MASTERS OF HORROR: JAY BOWER
Hello and welcome to MASTERS OF HORROR where I get the pleasure of interviewing the best and brightest in the indie horror writing scene.
Today’s guest is prolific horror author Jay Bower author of The Eye Biter Series, among many others. I met Jay at an AuthorCon many years ago and for all the murder and mayhem he throws down on the page, he is just an amazing, down-to-earth guy. Talented, funny and very knowledgeable. I’m proud to call him my friend and if you get the chance to meet him at a convention count yourself lucky.
To learn more about Jay‘s work you can check out his AMAZON page right HERE.
My goal is simple. 5 questions to get into the headspace of horror authors from all levels. From the amateurs writing their first book to the professionals like Jay. All are welcome and everyone learns a little bit more about the horror authors lurking all around us.
Let’s get into it!
1. What first drew you to horror—and was it something you experienced, feared, or imagined?
I’ve always loved the visceral, shocking nature of horror. I was drawn to the darkness which is kinda funny because I’m a pretty laid back, easy going guy that views life with a positive attitude.
2. How do you tap into real fear when writing—do you draw from your own nightmares, or do you create new ones?
I have written scenes that were pulled from my nightmares. However, I generally write what I feel is disturbing or uncomfortable for me because I know it’ll resonate with others who like that kind of thing.
3. Have you ever written something that disturbed even you—a moment where the story took a darker turn than expected?
Yeah, for sure. I HATE things near my eyes. Writing Soul Eyes where the serial killer collects eyes from their living victims was tough! I had to take a step back a few times.
4. If your stories had the power to summon something into the real world... what do you think you've already unleashed?
I’ve probably unleashed a couple of demons. In my book Cadaverous, I included an incantation that was almost word for word what the real one was. Has it unleashed Paimon into the world? Who knows!
5. How do you keep horror feeling fresh and terrifying when so many tropes are well-trodden?
That’s hard to do. What I’ve done is try to give it my spin, my flavor if you will. Most of my horror is set in small town midwestern America. My hope is that it gives old, tired tropes a new lease on life.
BONUS: Tell me about your latest project and where we can find it.
I just released The Burden of Life, the sequel to The Terror of Willow Falls. You can find it on Amazon or you can get signed copies from me at jay-bower.com.
Thanks so much to Jay for doing this!
Until next time horror lovers.
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Take care!