Whoa! Morgan Golladay, writer and artist from Milford, Delaware, took second place in the National Federation of Press Women with her story, “Under the Rhododendrons,” featured in HALLOWEEN PARTY ’23. Kudos to Morgan, and question for you, horror fan: Have you read this book yet?
My gosh, look at the illustrations by US Veteran and artist Juan Cantu! If editor Jeffrey Keeten chose Morgan’s story from all those submitted, what other “goodies” has he packed into this book for you?
We at GRAVELIGHT PRESS are very thrilled to have been able to sit down with horror author Bernie Brown and discuss her latest collection. Horror fans… read on!
GRAVELIGHT PRESS (GP): Can you discuss some of the underlying themes or messages that you aim to convey through your stories?
BERNIE BROWN (BB): The theme I use most is reconciliation, but also revenge, greed, curiosity, and just plain old mystery.
GP: Do you think your life experiences and perspective influence the themes and characters in your horror tales?
BB: Yes, I grew up on a farm. At least a few stories have rural or small town settings. Also, I am a cockeyed optimist, so most of the stories have a satisfying ending. Not necessarily Happy Ever After, but resolution. Very few have any blood or gore. Writing about or reading about violence does not appeal to me.
GP: Many readers are drawn to horror for the adrenaline rush and the cathartic release it provides. What emotions or reactions do you hope your stories evoke in your readers?
BB: I do think my stories provide a catharsis for the characters, and the reader can share in that. I want my readers to be engaged by the story and the characters, that includes the ghost as a character.
GP: Crafting memorable characters is crucial in any genre, but perhaps even more so in horror, where readers must empathize or fear for their safety. How do you go about creating characters that readers can connect with or fear for in your stories?
BB: My characters are ordinary people in ordinary settings, just like most readers are. Much of the “haunting” takes place in broad daylight. There is not the cliché of darkness equals fear.
GP: The horror genre has evolved significantly over the years. How do you see your work contributing to the ongoing evolution of horror literature, especially in the context of contemporary themes and societal anxieties?
BB: I think my work lacks much of the expected cliches of horror writing: violence, blood, gore, death (although a few feature death), and it provides that creepy otherworldly suspense we all like in our horror. I hope I’m bringing a fresh story to my readers.
GP: What advice would you give to aspiring writers who are interested in exploring the horror genre or writing short stories?
BB: I would advise simplicity: only a few characters, a plot that takes place in only one setting, make the motivation clear, and keep the time frame short – – maybe just one afternoon. I do break my own rules, but these are good guidelines to start with.
GP: You have another book published. What is it called, and what is it about?
BB: My other book is a novel in the women’s fiction genre. It is called I NEVER TOLD YOU. It’s about a mother and daughter who hide their true selves from each other for fear of losing each other’s love.
GP: That also sounds suspenseful. Those relationships are tougher than ghosts, LOL. Finally, what’s next for you creatively? Do you have any projects in mind, and can you give us a hint about what readers can expect from your writing in the future?
BB: I have a short humorous novel and a novella that I am trying to place in a print journal. I want to try that type of publication. Publication in a journal is just for subscribers and I like that.
We feel so lucky to have found Bernie and enjoyed her writing in so many Gravelight Press anthologies, and now this collection. Bernie’s book is a perfect horror nightcap for fans of the genre, so it makes a great gift. Support an indie author and check out the full book:
We at GRAVELIGHT PRESS are very thrilled to have been able to sit down with horror author Bernie Brown and discuss her latest collection. Horror fans… read on!
Gravelight Press (GP): Your collection of horror short stories, THE HOLY GHOST AND OTHER SPOOKY STORES offers readers a glimpse into the darker corners of the human psyche. What drew you to the horror genre, and how do you approach crafting chilling tales that resonate with readers?
Bernie Brown (BB): What first inspired me to write ghost stories was when we stayed in a Bed and Breakfast in Savannah, and as part of the usual B & B “stuff,” there was a casket in the hallway.
Usually a setting will inspire me to write a story about it. It makes me think what kind of ghost would haunt it, and what kind of person that ghost was when it was alive. What kind of person does the ghost haunt and why? Why can’t the ghost move on?
GP: Short stories require a unique skill in creating tension and delivering scares within a limited space. How do you manage to build suspense and evoke fear effectively in your shorter narratives?
BB: I began my writing life by writing short stories. I got a handle on what short story structure worked for me. Then I just adapted that structure to ghost stories. What does the ghost want? Then I work through a couple of scenarios where the ghost is attempting to get what it wants. In the end it either gets it or doesn’t. The suspense is built into the scenarios.
GRAVELIGHT PRESS 