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Interview with Author Laura Nettles
Interview with Laura Nettles
1. Congratulations on your newest release! Can you please tell us a little about it?
Thank you so much! “Tiny Shivers” is a horror collection of 101 stories divided up into horror subgenres: Cosmic Slithers, Terrors of the Mundane, Angels and Demons, The Seeping Supernatural, Twisted Psychology, Shadowy Gothic, Mutated Sci-fi, and Holiday Food Horror. Fourteen of these stories were previously published in anthologies, magazines, and publisher’s Patreons. It’s my book baby of two and a half years of work. Tales range from short stories to flash fictions to drabbles.
2. What inspired this project?
I had written my first novel (a YA sci-fi, now shelved), and was looking to improve my writing. I came across an interview with Sacha Black where she promoted her book “The Anatomy of Prose.” I devoured it and it changed my life. One of the exercises in the book is to write flash fiction to reiterate faster and focus on the revision aspects, making every word count. I did it. A horror flash about Cthulhu flowed from my fingers and I realized I loved writing horror. Never looked back since. I submitted my stories left, right, and center. After five months and two days I had my first publishing credit in “Shiver: A Chilling Horror Anthology.” I kept going and eventually wanted to release a collection of my own where my stories were all together. As of today, I have twenty-eight stories published in various anthologies. Many of these will be available in my second collection once I have enough horror to fill another volume.
3. I know this is tough, but if you had to pick ONLY ONE of your Tiny Shivers stories to be expanded and made into either a full book or a movie, which story would you pick and why?
I would pick my short story “Tentacles and Boomboxes” for a movie adaptation. It’s a 1980s Lovecraftian LARP gone terribly, terribly wrong. Or right… depending on who/what you are. There is a limited cast of five characters in this version, but I could see it being expanded with more parts to play. More obstacles and locations for our characters to explore on page/screen utilizing the talents of the players. More LARP prop creatures with reflective eyes to unsettle, and make you question reality. By heightening the unease, the real ones will seem all the scarier by the end. Would love to see a new rendition of a Necronomicon, this one made by a college art major. There is already the iconic Evil Dead version, but there’s always room for more iterations. I think the twist could be fun to experience with an audience together. If I had my way, the fx would be practical with cg enhancements. Make it feel more real for the actors and bring the unreal into our physical world.
4. When did you first develop a love for horror and science fiction?
I was a terrified child. Goosebumps was banned in my parent’s house after one episode shown in elementary school gave me nightmares. The one with the plant in the basement replacing the dad. Terrifying. A babysitter put on The Birds when I was six, which also scarred me. Grew up loving Star Wars and then discovered Doctor Who in high school. Dipped my toes back into horror with Abbott and Castello Meet Frankenstein, and then the remake of When a Stranger Calls. Also did the right of passage and watched Psycho. I’d say my love of horror blossomed in college with the German Expressionist part of my film history class. Nosferatu and its shadows drew me in, the painted lighting on sets and actors for The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari fascinated me, and wonky sets with no straight lines set my mind alight. Then, all the Universal classic monsters opened that world up. Klaus Kinski as the vampire in the German remake of Nosferatu entranced me. I also watched films like A Haunting in Connecticut, Insidious and The Conjuring. Loved them all.
After college, I discovered the world of Junji Ito and fell in love. The way mundane things like spirals could be cosmically horrifying blew my mind. I wanted to think outside the box as well. Horror was more than just jump scares and pulling the sound out of a scene. I’ve since expanded into reading PTSD Radio as well by Masaaki Nakayama. It’s expanded my mind. These two authors have inspired my love of the drawn horrors. I want to illustrate comic versions of some of my drabbles because of them. So inspiring.
5. When did you first decide to become a writer?
I came late to the writing world. I always thought if I were to be involved in books, it would be as an illustrator. I dabbled in fan fiction in college, but nothing serious. That was, until I heard of this thing called NaNoWriMo in 2018. I made a plot embryo for a YA sci-fi in October and wrote a 51k first draft the next month. It was magical. It was like a part of me I had never known was starting to blossom. I knew then I did not want to give up writing. The high of writing “The End.” It was during the revision process in August 9th, 2020 I found “The Anatomy of Prose” by Sacha Black and turned my hand to short horror fiction in an exercise. I realized what I could do with very few words: the feelings I could invoke, the imagery I could conjure. The rest is history.
6. As well as being an author, you’re a podcaster! Can you please tell us a little about your podcast?
My podcast is Twisted Tendrils: Horrific Writing Advice. It’s a passion project where I give tips on writing horror and interview authors. It’s been on hiatus for a while, but I have two episodes in the can I should be releasing in the coming weeks. I go over things like literary techniques that can be utilized to enhance horror, different horror sub-genres you may want to try and explore, varying sentence types and structures, the concept of healing through horror, and more.
7. Writing shorter fiction may be daunting to some aspiring writers. What tips would you give authors looking to write drabbles?
For a drabble, my advice is focus on a single pivotal moment. A moment of transformation: a birth, death, physical transformation, mental change, absorption, execution of a plan, feeding, etc. Keep the characters limited. Three individuals absolute tops. One or two is better. A mob or group of unnamed count as one. Stick to a single location. Use architypes for shorthand to save on words setting up the scene. (Just say they are a solider wearing a worn but well-kept uniform, not necessarily what rank in what platoon, of which country, waring what type of uniform who had so-and-so for a commander back in the day who railed on them if their shoes weren’t buffed to a shine.) Don’t spend days on backstory or world building, it won’t come through with that limited of a word count. Sometimes I don’t even know my character’s gender, only how their face feels as it freezes in space.
I find something to spark the story idea. It’s usually a prompt/theme for an anthology, a painting, or a single word I weave around. Research can help. If the theme is “Christmas horror” look up folklore surrounding the holiday and see if it sparks anything. Look at images, listen to music or ambience.
Read drabbles to see how others have done it in the past. You can break the mold, but you don’t have to reinvent the wheel at the same time. Study. Experiment with different literary techniques. Have fun! It will only take about half an hour to write it, so throw caution to the wind and go wild. The worst that can happen is you learn what didn’t work for you at that moment and start on a new one. Build up your back catalogue. Push the boundaries of your comfort zone. Make every word fight for its existence in the final edit. Get beta reader feedback. Take a chance and submit to publishers!
8. Do you have a dream podcast guest? Maybe a favorite author?
Dream podcast guest. Either Junji Ito or Masaaki Nakayama. I love both their work so much. I would need an interpreter though as I am just starting to learn Japanese. Their command of the page turn scare is immaculate. Making you not want to see what’s next, yet needing to all the same. Then you turn the page and are horrified and entranced at the same time by their depiction of what you did not want to visualize. Chef’s kiss.
9. Where can readers learn more about you?
My website has a running list with links for where I’m published. You can catch me live on YouTube sometimes as well (my channel is Laura Nettles). I document my writing journey and get things done with other author friends. If you’re interested in my day job, I have an IMDb page for all the movies I’ve lit visual effects for. I’ve worked on a few Del Toro projects, Spider-Man: No Way Home, and more. If you wish to reach out to me, my Instagram DMs are open at nettles.animation, or my contact form on my website.
To buy Tiny Shivers, check out Amazon!
A Bleak Remedy by DS LaLonde Book Review
LaLonde twists the vampire lore into a thrilling biotech genre mashup. A secret lab harbors world's greatest predator: a vampire. The scientists are fascinating with this creature's ability to rejuvenate quickly and decide to study him in hopes of developing medical advancements for humanity. What could possibly go wrong?
This large ensemble scifi horror has many compelling moments. The action, fight scenes, and terror leap off the page and there is a desire to keep reading and discover how all the elements will eventually peace together; however, some readers will be daunted by the length. This isn't a quick read. In fact, it's upward of 500 pages, and when a book is that long, it's only natural to ask, "is every word essential?" Unfortunately, the answer for many will be no. While there's no denying that this is a fun premise with memorable moments, there is also a lot of background information and meticulous details (readers don't necessarily need to know everyone's outfits or what they're eating for lunch) that some readers will find a tad laborious to the reading experience.
Still, others will enjoy the opportunity to sink into a clever and imaginative twist on a familiar villain. The plethora of characters means there's someone for every reader to connect with and plenty of external and emotional stakes. Perhaps if it were streamlined just a bit, it would appeal to a larger audience, but for those who enjoy slow burns and hefty word counts, this is a dynamic and entertaining vampire tale!
BOOK CONTRACT SIGNED!
OPEN HOUSE COMING JUNE 2023
My haunted house horror novella entitled Open House will be published June 2023 by PsychToxin Press!
Caleb is a Realtor on his way to becoming a self-made millionaire. He has worked hard to leave his troubled youth in the rearview mirror. Enter a mysterious woman with her own wicked agenda. She shows up at his open house asking all the right questions, but something feels off. Before Caleb can pinpoint what it is, he finds himself locked in the home and at her mercy. To be set free, he must battle his inner demons, but Caleb isn't as innocent as he looks. The deadly truth will come out and someone is going to pay.
Annie Pilgrim by Eddie Generous Book Review
Annie Pilgrim Book Review
This is a blast!
Generous quickly captures readers' attentions with this quick paced coming-of-age horror. Annie and her mom live a quite life, but when an accident forces Annie to move in with her estranged father, everything changes. Annie is now faced with a new family, new school, and new household rules that rapidly cause friction. All she wants is to enjoy nature, be left alone, and smoke a few cigarettes, but ever since she moved into town, people have been disappearing. Now, Annie finds herself in the middle of an investigation with no one to turn to, except the voices in her head.
Annie is a well-developed character whose plight will instantly garner sympathy. She's the oddball, but her quirkiness is the very thing that makes her unique. Unfortunately, not many see and accept her for her true self. Readers will feel empathy towards her eccentric personality as she struggles to please her overbearing step-mother and survive high school. Organic dialogue and well-rounded characterizations help Annie come alive off the page, along with the rest of her adopted family. But if readers think this is a standard coming-of-age story, they will soon discover their mistake! Generous elevates the common trope to a completely unique level with wild horror elements that weave seamlessly into the plot, slowing heating to an epic boil point.
Themes of personal growth and self-acceptance shine bright. Creepy elements keep the tension and suspense high, entrancing readers and gluing them to the page. There are a few tiny editing issues, but nothing that deters from the overall reading experience. Horror fans looking for a fast paced read with a compelling female protagonist will quickly devour this frightful story.
Book Reviews from #TransRightsReadathon
Trans Rights Readathon: Book Reviews
From March 20 - 27th, I’ve been/ will be participating in the #TransRightsReadathon! As of today, I have read four books and I plan on completing one more before the end of the 27th. All my pledge money (will go to JustUs Oasis, a program-based organization in Tennessee that helps queer youth with housing, advocacy, and self-acceptance. Now, more than ever, it’s vital to stand with the trans community and provide support, resources, and allyship!
Here are the books I set out to read:
I’m currently reading Future Feeling, which will be my last pledged read.
Let’s break these books down a little deeper for anyone interested in reading them in the future!
PET BOOK REVIEW
My first read was Pet by Akwaeke Emezi . This book has been all over social media for the longest time, and it’s been on my TBR forever. Like many others, the readathon was the perfect opportunity to dust it off and dive in. I’m so glad I took the plunge!
This book is B-R-I-L-L-I-A-N-T! It’s about a young trans girl named Jam whose mother is an artist. One of her mom’s paintings spawns a creature named Pet, and that’s when the trouble really begins. Jam lives in the peaceful town of Lucille, where monsters don’t live. In fact, they were vanquished by angels before Jam was born, but Pet isn’t convinced. Pet ‘s mission is crystal clear: there’s a monster in Lucille that must be destroyed.
Jam is a beautiful young character and a positive trans representation in literature. Her transition is loved, embraced, and supported by her parents. Her dialogue and characterization is believable for a young girl who is beginning to realize the world isn’t as she’s been told. The story is packed with emotion, tension, and haunting moments. I wish this was required reading in schools.
DEPART DEPART! BOOK REVIEW
Next up was Depart Depart ! by Sim Kern, who inspired the entire trans rights readathon movement! This is about a trans Jewish man who is displaced after a horrible flood washes away his queer-safe haven community in Texas. Now, he’s stuck at the Dallas Maverick’s Stadium with a group of people he often avoids. Tensions and frustrations grow as the days tick by, and to make matters worse, he’s seeing the ghost of his great-grandfather who fled Nazi Germany.
This book is super short but crazy impactful. I’d consider it climate change/ speculative/ social justice fiction. It’s certainly not light reading, but it’s worth the emotional journey. I recommend for readers who want to dive deeper into queer culture as well as those curious about how the Jewish faith dissects gender.
CONVULSIVE BOOK REVIEW
Book three was a challenge for me. In my TikTok video review, I mention that I don’t feel smart enough for this book, which is true. Convulsive by Joe Koch is a literary horror short story collection filled with lyrical and poetic prose. The imagery and metaphors became a little challenging for me to follow, but I strongly believe others will enjoy sinking deeply into Koch’s beautiful worlds and imagination. Koch can certainly paint a picture and take readers on a quest towards inner growth and spirituality. There’s a lovely cadence to the words, even though I sometimes struggled to dive as deeply as I wished.
QUEEN OF TEETH BOOK REVIEW
Two words.
Vagina. Monster.
I mean, I could end the review right there, but aside from a tentacle monster with teeth (named Magenta) emerging from a vagina, this book is a powerful harrowing look at body autonomy. Yaya is startled to discover that there is something growing deep within. She blames AlphaBeta Pharmaceutical, a company who claims to own her and many others who underwent a procedure while still in the womb. Now, the growth is starting to get angry, and it wants out.
Piper is a fantastic creature of monsters. Magenta is rage filled, but equally sympathetic and beautiful. The plot moves quickly with tons of action and suspense. The characters are lovingly crafted and come alive, leaving readers feeling a sense of longing for them long after the final sentence. This is incredible prose!
The last book on my list is Future Feeling by Joss Lake. I was going to wait to post about the books I’ve read until I finished, but I wanted to put this out in time for those still interested in the readathon to find some recommendations.
I’m halfway through Future Feelings and it’s an extremely unique sci-fi that I can’t wait to finish! I’ll make sure to post a review later next week.
If readers are looking for further suggestions, here are some more possible books to consider! Yes, Depart Depart! is on this as well. It’s that good!
Remember to keep supporting trans books and trans authors! We will stand by them and won’t let their voices fade!
Pet by Akwaeke Emezi Book Review
Pet by Akwaeke Emezi Review
Emezi crafts a timeless tale of monsters, abuse, and denial in this fantasy/horror mash-up. Jam is a trans young girl who lives in the serene town of Lucille. Monsters aren’t real, at least, not since the angels defeated them. Now, she and her best friend Redemption live without fear of evil until one of her mother’s paintings comes to life. Enter Pet, a creature spawned from paint and blood who insists that a monster lurks in Lucille and must be destroyed. Together, Jam and Redemption must decide whether to believe Pet and hunt for a monster or rest faithfully in the knowledge bestowed by their families, that monsters no longer exist.
Jam is a dynamic young protagonist whose desire to remain a dutiful daughter weighs heavily against her need to secretly enlist in Pet’s mission. Her childlike innocence mixes with a maturing need to find the truth. The adult’s reactions to her claims mirror real-world neglect and denial turning this quick-paced fantasy into a timeless look behind the curtain at society and abuse culture. Jam’s courage resonates with readers of all ages as Redemption’s anger and pain will twist readers’ cores and not let go. Pet provides the flame to the burning tension that leads to a heart-wrenching climax. Emotion and passion drips from each word of this brilliant and haunting read.
Necessary Evils by Serena Jayne Book Review
Necessary Evils by Serena Jayne Book Review
Jayne weaves a deliciously frightful collection of eighteen short stories guaranteed to disturb. Stories range from short and wicked to longer tales of depravity and terror. Stalkers, slighted lovers, evil men, and venomous women lurk on the pages, ready to strike and fulfill their darkest whims. Whether set in Sin City, a grocery store during the Apocalypse, or darkened bedrooms, danger is never far. Readers beware! Sometimes, evil is necessary.
Speckled throughout the collection are short flash pieces that break up the intensity of the longer tales and allow readers a much appreciated chance to catch their breath. "Unlikeable" takes a quick stab at social media culture while "Banana Bread" delivers a peak into the world of an abusive husband whose days are numbered. Longer stories such as "Chet-Shaped Lure" stick with readers well after the final word, encompassing a world of torture and heartbreak, and "Darkside Effect" mixes science fiction and violence with horror and female empowerment. Additionally, readers will enjoy the unique format of "Best Friend Forever" where the plot is unraveled through personal correspondences between a lawyer and perpetrator. Overall, each story is well developed with memorable characters that will certainly remain firmly implanted into readers’ minds.
Jayne bravely doesn't hold back with disturbing and raw context. Themes of betrayal, abuse and retribution, heartache, lust, and greed are regularly featured. While some may find the violence against women excessive, others will recognize and revel the characters' resilience and determination to survive. The stories fly by as each does a fantastic job of digging deep into the reader’s brain and not letting go. Horror fans looking for twisted plots and wicked characters will enjoy this quick paced collection.
Format
186 pages, Paperback
Published
February 20, 2022 by Unnerving
ISBN
9781989206850 (ISBN10: 1989206859)
BUY IT HERE!
Silver Nitrate by Silvia Moreno-Garcia Book Review
Silver Nitrate by Silvia Moreno-Garcia
Review
Moreno-Garcia once again hypnotizes readers as she weaves a tale of sorcery, Nazi's, and magic into her new book Silver Nitrate. Montserrat is a sound engineer struggling in a man's world while her best friend Tristán, an actor looking to rise back into the spotlight, only seems to talk to her when he needs something. When Tristán tells her about an opportunity to work with a popular cult horror director, Montserrat agrees, but soon, they both realize the project isn't as straight forward as promised. Now, they must figure out a way to survive a hungry evil.
Montserrat is a brilliant character. She throws away old stereotypes of females in distress and stars as her own leading lady. Independent and brave, Monsterrat perfectly counters Tristán's tenative and fearful approach to the growing threat. Combined, the pair complement each other while serving a dash of romantic tension. But while they're relationship tumbles in the friend-zone, horrors come to life, and they must work together to find a solution. Their paring is well crafted and readers will cheer for their success.
While some readers may find the beginning chapters just a tad slow paced, they will quickly relish in the mystery behind the silver-nitrate film and the cult associated with it. Horror pops out of the shadows at the perfect moments startling fans of thrills and frights! Readers who enjoy sorcery, the occult, and a dollop of romance will enjoy this book.
Thank you to NetGalley for my free ARC!