HORROR INTERVIEW : 5 MINUTES WITH MARK SLADE

Could you tell the readers a little bit about yourself? 

Well, I have a pod cast called Dark Dreams. We read stories by writers such as Joe Lansdale, Tim powers, Peter Straub. I’m also editor of a new magazine NIGHTMARE ILLUSUSTRATED. My first book was published by Horrified Press called A six gun and the queen of light. Lately I’m included in anthologies Ugly babies, Tales of the undead series 1-3  and Diabolic tales III.

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

Horror is fine. I also seem to gravitate to the kind of dark fantasy/urban horror that writers like Richard Matheson and  Robert Bloch wrote. I love writing twisted stories, especially to do with supernatural and surrealism.

Who are some of your favourite authors?

Oh too many to list. Matheson, rod Serling, ray Bradbury, clive Barker, ed mcbain…just too many to list. Most from the days of 1930s-1980’s, heyday of pulp and horror boom of 1980’s.

What are you reading now?

Right now I’m reading loads of comic books, the new DC 52 is very interesting. Reading friends books like E.s. Wynn, David-north Martino and L.A. Sykes is a great british crime writer. And Hilltop Manor by Horrified Press publisher Nathan Rowark.

How would you describe your writing style?

Bare bones. Tell it as the characters see it. I try to tell it that way. Depends on  what I’m writing. Like a flash piece might be more cerebral, surreal, not much dialogue. I’m still learning the craft.

Describe a typical day spent writing. Do you have any unusual writing habits?

My habits are terrible. I did have a good habit, writing in afternoon, then it moved to early morning, late night. Now its when I have time.

What’s your favourite food?

Bananas, potato chips…Lasagna, caffeine

What’s your favourite album?

Wow. Theres tons. Physical graffiti by Led zeppelin, Ah…via musicom by Eric Johnson, Who’s next by the Who, The Extremist by Joe Satriani. Giant Steps By John Coltrane.

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

Make sure you have your info on the first page for editors and your by-line after the title. Then theres the other stuff, maybe try to figure out a good first line.

Fame and fortune, or respect?

Respect. Definitely, or just love from family and friends.

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

 I guess so far The Seed in Diabolic Tales III and The Auction and The three hells of Guy Franklin. I achieved what I wanted with those. Going for Twilight Zone and Matheson type- stories.

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

 A Six Gun and the Queen of light :

I have a western Horror novella and its backed by Nathan Rowark story which is a western as well and my Tim Burtonesque poem with drawings by Ida Tabaka. A gunfighter rides into town sick from eating what he believes was a boar but really another creature altogether that cause you to shape-shift and he is there to escort a wealthy ranch owners wife to a far away land, and of course she’s not who she appears to be.

And my horror mag that illustrates horror stories and publishes comics.

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