man is a mashup of Dickens’ A Christmas Carol with Lovecraft’s cosmic horrors. I invite readers to take a seat, immerse themselves in these tales, and hopefully, if I’ve done my job right, they’ll find my stories as captivating as I did while writing them. And by the way, the full novel is in the works. It’s coming soon.

AN – Are there any stories in the book that you feel a more personal connection to? If so, why?
DT – Feather Canyon is the story that has the biggest piece of my heart. You see, I penned it during my time out in Eastern Canada, while I was yearning for the West Coast, especially my old stomping grounds in Victoria, BC. Those were my young adult years, where I’d hang out in pubs, coffee shops, and strum my guitar at open stages with other budding musicians. The ocean, the mossy trees, the ferns – I missed it all. But there’s more to it. I wrote this story not long after a dear friend of mine passed away. It hit me hard, and writing Feather Canyon turned out to be a sort of therapy, helping me come to terms with the grief.

AN – I call this book a mixed bag of stories. Some scary, some sad, some that make you think. Do you prefer mixing things up a bit as opposed to sticking to a certain theme throughout the book?
DT – You know, that’s a great question. The epigraph for my collection really sets the stage here: ‘Sorrow is better than laughter: for by the sadness of the countenance, the heart is made better’. It’s from Ecclesiastes, Chapter 7, and it pretty much sums up the entire theme of my book. All my stories, in one way or another, grapple with sorrow. They dig into how characters deal with it – whether they let sorrow shape them into better people, like in Rebecca Raven, or if it steers them down a darker path (like in Chelsea Mourning). So, even though my collection is a mixed bag of stories, they’re all tied together by this common thread of sorrow and how it molds people.

AN – The stories take place in your home country of Canada. What do you enjoy most about living there, and will you have future stories that take place in other parts of the country?
DT – You know, I’ve got a soft spot for my home province of British Columbia. It’s a place that’s pretty special to me. I mean, the mountains, the forests, the lakes, they’re just amazing. And don’t get me started on the coastline and the rich First Nations history here. Plus, the people—they’re great too. In a sense, I consider British Columbia to be somewhat like its own distinct nation. As for my future stories, most of them will likely be set right here, with the occasional tale in another province just to keep things interesting.

AN – Some of these stories have heavy subject matter. What type of research did you do for them, and which story had the most difficult research to study?
DT – When it came to research for the titular story, Letters from a Dead World, it was quite the journey. I dove deep into some intriguing subjects. Initially, I studied the enigmatic world of parasites, with a special emphasis on the T-gondii—let me tell you, it’s truly bizarre. Then, my focus shifted to the military. Learning about the operations of the Canadian Armed Forces was a challenge. Thankfully, I have a military friend who helped me out, ensuring accuracy. He helped me to smooth out details like the firearms they employ, their strategic maneuvers, the diverse array of vehicles used in various scenarios, and the intricate hierarchy within their ranks. In this tale, the antagonist holds the rank of Colonel, and it was of utmost importance to me to paint him as a rogue element who has betrayed both his country and its military. I hold deep respect for Canada’s armed forces and its honourable servicemen and women, so I aimed to tell a thrilling story about a military project gone awry while doing my best to show respect towards those who serve.

AN – My personal favorite story in the book was, REBECCA RAVEN. You personally thank Chief Simmons of the Waknakin First Nation Council for his assistance for this story. Can you share what that experience was like?
DT – My interview with Chief Simmons of the Waknakin First Nations Council felt a lot like what the filmmakers of Critters 2 must have experienced when they received support from the good people of Grover’s Bend. It was a truly endearing encounter.

AN – How have readers responded to your work?
DT – People have really embraced the book. Over on Amazon and Goodreads, I’ve been fortunate to receive some generous reviews, with readers consistently giving it 4 to 5- star ratings. It’s been heartening to see the positive response.

AN – Can we expect a Volume 2, and what other projects can we expect from you in the near future?
DT – No plans for a Volume 2, but I do have more short stories in development. Right now, I’m cooking up a novella that aspires to be nothing more than what my writing already is–pulpy genre horror. I don’t want to reveal anything about the storyline yet, but let’s just say I draw a lot of imagery from Dante Alighieri’s The Divine Comedy. Also, keep an eye out for the anthology About That Snowy Evening, put together by Stephen Spignesi, Andy Rausch, and Keith Lansdale. You’ll spot my short story, Shadow in the Gully, right in there alongside fiction from some well-known authors like Bev Vincent, Robin Furth, Billy Chizmar, and George Beahm. It’s a cozy little collection inspired by classic poetry, and I think readers will love it.

AN – Thank you David for taking the time to be with us today. How can readers learn more about you, and where can they find your books?
DT – You’re welcome, Anthony. And thank you for having me. Readers can learn more about me and find my books through the following links:
Letters from a Dead World: https://nextchapter.pub/books/letters-from-a-dead-world
Letters from a Dead World (universal link): https://books2read.com/u/bOeOvo
Author Page: https://nextchapter.pub/authors/david-tocher
My X profile: https://twitter.com/DTocherWrites
IMDb: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm12781316/

We certainly look forward to seeing more wonderful projects from David Tocher in the near future. Make sure to pick up your copy of LETTERS FROM A DEAD WORLD today!

It seems that every generation has at least one writer to come along that becomes legendary and iconic. Poe, Lovecraft, Stephen King, Anne Rice, J.K. Rowling, and Richard Chizmar.Each has their own genre, and have become pretty much household names. Author Richard Chizmar is no stranger to the New York Times, USA Today, Wall Street Journal, and several other best selling authors list.

That being said, oftentimes these authors have children who follow right in their footsteps. Stephen King, for example, has two sons, Joe Hill and Owen King who are becoming as prolific writers as their father. Richard Chizmar also has a son, Billy Chizmar. He too is following in his fathers footsteps, and has already accomplished plenty at such a very young age. He has written and sold short stories which have been published in many anthologies, has worked on many projects with his father, Richard, as well as films such as, WIDOW’S POINT, TRAPPED, and MURDER HOUSE. I hear he’s not a bad LaCrosse player either! Billy is certainly making his mark in the literary world ,and the film industry. MR. PURPLE is his latest publication released through Lividian Publications in July 2023.

MR. PURPLE is a nearly 60-page novella written by W.H. Chizmar (Billy) and is filled with original artwork by renowned artist Glenn Chadbourne. Glenn is known for his amazing work within the fantasy and horror genres. His illustrations are highly acclaimed, and his art is often featured on books and magazine covers for several well known publications as well.

MR. PURPLE is the story of a young 24 year old man named Benjamin Bernoulli, who lives alone in Seattle. Ben does reviews of video games. When Ben’s tasked with the assignment to review the new game MR. PURPLE, he finds it’s like no other he’s reviewed before. First, the game is released by a company he’s never heard of before, and secondly, it’s a horror game. Ben absolutely does not like horror games. He doesn’t like any horror…period! However, it’s his job to play the video games he receives, making sure they’re ready for the consumer.

As Ben plays this very detailed and realistic game, he becomes a bit unnerved. The hairs on his arms stand up, and he’s overcome by a feeling of dread. He soon realizes this is no ordinary video game. The deeper he gets into the game, the more Ben becomes frightened, wondering if this is just a game, or is it something more than that. No, he reminds himself it can’t be real. Soon Ben is convinced that MR. PURPLE is coming for him. Ben is now compelled to finish the game as all he can think about is what, or who is….MR. PURPLE.

W.H. Chizmar’s MR. PURPLE is creepy and dark! It reminded me of Stephen King’s Everything’s Eventual meets the character Pennywise from the story IT. This story is certainly aimed at the gamer generation…and it works! MR. PURPLE, the character is terrifying, and with Billy’s frightening description, paired with the amazing illustrations by Glenn Chadbourne, MR. PURPLE is brought to life. MR. PURPLE is frightening! Everyone has their own boogeyman, and Billy Chizmar has brought his version to life! I look forward to reading more great stories from W.H. Chizmar (Billy). I really enjoyed this story, and I highly recommend MR. PURPLE.

I had the honor of interviewing author W.H. Chizmar regarding his latest chapter book MR. PURPLE. So, here we go!

Anthony Northrup – When did you first take an interest in writing and storytelling? Who were your inspirations?
Billy Chizmar – I’ve loved stories for as long as I can remember. When I was first learning to read and write, I would rip off big flaps of cardboard from old boxes and draw comic strips on them. They were usually about monsters or heroes or both, so I guess not much has changed there! I’d be crazy not to mention Stephen King, Robert McCammon, Dean Koontz, and, of course, Richard Chizmar. Before I was old enough to read their heavy hitters, I would beg my dad to retell their (and his own!) stories to me. Growing up and becoming capable of reading them myself was a thrill, but it also opened my eyes to other folks like Cormac McCarthy and Ursula Le Guin. Then I went off to college and got my world rocked by the likes of Toni Morrison and James Joyce and too many others to count! But if we want to wind the clock all the way back, Dav Pilkey’s “Captain Underpants” series takes the cake. It’s a preposterous graphic novel run that came out in paperback when I was a kid about a mean school principal who spontaneously turns into a barely-clothed superhero, and I loved it. King and company may have showed me how to tell a story, but it was the goofy tales like “Captain Underpants” and Jon Scieszka’s “The Stinky Cheeseman and other Fairly Stupid Tales,” books written for no purpose besides selling copies and making kids smile, that impressed upon me why we tell stories.

AN – Your father, the very talented Richard Chizmar, is a bestselling author. What is it like having two writers in the Chizmar family, and what advice does he give you? Does he help you out from time to time?
BC – It’s a dream! Having someone you can talk shop with in the same house has been really wonderful for the both of us. We bounce ideas off each other at the dinner table and in passing all the time, and we’re usually one another’s first editor. Sometimes it’s stressful, especially when we’re both contending with our own separate deadlines, but it makes watching horror movies and getting book recommendations a lot easier. My dad coached me in just about every sport growing up, so we’ve had a long time to work on our collaborative process. Now that we’ve been teammates on “Widow’s Point” and a few other projects, it just feels natural. It helps that our strengths and weaknesses complement each other; he occasionally comes to me for advice on overarching story and symbolism and I constantly beg him for help with flow and action scenes!

AN – Let’s talk about your new chapbook, MR.PURPLE. How, and when did this project come about? How long was the process of writing the story from start to finish?
BC – The story had been dwelling in my head for a while, but it took me forever to find the time to write it! I managed to find a break in my Patreon writing schedule last August, so I took the opportunity to write “Mr. Purple” before my content creation was back to its regular programming. I wanted to have a good, freaky story in my back pocket in case I got an exciting opportunity that I might have otherwise been too busy to take on. It was far from a perfect draft, but the bones were good. As luck would have it, Brian Freeman emailed me a few months later asking if I would be interested in submitting a story for consideration in his own Patreon page’s chapbook line. I said yes, of course! And then work on “Mr. Purple” began once again. Two years ago, I took a trip out to Seattle with a former college lacrosse teammate to visit with our old roommate for a week. I’m not normally a city guy, but I had a weird appreciation for Seattle, especially the Pike Place Market. It’s one of the few places I’ve felt connected to the urban American magic that so many others have described. It felt ordinary and bizarre all at once, and that’s what I think Mr. Purple is all about.

AN – Your chapbook is beautifully, amazingly, & frighteningly filled with art by the great talents of artist, Glenn Chadbourne. Tell us how that collaboration came about and what is it about Glenn’s art that impresses you so?
BC – I’ve always been a huge fan of Glenn’s work. It has such a visceral, gut-wrenching grotesqueness about it, a gritty texture that I think only a Maine artist could produce. I got a firsthand glimpse of that when he brought the Widow’s Point lighthouse to life! Before I’d ever even written the story, I fantasized about what a kickass job Glenn would do with Mr. Purple. When Brian asked me who I wanted for the job, I didn’t hesitate to name Mr. Chadbourne as my dream pick! And my gut feeling was absolutely right. Glenn fortunately loved the story and really made it his own. For every illustration where we were on the exact same wavelength, there was another where he took the dread a step further and painted a picture even worse than the one I’d imagined. Not to mention the stunning brush painting he did for the wraparound cover, a talent I didn’t even know he had! Between his artwork and Brian’s design, I really had a lot of help making a scary story!

AN – Parts of this book and the lead character, Mr. Purple himself, felt very Stephen King-influenced to me. Was the “master of horror” your inspiration? Is Mr. Purple your Pennywise the Dancing Clown, so to speak?
AN – Mr. Purple came from a few places, the first and foremost being a bathroom stall in the men’s room of the now derelict Baltimore Harbor Barnes & Noble. My dad and I found a creepy little piece of graffiti, one very similar to the drawing in the story, and could not get it out of our heads. For years, we thought about Mr. Purple. He haunted us, demanding to be written about, but I was in school and my old man was busy spending time with a girl named Gwendy, so it didn’t happen for a long time. That being said, Stephen King’s Pennywise and Randall Flagg were both huge inspirations! They represent opposite ends of evil, one a sheer force of malice and the other a cunning, manipulative demagogue. I think Mr. Purple is somewhere in the middle, as if a creature of Pennywise’s horribly cosmic origin wanted to play the role similar to Flagg’s in “The Stand” (though, I think Mr. Purple’s Las Vegas would look a lot more like the set of a “Succession” episode than Flagg’s)!

AN – What is Mr. Purple’s main objective in this story to the lead character (Ben) and to the reader of the story?
BC – He wants you to see him. He wants you to look at him. To admire him. To tell him he’s beautiful. He wants the main character, Ben, to want the purple and nothing else. He wants our frail world to worship him.

AN – Will we see Mr. Purple pop up again down the road?
BC – I wondered about that for a bit, but after this interview? I’m so excited about the one-eyed freak that I think I’ve got to write more!

AN – Lastly, what’s next for Billy, uhhh, W.H. Chizmar? Any final thoughts you’d like to share?
BC – Right now, I’m releasing my first solo novel on my Patreon page! So far, the first four 10,000+ word chapters are available for all Patrons and the fifth and final entry will be coming on September 1st. There are a few cool projects I can’t talk about yet, and a “Widow’s Point” graphic novel (illustrated by Glenn Chadbourne too!) coming soon, so stay tuned!

Well, there you have it! A sneak peek of what’s to come from author W.H. Chizmar. With such an impressive list of credits which now includes MR. PURPLE – Billy has proven to have many stories to tell. Thank you Billy, author W.H. Chizmar for taking the time to share a little about MR. PURPLE, and also letting us know what we can look forward to from you in the future.