HORROR AUTHOR INTERVIEW : DAN WEATHERER

Dan Weatherer began writing horror after losing his job at the start of 2013, a cruel twist of fate that turned out to be a blessing in disguise!

Discovered and published by Scathe meic Beorh, his first ever tale “The Legend of the Chained Oak” was an immediate success and was made into a movie due Autumn 2014.

---

Dan Weatherer

Could you tell the readers a little bit about yourself?

Sure thing, well I’m relatively new to horror writing having only started penning my darkest desires last January, but I seem to have found my groove as every story I have written has been picked up for publication. My debut collection “The Soul That Screams” contains all the stories I put together in 2013 and is currently sitting in first place in the Critters Workshop ‘Best Anthology of 2013’ poll. Hopefully I can hang on and bag first place which would crown a momentous first year!

I also dabble a little in movie making, “The Legend of the Chained Oak” which I wrote and co-produced will be featuring at various film festivals throughout 2014.

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

To be honest, I am not one for labels. Of course I understand the necessity to classify, but when I write, when I read, labels are pretty far from my mind.

Who are some of your favourite authors?

I would have to say I am a huge fan of the masters that are Poe and Lovecraft. They prove the adage that true horror is timeless.

I tend not to read vast amounts of horror for fear they may influence my work on a subconscious level, but as an author and a professional, I admire Clive Barker immensely.

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

You know what? I’m going to throw a curve ball here. Though I do read books, the last piece I read that impressed me was the graphic novel “Preacher: Gone to Texas” by Garth Ennis. Gritty, twisted and oozing cool. I loved it and have since purchased other volumes. Personally, I find graphic novels a great tutorial in how to write great dialogue.

The last book that disappointed me, again this may prove controversial but I really struggled with “By the light of the moon” by Dean Koontz. I did not finish it which really upsets me. I think it was his writing style, I just found it a difficult read but each to his own!

How would you describe your writing style?

Largely classical in style, it has been compared to Lovecraft on many occasions. I do write the occasional modern piece where my style becomes a little more loose, a little more trashy. I enjoy writing in both styles equally!

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

Any time someone mentions you in the same breath as one of your literary heroes you cannot help but smile! I also had a review where my book was described as a three course meal…which was nice!

What’s your favourite food?

I love spicy food, the hotter the better. Indian is a particular favourite.

Who would be on the soundtrack to your life story?

This is a difficult question as years ago I was a semi professional nightclub Dj and my musical tastes vary wildly!

I am always drawn to the darker edge of any genre and have a passion for Techno and Metal. I am a huge fan of Marilyn Manson and would love to meet him in person. I admire the way he has created and marketed a living work of art.

I do know that I want “The great gig in the sky” by Pink Floyd played at my funeral however!

What’s the most important lesson you have learned about writing?

Do not get into a habit of continuous re-edits. Finish a piece and walk away from it. Leave it a few weeks until it is out of your system, then when you come to edit it with fresh eyes you will find the process so much easier.

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

Proof reading. I am also guilty of switching tense quite often while I machine-gun my way through the first draft. I find I am so caught up in the story that things like that often need fixing for the second draft. I tend not to dwell on it though, the story is what must come first. No story, no point.

How do you think you’ve evolved creatively?

I think my writing has matured, even in a relatively short space of time. I would not say my story ideas necessarily have, they are still pretty outlandish, but I feel I am able to tell them a little more concisely now than when I first started to write properly.

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

Finish a piece and walk away from it. Leave it a few weeks until it is out of your system, then when you come to edit it with fresh eyes you will find the process so much easier. Saves a lot of headaches!

Who is your favourite character from your book and why?

Ah that’s easy! Mabel Ferry, a dear elderly woman with a penchant for murder and cannibalism. She is such a joy to write, I find I can add elements of humour and some really shocking action but still the readers love her. Currently she stars in two of my short stories, (“Once a butchers wife” and “Always a butchers wife”) but my readers are demanding another sequel!

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

It would have to be the Doctor from my story “The Lazarus Stratum.” That would be my fault, I feel I did not flesh him out enough. His motives for his actions are not enough to explain the monster that he became. At least in my opinion!

Fame, fortune, or respect?

I’d like to leave behind something when I’m gone. Something my daughter and her children could be proud of. My work has brought about such positive responses and even brought people together, you cannot really ask for more.

I would like to give the bar job up though if I am honest!

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

The book as a whole, I am proud of the variety of stories within and the clarity of my voice.

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

As mentioned above, “The Soul That Screamed” contains all of my short stories from 2013. All in some way relate to man’s obsession with curiosity, and the grave consequences that can entail!

I am currently working on a full length movie script for a project that I cannot yet discuss as well as  a second short story collection due towards the end of 2014.

This year I intend to raise my profile even higher, the critters poll and the movie may go some way to achieving this. I also secured the services of an agent a few weeks ago, so it’s all systems go!

What's the one question you wish you would get asked but never do?

Could you sign my breasts please? Well, it happens to rock stars all the time!

 Legend of The Chained Oak Website

Dan's Blog

Facebook Page

Twitter: @dweatherer21

Amazon Author Page

---