I BET HE LOOKS GOOD ON THE DANCEFLOOR, AN INTERVIEW WITH SIMON PAUL WILSON

27/7/2022

So I got a chance to sit down with Simon Paul Wilson. Ok I didn't sit down with him. I'm state side and he's across the pond.

JOE: So Simon your new book is Mephisto Disco a collection of short stories which opens with The Nothing Tree is there a reason you picked this to open with? And how did you come up with the ideal were you out for a walk saw a tree and thought how can I make a tree creepy as hell?

SPW: The Nothing Tree was the first story I wrote for the collection, and I felt it was a strong story to open with. Some readers have mentioned it had a Junji vibe to it, which I take as a huge compliment.

As for where the idea came from, it was inspired by a nightmare I had. Most of what happens in the story comes straight from that dream!

JOE: So with dreams like that you don't sleep much do you...the story Tears deals with depression. Dealing with depression myself I feel you hit home with the feeling of loneliness and hopefulness. Is depression something you have to deal with yourself??

SPW: Sadly anxiety and depression come visit me from time to time. I really wish the didn't! Tears was a difficult story to write, but I'm proud of how it turned out. Although it's a sad story, the ending is full of magic and hope. At the end of mephisto Disco, I talk a little about Tears, and how it's important for people struggling with mental health to remember the are not alone and they are loved.

JOE: Watching is a creepy little tale. Is there anything you'd like to say about it?

SPW: Watching is one of my favorites of the collection. Although it's quite a simple story, I think I nailed the creepy factor! Definitely a tale influenced by Japanese horror. I love movies like The Grudge and Ring.

JOE: I found it creepy and it reminded me of the things my creepy kids do to me. So reading Chaos Division I found myself laughing, not because it's a funny story but because I could see my wife kicking my door in. Where did this one come from?

SPW: This came from a real argument I had with someone I used to live with, many moons ago. When she pointed out several spoons were facing the wrong way in the drawer, I replied that I didn't realize we were expecting a visit from the Spoon Police! That comment made things a whole lot worse. So, I changed Spoon Police to Chaos Division and the story was well under way!

JOE: I enjoyed every story in mephisto Disco, those four are my personal favorites. So if you could pick only one from them all which one is your favorite and why?

SPW: That's a tough question! I'm proud of each one, of course, but the one I'd go for is The Kimura House. It's definitely a very scary story, and could imagine it as a film. Hello Netflix are you listening?

JOE: So you wrote Baggage with Matt Wildasin. How did that come about? Cause to be honest I'd have a much better chance running into him buying bread at the store then you.

SPW: We started talking on Twitter about writing and our respective books. One chat we had was about imposter syndrome, which we were both feeling. I mentioned that it would be cool for us to write together at some point. Happily Matt agreed!

JOE: That's cool he made the covers for 2 of your books right? So if you could write with anyone who's out there right now who would it be??

SPW: He did the covers for baggage, See You When the World Ends , and Mephisto Disco. I'm extremely happy with all of them. As for future collaborations, I'm working on something with Sarah Jane Huntington, it's in the early days but it's very exciting. Matt and I will be doing something together again that I'm sure! I'd be up for writing with Steve Stred, as I reckon our styles would help really well. I think we could come up with something very cool indeed!

Collaborating with Adam Neville or Brian Keene would be a dream!!

JOE: So I'm half way through See You When The World Ends and I want to thank you. I can't look in the mirror when I go into the bathroom anymore.

So the last question for you pineapple on pizza yes or no??

SPW: It's a "No" from me!!

I want to thank Simon Paul Wilson for his time. If you haven't read Mephisto Disco yet you should it's good. Simon was a blast to talk to. Till next time. Take care of each other.

Simon Paul Wilson

Simon Paul Wilson is the author of GhostCityGirl, See You When The World Ends, Mephisto Disco, and Baggage, with Matt Wildasin. He lives in the U.K. with his wife and son. When not writing, Simon listens to post and prog rock at a very loud volume. He also plays a mean air-bass. Follow him on Twitter
@spwzen

Mephisto Disco
by Simon Paul Wilson

Welcome to Mephisto Disco, the debut short story collection from Simon Paul Wilson.

Within, you’ll find tales of ancient trees and their horrific fruit, a group of ghost hunters exploring a haunted house in Japan, a girl who suddenly becomes the last person on Earth, and nine more tales of magical realism and horror.
Dare you enter Mephisto Disco?