Jennifer Soucy is a spirited New England girl who loves to explore both the world around her and the vivid realms within her imagination. Born and raised in Connecticut, she currently lives in Georgia after a stint in Las Vegas. She’s a professional bartender and a proud nerd whose various hobbies involve some combination of horror and fantasy. Her debut novel, an adult contemporary horror/dark fantasy, will be published March 21, 2020 through Amazon. Her second novel, a YA dark fantasy/horror, will be published early 2021 by RhetAskew Publishing. Her best ideas are often inspired after deliberately inducing nightmares, translating those into tales which may occasionally encourage readers to sleep with a light on. WEBSITE LINKS Website: https://www.jenniferlsoucy.com/ Amazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.com/Jennifer-Soucy/e/B085BW9RRC?ref_=pe_1724030_132998060 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bansheetales/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/bansheetales Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/therealjenwah/ Could you tell the readers a little bit about yourself? Of course! My name is Jennifer Soucy, and I love horror - books, movies, you name it. My greatest childhood dream was to become a writer. I grew up on old-school fairy tales (the darker, the better) which inspired me to start reading even scarier stories as soon as possible. Despite my youthful ambitions, life eventually got in the way of my dreams. I entered the restaurant industry, working nearly every position at one time before choosing to be a bartender. I love to travel, talk, and meet new people, so this industry was perfect for me. When I was nearing 40, I had an epiphany (as so many of us do): What am I doing with my life? I decided it was time to work on those old dreams again. I started writing in earnest, and created several novels and short stories within a year and a half. It was one of the best decisions I ever made, and I’m happy with the results so far. Which one of your characters would you least like to meet in real life and have them complain at you about they way you treated them in your work. Oh my, that is a tough one! I would absolutely be horrified if Evie from my YA series found me. She’s a decent girl with a good heart, but I’ve put her through the wringer (with even worse to come). I like to think that even if she was mad, I might be forgiven if I also remind her that I gave her quite a few wonderful people and positive moments too. Other than the horror genre, what else has been a major influence on your writing? Fantasy is another genre I absolutely love, as well as some light sci-fi. When it comes to books and other media, I crave an escape from reality. Dark fiction is, of course, what I choose most often because it resonates more for me. I do incorporate lighter fiction, as well. I’ve been known to dabble in Romance, but I’m super picky. I don’t mind if there’s a happy-ever-after, but I want the characters to truly earn it! I’m also a fan of history, so bios and historical fiction are fun when it covers a topic I’m interested in. As an example, which sort of fits all of these genres, I’m a HUGE fan of Diana Gabaldon’s Outlander series (the books and the show). What a fantastic blend of everything I love in fiction. And, some might disagree, but there are absolutely scenes in this series that could be classified as horror. She truly offers something for everyone. 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? I actually wrote a blog on this a while ago. Horror absolutely carries some heavy, and not always appealing, connotations to the general public. People instantly think of murdered sorority girls, make-believe monsters, and excessive gore. My whole life I’ve fought to educate people on the differences. A work that really opened my eyes was Stephen King’s Danse Macabre. For any who haven’t read it, it’s a brilliant piece of nonfiction detailing the history of the horror genre and what it all means. There’s a heavy psychological factor at work in horror. Yes, it can be brutal and there are often monsters (both human and ‘make-believe). But, the horror genre is a mirror that reflects real societal issues and abiding fears. It’s a brilliant metaphor, constantly relevant and always making room for new topics. In my opinion, it’s the most dynamic genre we have. And I also tell people that horror isn’t just a genre - it’s an emotion, often present in nearly every work of art. I’m one of those people who can watch/read/listen to anything and spot the horror element (a superpower, maybe?). In all fiction, music, and art there is a moment where the character is demoralized, frightened, heartbroken, or whatever - a moment that, when done right, can be downright haunting. There’s just no escaping it. Horror is everywhere, and it’s more than a few cheap scares. 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? It’s sad after thousands of years of history that we still struggle with so many basic issues. Of course, things keep getting worse (or I’m a cynic), and some days the future seems bleak indeed. But, it’s exactly for situations like this where horror has a chance to shine and offer assistance. I think the zombie sub-genre is incredibly relevant. While some may feel it’s been overdone, I don’t see it being shunned anytime soon - it’s a classic for a reason. But, I do see it evolving for sure. There’s something so terrifying about being a “normal” person in a mob of mindless, hungry monsters. Plus, apocalyptic stories do well when people already feel like the world is in catastrophic danger. I also am loving this new flock of films focusing on the haves vs. the have-nots. Us, Parasite, and Joker really drove home how marginalized peoples are tired of being squashed by the rich and powerful. I love how these three movies took a similar theme but approached them in unique ways. Horror movies like this are entertaining and therapeutic because we, as the audience, can laugh or scream at situations we empathize with - venting via art, if you will. And just maybe, if enough of these movies make money and become favorites of the majority, then they might make those 1%-ers think again about how they treat others. Given the dark, violent and at times grotesque nature of the horror genre why do you think so many people enjoy reading it? As I stated just above, I think people are drawn to horror because it helps us vent. Horror (when made right) forces us to feel and to express/release pent up fear and anxiety. And this is true of comedic horror as well, since laughing has the same effect. Again, this is all especially therapeutic when you’re watching/reading something which is relevant to the current times or some personal problem you’re facing. I also believe horror is sort of a “safe space” to problem-solve. For example, my boyfriend is a huge George A. Romero fan and we watch a lot of zombie movies. And it never fails, every single time we’ll point out awesome or terrible strategies and store them away for the inevitable apocalypse. Which, given the state of the world, doesn’t always seem like a fantasy. We may joke about an “end of the world”, but during the darkest times your mind can’t help but stray to the fearful realm of what-ifs. Movies and books with these themes entertain on the uppermost level, generating laughs or screams, but underneath it also assuages our most deep-seated anxieties. Those dark fears that cause our worst nightmares...but, what’s the best way to deal with those fears? Face them, make your plans, deal with it instead of repress it - that’s why horror is not only enjoyable but healthy. What, if anything, is currently missing from the horror genre? Personally, I’m satisfied with the general direction of the horror genre. Is it 100% perfect? Of course not. There are still improvements to be made, especially in regards to diversity issues and women in horror. As a fan for nearly my whole life, I do see the changes being made. Creators are listening and they are trying their best for the most part. At this stage, I’d say it’s the gatekeepers slowing us down - but isn’t that often the case? I’m confident we’ll see further advances because, more than any genre, I’ve always felt horror creators are in touch with their fanbase and take their needs into consideration. Not a surprise because, again, horror succeeds by always staying relevant. In the past authors were able to write about almost anything with a far lesser degree of the fear of backlash, but this has all changed in recent years. These days authors must be more aware of representation and the depiction of things such as race and gender in their works, how aware are you of these things and what steps have you taken to ensure that your writing can’t be viewed as being offensive to a minority group? Like I stated above, I believe horror and society are changing for the better overall regarding this issue. But, there’s still a lot of reason to promote this issue. Representation matters, and it is essential for everyone to respect other cultures and genders. We’re finally starting to see more POC, LGBTQ+, and Women authors who create diverse and inventive tales, which I’m loving. But this is a work in progress, and we all have to continue learning and improving. For me, I absolutely try to be both respectful and inclusive. My main characters are all women - not because I have an “agenda”, but honestly I’m just more comfortable writing about women and our issues. And I do try to include people from other cultures, genders, religions, etc. I truly hope I do them justice. At the same time, we walk a fine line as creators. It seems no matter what one does these days there will always be at least one person offended. As an artist we have to balance being respectful of marginalized groups but we also have to stay true to our stories. Sometimes what one might find offensive is necessary to educate others, even if it’s a hard lesson. Or, sometimes we use characters or plotlines to raise awareness - which is often effective, when done properly. For example, the ladies in my own stories are all damaged in some way and bad things continue to happen to them. I already know there will be some women who will get angry and say “Why can’t you just write a normal story? You should uplift women, be more positive! Abuse and trauma shouldn’t always be included, it’s wrong and demeaning…” And to those women I would say as kindly as possible that I feel these stories and characters are important. Despite the laws and protections many countries have in place for women, we are still more at risk than the average man. I don’t walk alone as a woman without the occasional dark thought or flash of anxiety, and I honestly don’t know a woman who doesn’t also share these fears. So yes, I will write my damaged ladies (as respectfully as possible, of course, but with authenticity alway taking the lead). Maybe when the day comes that women don’t have to live in fear, I’ll write about something nice - a sweet rom-com or something. But we’re not there yet, sadly. Does horror fiction perpetuate its own ghettoization? That’s a great question! Honestly, I don’t think it has an easy answer. People think of horror as one lump of identical scenarios, but as fans we know there’s a crazy wealth of sub-genres. It’s wonderful, in my opinion, because there’s always something for everyone. There will always be horror creators who isolate themselves from the mainstream either intentionally or just by staying true to their sub-genre - but, there’s nothing wrong with that. If they joined the pack then we wouldn’t have their unique viewpoint, even if it’s not universally beloved. I don’t want creators in the horror genre to chase mass appeal because it dilutes what’s most beautiful about this diverse genre. Whether it’s intentional or not, I love that so many creators in horror stay true to themselves and do what moves them even if they know it will have limited appeal. Art should not appeal to everyone, and when it deliberately attempts to reach all people then it sacrifices authenticity - then, no one will truly enjoy it. What new and upcoming authors do you think we should take notice off? Oh wow, there’s so many and I’m sure I’ll forget some so forgive me! I’m a huge fan of Gemma Amor, who’s really taken off this year especially with Dear Laura. I also am rooting for my pals TJ Tranchell and Linsey Knerl, both who have amazing stories to share with horror fans. And some who aren’t necessarily new (I only discovered them in the past 2 years, so they’re new to me!) but are just amazing: Gabino Iglesias, Gwendolyn Kiste, Zoje Stage, Chad Lutzke, Kealan Patrick Burke, Scott Thomas, Victor LaValle, and Jonathan Janz. What are the books and films that helped to define you as an author? That’s even harder after 40 years! And yes, I started really young with horror - both books and movies. I mentioned it before, but I’ve always been heavily influenced by the original fairy tales (Grimm, Anderson, etc) and folklore in general. I have loved Stephen King since I read The Shining at age 9, a story which still amazes me to this day (although, The Stand is my favorite of his). Other authors who influenced me over the years include: Shirley Jackson (everything, lol), Mary Shelley (Frankenstein), Daphne du Maurier (Rebecca), the Bronte sisters (Jane Eyre and Wuthering Heights), Jane Austen (Pride and Prejudice), Charlotte Perkins Gilman (The Yellow Wallpaper), Laura Esquivel (Like Water for Chocolate), Anne Rivers Siddons (The House Next Door) . . . ok, I better stop. As for movies, which I love nearly as much as books, I grew up in the eighties with some of the wildest movies ever made. Plus, I love movies from all eras - the stranger, the better, but sometimes mainstream can’t be denied. Some that influenced me include: Labyrinth, Legend, Gone With The Wind, Jaws, The Birds, Psycho, Melancholia, Wizard of Oz, Alice in Wonderland, Snow White, The Exorcist, Stand by Me, Pan’s Labyrinth, The Crow, Carrie (original only), Suspiria (again, original only), and...I’ll stop before I lose myself for hours! Are there any reviews of your work, positive or negative that have stayed with you? I haven’t really been reviewed yet, so it’s hard to say. Although, I loved when my sister read one of my stories and described a pair of characters as “two broken cookies that were tossed in the same bag, but none of the pieces fit”. I totally loved that, and actually used a version of that line in one of my books. What aspects of writing do you find the most difficult? Writing hasn’t been as hard as I feared - at least, overall, and as an adult (it was much harder as a kid, understandably). As an adult, I’ve benefited from half a lifetime of reading and intermittent practice so that helps. I’ve never really had writer’s block, per se. But something that really sucks is when you’re deep in a story and you know what needs to happen, but there’s sort of a gap. Then you’re stuck, figuring out how to build a bridge when you’re in some high-stakes and inopportune stopping point. It can feel insanely frustrating, but once the lightbulb comes on it’s one of the most euphoric sensations I’ve ever experienced. Is there one subject you would never write about as an author? I mentioned before that many of my characters are damaged women. I’ve covered quite a few topics so far, and I try to keep it tastefully authentic to do honor to real women who experience these struggles throughout their lives. I’ve also had hints or very hazy scenes related to sexual assault, which is an important and personal issue for me. However, I don’t know that I could write a full-blown, graphic rape scene. I’m not saying it can’t be done in the right way, to educate and send a message to raise awareness, but for me it’s hard to actually write that - far harder than simply reading someone else’s work. When you write, it’s as if you’re living through the experience somewhat, and that is a dark place to be indeed for some of us. How important are names to you in your books? Do you choose the names based on liking the way it sounds or the meaning? I am crazy about names, you have no idea. I’m on baby name sites so much, I’m spammed with ads for diapers and such - stop watching me, Google! Most of my names, at least for the primary characters, have a meaning. I always loved symbolism discussions in literature class, so this is really my main way of letting that urge run free. But, I try not to make it too spoiler-y, and maybe the meaning only seems obvious to me. I guess I’ll have to see what my readers eventually think about my choices. Writing is not a static process, how have you developed as a writer over the years? I’ve only been seriously writing for almost 2 years, but even in that short time I’ve noticed some big changes. My first book I wrote almost entirely without an outline. I knew certain scenes that needed to happen, but that was about it. And, that actually still somewhat works for me. But, I’m more disciplined now. I don’t fully outline, but I definitely create more structure . . . to a point. I’m not a fan of obsessive outlining because I feel it reduces the chance of those magical “A-Ha” moments which are priceless. My language and word choice has also changed after working with professional editors. I’ve learned more than ever about how certain words can clog up prose and slow the pacing, so with each story I find myself more mindful at not only editing them but also avoiding them in the first place. What is the best piece of advice you ever received with regards to your writing? I’d say the best piece of advice, even if it’s often repeated, is to constantly read. Reading is a writer’s greatest tool. It feeds your imagination and keeps your mind fertile so more stories can sprout. And read more than just your genre. I love horror, and I read a shocking amount of it. But I also love fantasy, sci-fi, history, some nonfiction, and romance. Do I write in those genres? No, but when my story has fantasy elements or if I write a romantic subplot, it’s immensely helpful to have a background on various tropes and expectations. All knowledge is valuable, whether or not you gain immediate benefit from it. To many writers, the characters they write become like children, who is your favorite child, and who is your least favorite to write for and why? Oh my goodness, I don’t know if I have a least favorite child . . . I am tempted to say Evie is my favorite, simply because her story is so exciting for me (possibly, it will be a trilogy). But, Layla is also one of the most entertaining characters I’ve written yet. Clementine, from a book I hope to sell this year, is one of the sweetest and she absolutely melts my heart. If I had a least favorite character, it would probably be most of the characters in my short stories. I tend to adore the MCs in my novels, probably because we spend so much time together. The short stories are more brutal, and the characters are much less likeable and villainous . . . but even then, they’re still fun in their own way. For those who haven’t read any of your books, which of your books do you think best represents your work and why? Currently, I would say my upcoming book Demon in Me best represents me. Layla and the issues she struggles with are quite relatable - addiction, mental illness, surviving trauma but also how she deals with the family dynamics and relationships that both haunt and help her. I was also inspired by the notion of coming back home after a long absence. As someone born and raised in Connecticut, I’ve often wondered how it would feel to be back after decades in a whole other world. In all my books, I try to make the location a character as well because I’ve always been influenced by my various homes in positive and negative ways. Do you have a favorite line or passage from your work, and would you like to share it with us? There’s quite a few, but Layla’s been on my mind a lot as I prep for her release. This passage in the first chapter resonates with me, that anxiety one gets when returning to a home that was definitely less than perfect. On the one hand, you don’t want to care what they think because you’re grown now and you don’t need their approval. But when you go back to a dysfunctional home after such a long absence, it’s like you’re a kid again - unsure, overly sensitive, and fearing it will be just as bad as you remembered it. Everything faded as my mind drifted like a curious ghost, flying through the past to the lakeside town thousands of miles away. Blackpool, where I was forever changed from a regular girl into something Other. Dragged back like a captured animal to the people who first taught me about pain, fear, resentment, and loss. A place I might’ve loved once but learned to hate, the home where they were all waiting to judge the woman I’d become. Can you tell us about your last book, and can you tell us about what you are working on next? Demon in Me is my debut novel, but it was actually the third one I wrote - ah, a writer’s life! My next official release is The Mother We Share (working title) from RhetAskew Publishing, which was actually the first book I wrote. This is the one starring Evie, who I mentioned before. She’s about to turn 18 and lives in Boston with her dad. Her mother died giving birth to her, but she soon learns more about that tragedy after a terrifying break-in. She’s stalked after that event by a female who looks similar to her dead mother, a girl who’s not quite human and seems intent on destroying everything Evie loves. But, no more or I’ll give the whole plot away! I’m also pitching an adult dark fantasy, Sea of Love (working title), about three sisters in Provincetown who are forced to reunite after the highly unusual death of their grandmother. They discover some pretty wild secrets about their family and a mysterious stranger from years before - think The Little Mermaid meets The Phantom of the Opera. If you could erase one horror cliché what would be your choice? Probably the cliche that drives me the craziest is the jump scare. Sometimes they’re done well, for sure - it can be an effective form of foreshadowing, for example. But most times they feel cheap as hell. If I’m forced through a stupid jump scare that leads to nothing, I get so annoyed because it rips me right out of the story. What was the last great book you read, and what was the last book that disappointed you? I just finished In The Woods by Tana French, and I absolutely loved it! I highly recommend The Dublin Murder Squad on Starz, which inspired me to get the book. I can’t wait to dive into The Likeness, the sequel starring the fascinating Cassie Maddox. For the last book that disappointed me, I’d have to pick Doctor Sleep by Stephen King. It hurts me to say that because I love him and The Shining, but I just wasn’t feeling this sequel. Well, I should amend that - Danny’s addiction and recovery were brilliant. I just thought Abra was completely overpowered to the point I never grew invested in her. It’s hard to empathize with a character who is seemingly perfect and all-powerful - they don’t need me rooting for them. And while I loved Rose the Hat and her crew (who started as such badasses), Abra made them appear so foolish in the end which sucked. And as for the movie...well, all respect to Mike Flanagan because I believe he’s a genius. I think he did the best he could, which was still better than most people’s full effort. But, the end hurt because the book’s ending was so much better. What's the one question you wish you would get asked but never do? And what would be the answer? I’m still a total noob when it comes to being interviewed about my writing, so my response might not be that insightful. But, I would love if one day someone asked me about my love of music and its use as a writing tool. Now, music isn’t a tool for every writer - we all have our own preferences, and that’s totally cool. But for me, music is part of my worldbuilding. When I create a main character and the bones of a story, the next thing I do is start a playlist. Each song added reflects certain characters, settings, plot points, and more. Music sets the mood and gets my creative juices flowing, and it’s one of the most valuable tools in my bag of tricks. At the end of Demon In Me, I even include a list of song titles from my playlist for any readers who might be interested.  With time, we forget even the worst parts of our past. Unfortunately, the past doesn't always forget us . . . Layla survived years of addiction and trauma, burying the most brutal recollections of her past. She escaped Hell, slapped a tourniquet on her toxic memories, and found a measure of peace as a drummer in Las Vegas. Ten years later, she's finally moved on . . . until she’s called home to Connecticut, a last plea from her dying mother. Back to Blackpool, where her estranged family awaits alongside her old enemies. The trip awakens her inner demons, voices who warn that history may repeat itself. A new cycle of violence begins, echoing events Layla barely escaped once. The voices urge her to fight, reminding her of wrongs that were never made right. If she gives in, she may lose both her sanity and her soul . . . a steep price to save a family who'd given up on her once. Layla's reached a crossroads, a choice between an insatiable thirst for vengeance or forgiveness for those who harmed her. But some crimes are unforgivable, and some wounds refuse to be forgotten.   the heart and soul of horror promotion websitesComments are closed.
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