WRITER IN THE DARK: The blog of writer Rich Hawkins: Interview with Wayne Simmons

I recently spoke to Wayne Simmons, bestselling author of FLU and PLASTIC JESUS, a good bloke and one of the most relevant voices in horror fiction at the moment.

BIO:

Belfast born, Wayne Simmons, has loitered with intent around the horror genre for some years. He penned reviews and interviews for several online zines before publication of his debut novel in 2008.
Wayne’s work has since been published in the UK, Austria, Germany, Spain, Turkey and North America. His bestselling zombie novel, FLU, was serialised by Sirius XM’s Book Radio.
He’s a regular contributor to Skin Deep Tattoo Magazine and co-hosts extreme metal show, Doom N’ Gloom. He has his own podcast, HACK, and co-produces the Scardiff Horror Expo.
Wayne currently lives in Wales with his ghoulfiend and a Jack Russel terrier called Dita.
Look out for Wayne at various genre, music and tattoo events.

How would you describe your writing style?

I try to write the kind of thing that I, myself, like to read. And while, like many horror hacks, I grew up on King, over the last few years I’ve been reading a lot of noir and old school pulp. So, I guess I aim for the sharpness of the pulp/ noir stuff (economic prose, short chapters, lots of cliffhangers and hooks) with the characterisation and emotive weight of King. Whether I achieve that or not is another thing…

Which of your books would you recommend as a good starting point for someone who hasn’t read your work?

That’ll be the latest one, THE GIRL IN THE BASEMENT. Not only is it my favourite to date, it’s also the shortest and least expensive (77p/ 99c on e-book). So, I’d say it’s a good way of seeing what I’m about with low investment of time/ money on the reader’s part.

How would you describe your writing style?

Which of your books would you recommend as a good starting point for someone who hasn’t read your work?

Do you have a favourite character from any of your novels?

Harold Shepherd from PLASTIC JESUS is one of my favourites. He was an interesting one to write: the old school preacher who’s losing his faith. I know that archetype’s been done a million times before, but I enjoyed doing it for the millionth and one time. And hopefully I brought something new to the table.

Your latest novel, PLASTIC JESUS, was a departure from your usual horror stories. Do you plan to write more sci-fi in the future?

Not sure about sci-fi, but I sure as hell plan on writing more noir – and PJ is as much noir as it is sci-fi, I reckon.

What is the best piece of writing advice you’ve received?

Thomas Emson once said to write in the same voice you’d use to tell your mate a story down at the pub. I’m not a drinking man anymore but I do still write to an audience of one: my fictitious mate down at the fictitious pub.

Who are your literary heroes/heroines?

I love the old school. In horror, that would be Stephen King and Shaun Hutson. In crime/ noir, we’re talking Lawrence Block, Mickey Spillane, Peter Hamill, Day Keene, Gil Brewer… I could go on for hours.

What book do you wish you’d written?

Going to cheat and give you two: THE SINS OF THE FATHERS by Lawrence Block (noir) and CARRIE by Stephen King (horror).

What book are you currently reading?

I’m reading the second in the Gabriel Hunt series: HUNT THROUGH THE CRADLE OF FEAR by Charles Ardai (Titan Books). It’s a real thrillride: think Indiana Jones in the 21^st century.

What do you like to do when you’re not writing?

Listen to and play noisy music. I’ve been playing guitar and bass on and off for years – sometimes in bands. Just got a new guitar and I’m really loving it.

What advice would you give to new writers just starting out in this sordid business?

Keep your feet on the ground and your head as far away from your arse as possible.

What do you think of the current state of the horror genre?

I think it’s booming in film right now. Lot of very talented filmmakers emerging from the independent scene. Within literature, I’m less excited, to be honest. With the exception of David Moody and a few others, I don’t read contemporary horror and haven’t done for years. These days, I tend to get my horror fix from contemporary crime fiction, which seems to encapsulate all the things I used to enjoy within old-school horror fiction.

Would you ever consider self-publishing?

Sure. But never as a shortcut.

You have recently started the HACK podcast. How’s it going?

Ha! It’s not going right now. Been too much other stuff on my plate. But I hope to get back to it real soon. I enjoy podcasting. It’s a fun way to talk about the things I get a kick out of: reading, writing, music, film, tattoos.

What are you working on at the moment?

This interview J

As you’ve already done Jesus (not in that way), what other deity do you think is ripe for plasticizing?

Ha! In the spirit of political correctness, I’m going to say all of them, so as not to offend any one particular god/ goddess/ transgendered god/dess.

If you had the chance to co-write a novel with an author of your choice, who would it be?

Geez, I’ve never thought of that. I think co-writing with Shaun Hutson would be a blast.

You co-produced last year’s SCARdiff horror convention/expo, and it was a great success, in my humble opinion. Are you excited about this year’s event?

Very much so! We’re really upping the ante with this year’s event with even more interactivity. We’ve our SFX duel, live horror-themed music, horror henna tattoos, a pitching panel called THE DRAGON’S PEN, GORE-geous pin-up girls and an albino python called Honey. Plus guests such as Adam Nevill, Tim Lebbon and David Moody signing throughout the day at our Waterstone’s table. It’s going to be a riot. And at £6.66, tickets are selling fast. Best get in quick: www.scardiff.co.uk