MASTERS OF HORROR: DEAN RASMUSSEN
1. What first drew you to horror—and was it something you experienced, feared, or imagined?
Seeing Creepshow in the theater as a teenager (my age is showing). That got me hooked on Stephen King, and then I was off and running to read everything he wrote (at the time). Around the same time, I saw an Evil Dead 2/Texas Chainsaw Massacre Double Feature, and that got me hooked on everything by Sam Raimi. I find all that dark humor stuff to be quite entertaining.
2. How do you tap into real fear when writing—do you draw from your own nightmares, or do you create new ones?
I'm blessed with a vivid imagination. Plenty of nightmares to draw from, but creating new ones is easy.
3. Have you ever written something that disturbed even you—a moment where the story took a darker turn than expected?
Yes, anytime the story involves a child getting murdered because I have children. Stephen King mentioned that writing (spoiler alert) Gage's death in Pet Semetary was the most difficult for him too because it hits home too much.
4. If your stories had the power to summon something into the real world... what do you think you've already unleashed?
I hope my books have unleashed plenty of entertaining thrills and chills. If I can do that, then I have succeeded.
5. How do you keep horror feeling fresh and terrifying when so many tropes are well-trodden?
Again, I've got a great imagination. I love the genre and enjoy writing scary stories. I read constantly and watch a lot of horror. Plenty of input equals plenty of output.
BONUS: Tell me about your latest project and where we can find it.
I'm currently writing a new horror series, which should be available before the end of the year. I also finished Amber House (Book 7 in the Emmie Rose Haunted Mystery series) recently, and it's available on Amazon. It's a ghost horror series in the vein of Darcy Coates or Lee Mountford (somewhere inbetween). This book involves a haunted Las Vegas theater where the ghosts fight back, but I recommend starting with Book 1, Hanging House, to get the most out of the series! Happy Hauntings!
As always, a big thank you to Dean for indulging me and taking time out of his busy writing schedule to do this interview with me. I truly appreciate it!
If you're a horror writer and want to be featured on MASTERS OF HORROR find the INTERVIEW ME! button at the top of the page and let's get to know you.
Don't forget to follow me on social media and subscribe to my newsletter so you don't miss out on all the new releases, special offers, exclusive discounts and general awesomeness of the Monsters & Mayhem Community!