AUTHOR INTERVIEW: FIVE MINUTES WITH LOU YARDLEY

​Lou Yardley is an Office Gremlin by day and an author by night (it’s the best time, really, as it’s when all the monsters come out to play). “The Other’s Voice” (published in 2016) was her first novel and she has discovered that this whole “writing thing” is quite addictive. Her aim is to write at least one full length novel each year, as well as publishing exclusive works on her Patreon page. She released “Hellhound” onto the world in April 2018.

She currently lives with her partner Mark, and their eight cats in Greater London. When she’s not performing spreadsheet alchemy in her day job, Lou likes playing the banjo (when she remembers to!), reading, listening to the kind of metal where the vocalists growl at you, and watching B-movies.

Could you tell the readers a little bit about yourself?

Sure, I’m Lou and I’m a caffeine fiend from somewhere in South London (or Surrey, if I’m trying to be posh). I live with Mark (my other half and resident “swearologist”) and our army of cats. Books, metal (the music, not the material… although I have nothing against that) and horror make me happy. 

I’ve been self-publishing since 2016 and I love it immensely. The ability to share my weird little stories with people at my own pace and in my own way is amazing. 

What do you like to do when you're not writing?

Like most writery folk, I enjoy reading and I consume as many books as I can. I also love to watch B-Movies of the horror variety. Or, in some cases, “Z-Movies”. Basically, I tend to gravitate to the kinds of films that others leave well alone. I love the fact that ANYTHING can happen in a B-Movie. And, even if it’s a “bad” one, it’s never time wasted. You can fall into “so bad it’s good” territory very easily. 

I’m also learning to play the banjo, but I have to admit that I haven’t picked it up in a few months, and I like to dabble in the world of Warhammer (although, again I haven’t built, painted or played anything for ages!). I can also be found at metal gigs and festivals where I like to bang my head. 

Other than the horror genre, what else has been a major influence on your writing?

I read a lot of fantasy stuff, so I imagine that has an impact on how I write. I really enjoy reading authors like George RR Martin, Gail Z Martin and Ben Galley. 

I’ve also got a lot of love for pretty much any film that came out in the 80s and 90s. The horror movies are probably obvious influences, but I also think there are nods to “Flight of the Navigator”, “ET” and “The Goonies” in my work. Oh, and “The Neverending Story” - both the film and book. Both versions of that story had a HUGE impact on me. 

The term horror, especially when applied to fiction always carries such heavy connotations.  What’s your feeling on the term “horror” and what do you think we can do to break past these assumptions?

Horror, for me, is an amazing thing. If I read that a film or a book falls into the horror genre, I’ve got an idea that it will weird me out in some way. Perhaps there will be scares. Maybe there will be gore (I generally hope so!). Maybe there are monsters. All of these things are great because they are pure escapism. Horror is a vast beast that can range from the spooky to the absolutely gore-tastic. It can be a whisper of a breeze on the back of your neck while you sit in a windowless room, or it can be multiple stab wounds to the gut by a masked killer (who may or may not have supernatural powers). 

Horror is a beautiful thing and I don’t think I need to break past this assumption at all. 

Sure, there are those out there who may view horror as a negative thing. But these are usually people who have never read a horror book or watched a horror movie and have no interest in doing so. Therefore, their opinions don’t matter much to me. Maybe that’s the wrong attitude, but hey… those are my thoughts on the subject.

A lot of good horror movements have arisen as a direct result of the socio/political climate, considering the current state of the world where do you see horror going in the next few years? 

The real world is absolutely terrifying at the moment. I don’t think there’s much that we can write that will out-scare real-world events. With that in mind, I imagine that we’re going to see a lot of dystopian (albeit frighteningly realistic) stories popping up. Even more so than we have now.

From a personal point of view, I’m hoping that we get to see more creature features and more over-the-top ridiculousness. If the world’s falling apart, I want some escapism. I want Bigfoot, dammit.

What are the books and films that helped to define you as an author?

Stephen King’s “‘Salem’s Lot” has been a big influence on me. Actually, most things by Mr King have been a terrific influence on me. Also, movies like “The Thing”,  “Evil Dead” and, more recently, “The Void” have had a dramatic effect on how I interpret my twisted little world. 

Although, with that said, I wouldn’t necessarily say that they’ve defined me. I’m still working on that part. I think I need to write some more stories and explore my writing voice before I can define myself and my work properly. I think it’s a slow process, but I’ll get there. 

What new and upcoming authors do you think we should take notice of? 

I don’t think they’re necessarily ‘new’, but I’ve really enjoyed the stuff I’ve recently read from Toneye Eyenot, P. Blakey-Novis, Alan Baxter, Rich Hawkins, Amy Cross, Dave Jeffery, Ania Ahlborn and Duncan Ralston.

How would you describe your writing style?

Chaotic. I tend to vomit words onto the page and hope for the best! I like to mix suspense with gore and humour. I think humour and horror go together fantastically well. How many times have you watched a horror film and laughed when someone experienced a violent and bloody end? I think the things that make us laugh and the things that scare us trigger similar things in the brain. I don’t go for big jokes, but I have a wry sense of humour that often creeps in. It’s not really intentional, but it’s there. 

Are there any reviews of your work, positive or negative that have stayed with you?

I’ve managed to avoid the negative reviews so far. I’m sure they’re out there, but I’ve not read them. I have, however, read quite a few positive ones - which is great for my ego! There have been a few that have really stayed with me, but one, in particular, was posted on OldStyleTales.com. It’s pretty lengthy, but the part that makes me smile (and makes me want to keep writing) is: 

“The best part of reading Lou Yardley’s excellent werewolf novel, “Hellhound,” is a very basic, very underrated, very underappreciated thing: it’s the writing. Horror writers often excel at creating eerie atmosphere, summoning terror, or what Stephen King called “the gross-out,” and while Yardley is gifted in all three respects, her work has something else that many supernatural novels lack: the ability to write a good story. “Hellhound” is a guessing game that keeps its readers in suspense and teases with a deft skill reminiscent of the corkscrew plots of Ambrose Bierce: like so many of his ghost stories and psychological thrillers, this is a tale that merits a second and then a third read.”

What aspects of writing to do you find the most difficult?

Finding the time… or not beating myself up when I can’t find it. When I’m working on a project, I try to write between 1,000 and 3,000 words per day. If I reach that target, I’m a happy bunny and all's right with the world. If I miss it, then I’m like the Grouch from Sesame Street. On those days, I’ll sometimes just write a sentence or a short paragraph, just so that I can say that I’ve written “something”. 

Oh, and names. Names are hard. More on that in a bit!

Is there one subject you would never write about as an author? 

Probably. There are a number of subjects that need to be treated delicately and with respect. I won’t name them here, but I’m sure you can work out what they are. 

Other than that, I’ll never write about sparkly vampires. 

How important are names to you in your books? Do you choose the names based on liking the way it sounds or the meaning?

Ugh, names! For me, they’re one of the hardest parts of writing. Choosing the right one is a minefield! I like simple names (mainly because I’m going to be writing them a lot if they’re a main character), but the issue with that is that I usually realise that I know someone with that name. I always worry that they’re going to think that I don’t like them - especially if I give their namesake a gory and violent death!

Writing, is not a static process, how have you developed as a writer over the years?  

I never used to plan, but I have started doing that now. I’m currently working on a novel that I have a very strong plan for (although it’s still quite ‘open’ so that I can play) and it’s made the whole process so much easier. I know where I’m going and I just have fun getting there. 

What tools do you feel are must-haves for writers?  

Ideas, something to write with/on and coffee/tea/beverage of your choice.  There are loads of digital tools out there and fancy gadgets, but the things I mentioned are the things that you really need. The rest are just “nice to haves”.       

What is the best piece of advice you ever received with regards to your writing?

To write the book that you want to read. 

Getting your work noticed is one of the hardest things for a writer to achieve, how have you tried to approach this subject?

Mainly by stumbling around in the dark! I haven’t found THE thing that works just yet, but getting to know other authors and fans of the genre that you’re writing in is a big help. Whether it’s online or in person, networking is key.

I’ve tried a variety of free and paid services for authors and I’ve had varying success across the board. One thing I would note is that what works well for one author, may not work so well for another, so don’t panic if things don’t always go to plan. 

To many writers, the characters they write become like children, who is your favourite child, and who is your least favourite to write for and why?

I’ll start with my least favourite and that’s Mia from “The Other’s Voice”. This isn’t because she’s a bad character, it’s just because of where I was when I wrote her. Back then (in 2015-2016), I had no idea what I was doing and I think I made a lot of mistakes. I think if I was to rewrite that book now, I could make her more real and give her a bit more depth. 

I’m going to cheat now and say that I have four favourites. The first is Peter from “Hellhound” because he was so much fun to write. He was neither good nor bad, he just did what he needed to do. I also love Lexi from “When the Sun Sets” because she’s not a badass heroine type, but she proves that even the most ‘average’ of us have the capacity to survive (or at least try to!). The other two are from a book that I’m writing at the moment and their names are Autumn and Wilfred. I won’t say any more about them at the moment, but I’m hoping that people are going to like them as much as I do.

What piece of your own work are you most proud of?

At the moment, I’d have to say “Hellhound” because of the number of amazing people that it’s introduced me to. 

And are there any that you would like to forget about?

Yes… but I’m not saying which… haha!

For those who haven’t read any of your books, which of your books do you think best represents your work and why?

“Hellhound” and “When the Sun Sets” were both published this year, so I think they’re a good representation of where I’m at. They both look at the horror genre in very different ways, but I think they both have my signature style. 

Can you tell us about your last book, and can you tell us about what you are working on next?

My most recent novel was “Hellhound” which is my take on the werewolf legend. I think it’s great for those folks like me who love a creature feature! 

I’ve also published a couple of short stories this year as well. “When the Sun Sets” looks at what might happen if the sun went down and never came back up. What would happen to society? What else might come out of the shadows? 

There’s also “The Forest” parts 1 and 2, which fall more into dark fantasy territory (although there’s a bit of horror in there too). This tells the story of two children who go on a bizarre adventure and explores the confusing consequences of that adventure.

I’m currently working on the first draft of a novel called “Rise of the Carnivores”. It’s my ode to the B-Movie in book form. As I mentioned in a previous answer, anything can happen in a B-Movie, just like anything can happen in this book. It’s a mixture of horror, dark fantasy and science fiction and it’s deliciously over-the-top. I’ve had so much fun writing it so far!

If you could erase one horror cliché what would be your choice?

I don’t know… I quite like the clichés… Is that wrong? I know that a lot of people have issues with the idea of the “final girl” in horror movies and books, but I’ve always been drawn to that. The idea of a main, female character surviving until the end is kinda empowering for me. Even if she is hitching a ride in a car/truck in the middle of nowhere, while covered in blood that may or may not belong to her. The fact is that she made it, and that makes her mighty. 

As long as clichés are used in fun and interesting ways, I think we’re good.

What was the last great book you read, and what was the last book that disappointed you?

“Devouring Dark” by Alan Baxter was fantastic and I can’t recommend it enough! There’s also “The Shuddering” by Ania Ahlborn which was bloody brilliant (and the imagery from it has stayed with me for weeks) and “Maniac Gods” by Rich Hawkins was probably one of my favourite books of 2018.

I can’t really think of any books that have disappointed me. I can usually find some merit in most things, whether it’s a book, film or album. Maybe I’m just really good at picking out things that I’m going to like! 

What's the one question you wish you would get asked but never do?  And what would be the answer?

The question is:
What is your favourite dinosaur?
And my answer would be:
It used to be the stegosaurus, but I’ve got a lot of love for the Carnotaurus at the moment. I also love the Mosasaurus, but I don’t think that’s technically a dinosaur.

For more information and to follow Lou on social media please follow the links below 
Website: www.louyardley.com
Twitter: www.twitter.com/louciferspeaks 
Facebook: www.facebook.com/louyardley 
Instagram: www.instagram.com/louciferspeaks 
Amazon: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Lou-Yardley/e/B01CKBS5S0/
BigCartel: www.louyardley.bigcartel.com