HORROR AUTHOR INTERVIEW : ALEX KIMMELL

Alex kimmell (the squirrel whisperer/twodoggarage/daddy not-so-much-bucks) is an accidental novelist, anti-rhyme-ologist, oxygen inhaler, carbon dioxide exhaler who often generates harmonious sounds with various instruments of different historical importance. his work has appeared on cool places around the 1’s and 0’s like Black Lantern Press, Front Row Lit, Dumb White Husband and The Wordcount Podcast. His novel “the Key to everything” and collection of short, horrific tales “A Chorus of Wolves” were released by Booktrope Publishing. come and join the neurosis at alexkimmell.com.

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Could you tell the readers a little bit about yourself?

I breathe oxygen. I am in shape. The shape happens to be round, but that is definitely a shape.  I live in New England with my wonderful wife, kids and dogs. I love all kinds of music, reading scary books and watching movies that add to my already large collection of recurring nightmares. I am constantly seeking for more creative pathways to procrastination.

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

I enjoy spending family time and playing with the dogs. I try to make as much music as possible and trade audio files back and forth with friends over the interwebs. Obviously I enjoy reading and I watch as many horror movies as I can. With the invent of the DVR, I spend far too much time recording and watching shows I shouldn’t.

What’s your favourite food?

Sushi and chocolate. Not together of course. That would be nasty.

Who would be on the soundtrack to your life story?

Peter Gabriel, the Beatles, The Mountain Goats, Elbow, Brian Eno, Keth Jarrett Trio, Daniel Lanois, David Sylvian, Talk Talk, Mark Hollis, Elliott Smith, Foo Fighters, Harold Budd, Jellyfish, Joe Jackson, Mogwai, Richard Thompson, Magnolia Electric Company, Mike Doughty, Miles Davis, Nick Drake, Olafur Arnalds, Paul Weller, Pat Metheney, John Coltrane, Radiohead, Steve Tibbetts, Stevie Wonder, Centro-Matic, Hindge Creek, Whiskeytown, and so many more…

Do you prefer the term Horror, Weird Fiction or Dark Fiction?

I prefer Horror. It is direct and straight to the point. Dark Fiction and Weird Fiction can both be categorized under the banner of Horror, but aren’t necessarily so. When you see the category of Horror, you know what you’re going to get. Something scary and fear inducing. Yes my writing is on the surreal side and could be considered Weird and Dark, but I like to think of it as primarily Horror.

Who are some of your favourite authors?

Mark Z. Danielweski, Ray Bradbury, Michael Marshall Smith, Neil Gaiman, Harlan Ellison,

What is your all-time favourite horror novel, and film?

I read “House of Leaves” by Mark Z. Danielewski at least once a year. I have since it was first published. Every time I open the cover I find something fresh and new inside it’s strange and labyrinthine twists and turns.

While so many horror movies come and go, I find “The Shining” to be consistently at the top of my list. I don’t watch it very often because it affects me so deeply. While I love the book, and I know Stephen King does not like the film, it strikes a chord that no other movie has reached with me.

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

I would erase the predictability of the slow stalking madman chasing after the young girl who trips over nothing. I’m also not a huge fan of gore for gore’s sake. I prefer cerebral scares to disgusting shocks.

Which fictional character would be your perfect neighbour, and who would be your nightmare neighbour?

I would love to live next door to Will Navidson from “House of Leaves”. Maybe he’d allow me to help him explore the house with him!

I would definitely not want to live next to anyone from Twilight. I’d imagine there would be far too much annoying sappy pop music playing all the time. Besides, all the twinkling coming off their lameness would inspire me to violence.

What do you think of the current state of the genre? 

The Horror scene today is alive and well. With indie and self-publishing thriving and the widespread use of the internet for digital distribution, access to a greater range of talent has become simple as a mouse click. Of course there are many more bad books out there too, but that’s okay. Stories that would never have had a chance to make it to the world are getting out there for us to find. I myself wouldn’t have been published if it weren’t for the internet. It’s a great time to be an artist. Exposure is more easily attained than ever before. At the same time we become smaller fish in a much larger sea, but at least we have the opportunity to swim.

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

I just finished reading the graphic novel “Freaks of the Heartland” by Steve Niles and Greg Ruth. The story and artwork blended together so beautifully I was moved to tears. I can’t recommend it enough.

“Brilliance” by Marcus Sakey blew my mind. The sequel is coming out in a month or two and I cannot wait for it! It’s a terrific take on the mutant vs. non-mutant story arc. Fantastic characters with twists jumping around corners that I didn’t see coming. A lot of fun to read.

How would you describe your writing style?

I think my writing is realistic and surreal at the same time. I attempt to create odd situations in the middle of normal, every day life.

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

I try not to read too many reviews. My confidence layer is pretty thin as it is, so negative reviews can shoot me into a tailspin. I do take constructive criticism to heart though. The mean spirited rants on Amazon and Goodreads can be disheartening.

One of my favourite authors, Steven Luna described my writing style as “Elegant horror.” That is my favorite. Extremly flattering and humbling. Though I was recently compared to Cormac McCarthy. That blew my mind and gave my ego something to chew on for quite a while.

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

The most challenging thing for me is the discipline to stay focused for extended periods of time. Sitting in the chair and not letting the internet, television or cleaning the house get in the way of bringing the story on to the page.

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

I don’t limit my imagination that way. I think if an idea comes in my head, I’m going to write about it. I read everything from sci-fi, horror, fantasy, young adult, comics and children’s books. I think we can be certain that there will be some kind of twisted, creepy vibe to whatever I do though. I’m kind of messed up that way.

If you could kill off any character from any other book who would you chose and how would they die?

All the characters I want to be killed off in books are usually the bad guys and they get theirs in the end. Other than that, all of the characters in the Twilight series should be drawn, quartered, burned in oil, sliced and diced by a hungry zombified biker gang who refuses to eat their putrid remains. All of the tiny bits remaining are trapped in clear plexi-glass cases for the world to come and visit the spirits of true evil.

What do you think makes a good story?

Many different things can make a good story. Characters that are relatable are just as important as a strong narrative. Good versus evil is the common barometer. However, I prefer shades of grey being introduces into the drastic whites and blacks.

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

Both. The meaning of a name can be very essential to the character as I write them. When I have the concept of who the character is going to be, what they will represent, I try to find a name that fits that personality or is even derived from the definition.

How do you think you’ve evolved creatively?

Transitioning from songwriter and composer to prose writing is an ever challenging occupation. I hear in chords and melodies. Characters and scenes have their own sonic descriptions in my head that I struggle to put into words.  It’s exciting and invigorating at the same time. I’m constantly trying to find new approaches. Primarily I’ve haven’t used outlines, but I’m starting to. We can only wait and see how that alters my stories.

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

Always have a pen/pencil and something to write on to capture spur of the moment ideas. A good typewriter or computer with no connection is always good to spend some time writing away from the distractions of the internet. Twitter and Facebook are fantastic for networking but horrible time suckers.

What is the best piece of advice you ever received from another author?

“Don’t write what you know. Write what you want to read.”- Harlan Ellison

How do you market your work? What avenues have you found to work best for your genre?

Mostly I use Twitter and Facebook. The internet seems to be the easiest ways for people to find books these days. I have done a few promotions with companies like BookBub and my publisher Booktrope has sent me on a few blog tours. I’m currently on a tour right now hosted by Enchanted Book Promotions.

The local library has my books on its shelves where I’ve done some readings. Getting involved with libraries is always a great way to find and meet readers. Rhode Island is very interested in promoting local artists so I joined a writer’s group called the Association of Rhode Island Authors. We do readings and book events all over the state and in other parts of New England. A great place for networking and bouncing ideas around with other folks in the same position.

Who is your favourite character from your book and why?

Abram. He’s the key maker and holder of the secrets hidden within the journal. Without him, there really is no story. Without giving away any further details, he was very exciting for me to write and read.

How about the least favourite character?  What makes them less appealing to you?

I love all the characters in the story. If I have to choose one I’d say Gene. He is not who he seems and represents the opposite of Abram and happiness for Auden’s family. I’ve said too much.

Fame, fortune, or respect?

I’d pick respect for my ego and fortune for my family!

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

I am most proud of “the Key to everything”. It’s my first novel and it seems to be generating the right kind of creepy feelings in readers that I intended.

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

My first handful of short stories could be thrown out. However, I wouldn’t be in the place I am currently if I hadn’t written them first.

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

“the Key to everything” is a good example of the surreal and disjointed approach I have to storytelling. For shorter introductions to my writing, “A Chorus of Wolves” has a handful I’m proud of as well.

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

The last book I released was “A Chorus of Wolves”. Here is the blurb from the back cover of ACoW and a few endorsements:

In an uncertain world, we cling to familiar things to make us feel secure:

Baseball, a local watering hole, a friendly town sheriff, man’s best friend, a nicely landscaped backyard, love…

What happens when these safe havens become unsafe? When the familiar turns outlandish and incomprehensible? Come join the choir of surreal dark melodies that lurk in the wilderness of Alex Kimmell’s imagination. Six unforgettable tales plus the mind altering first chapters of the upcoming new novel Down the Sunday Hole where a young boy finds himself shoved beyond the borders of perception.

Endorsements: 

“Gripping and scary, these chilling stories take advantage of expert character development to provide believability in their often horrific endings. The well-written, concrete images help to set the stage for Alex’s overall eerie effects. There are no smoke and mirrors here, but you have to pay attention, because Alex knows how to take the reader to the edge of their seat before the big reveal.” – Terry Persun author of “Hear No Evil”

“Alex Kimmell continues his reinvention of terror, with a series of finely-crafted stories that bring to mind an entirely knew genre: elegant horror.” – Steven Luna author of “Joe Vampire”

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

“What is your favourite phrase to curse someone out with?”

My gut reaction is “Dick Cheese.” Not “Cheese Dick” which seems to mean something completely different when you think about it.

 

To find out more about Alex follow the links below 

Blog

Facebook

Twitter

Amazon Author Page

Goodreads

In an uncertain world, we cling to familiar things to make us feel secure: 

Baseball, a local watering hole, a friendly town sheriff, man’s best friend, a nicely landscaped backyard, love… 

What happens when these safe havens become unsafe? When the familiar turns outlandish and incomprehensible? Come join the choir of surreal dark melodies that lurk in the wilderness of Alex Kimmell’s imagination. Six unforgettable tales plus the mind altering first chapters of the upcoming new novel Down the Sunday Hole where a young boy finds himself shoved beyond the borders of perception.

PURCHASE A COPY HERE 

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