To coincide with our competition giving away a free SIGNED copy of Her Infernal Name & Other Nightmares, we interviewed Robert P. Ottone to find out about his writing influences, motivations and more!
Check it out.
How did your interest in writing start?
I’ve always been writing something in SOME form. I started as a little kid with comic books on sketchbooks of paper my mom used to make for me at her job, then in school, I wrote short stories, children’s books, etc.
What made you choose horror?
Horror, I find, is the most therapeutic of all genres. I think it’s really healthy to put one’s worries or fears or whatever on “paper” and work through them over the course of a narrative.
Her Infernal Name and Other Nightmares contains an array of themes and topics. Where do you draw your inspiration?
This particular collection came out of the everyday fears I harbor, some of which I continue to have, others, through writing, have been expelled into the world. I’ve always been interested in that weird intersection of ancient demonology, modern sensibility and the outcome of that, so, I played with ancient themes in a modern context for some of the stories in there.
What’s next on your agenda? Another anthology or a novel next?
I recently started the second draft of a YA science fiction-horror novel, which is the possible first in a trilogy. After that, I’m going to be starting my first full-length horror novel. I also have a bunch of stories coming out in some really exciting collections this year and next.
As a published author, what advice would you give to those just starting out?
Don’t be afraid to ask established authors questions. For example, I reached out to a bunch of writers I respect and admire, and they were incredibly gracious with their time and words so don’t think that because someone is a “big deal” that they are also unreasonable or whatever. The horror community, especially, I’ve found, is quite wonderful and diverse.
When you’re not writing what are you generally doing?
Usually thinking about writing. Spending time with my girlfriend. Smoking cigars with friends. Teaching, too. But I’m usually thinking about writing.
If you were to set a goal for your future what would it be?
I would like to get more reading in. I’ve been slowly making my way through two wonderful books, one a collection, the other, a modern ghost story, and I’m loving them both, but with all of my commitments, it’s proving remarkably difficult.
And finally, who is your favourite horror icon?
That’s a fun question! I’m going to cheat and answer this three ways.
- Movie Character Horror Icon: Michael Myers
- Movie Filmmaker Horror Icon: William Friedkin
- Horror Author Icon: Brian Evenson
To enter the competition, check out our Twitter page here
To read our review of Her Infernal Name & Other Nightmares, click here
