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The 7Q Interview: Renee Miller

AUTHOR BIO

Renee Miller is a Canadian author who writes dark fiction with strong elements of horror, erotica and/or comedy. Her work has been published by various magazines and publishers, including DarkFuse Magazine, Deadman’s Tome, Unnerving Magazine, Books and Boos Press, and Hindered Souls Press.

When she’s not writing, Renee is Mom to a couple of teenagers and a menagerie of barely domesticated animals. She also works a day job as an assistant manager, deli diva, baker and whatever other position she can’t say no to at a local grocery store.

QUESTIONS

#1. Looking back, what’s one fiction book that you feel truly made an impact on your writing? Do you still gravitate towards that author?

#1. There are many books that contributed to my writing, but I’m going to go with John Irving’s “A Prayer for Owen Meany,” which I read in high school. That was the first time I didn’t want to just write, I wanted to write well. Or at least half as well as he does.

I still love his writing and will always gravitate toward his books.

#2. How do you feel about the use of sub-genres in the industry? How do you describe your work overall?

#2. I have a hard time with genres in general, because they feel like a box we’re forcing ourselves into. I know that we need a way to tell people what they’re about to read, to categorize so readers can just go to one section of a store (in real life or online) and find what they want, but the labels get out of control. We don’t have to label everything. Do we?

I guess we probably do. *sigh* I’d describe my work as dark fiction overall. I’ve written erotic horror, regular horror, thriller, dark comedy, sci-fi/horror (is that a genre?) and absurdist. I lean toward dark characters and stories, and I like pushing the envelope whenever I can, but as far as a consistent label, I don’t really find one that always fits.

#3. What about your writing process do you think is unique or quirky? What’s the worst writing advice you’ve ever received?

#3. There’s nothing unique about my process. I sit down. I write. Sometimes I talk to the screen and/or myself. I don’t have a ritual and I don’t require a certain thing or atmosphere to get in the right headspace. I just write when I feel like writing. Boring, right?

Worst advice I’ve ever received was to write every day, no matter what. I spent a long time hating the process because of that advice. When I realized writing every other day or only on the weekends didn’t mean you’re not serious or that you won’t get better, I became more productive. Most of us have jobs outside of writing, and we all have friends, families and obligations, so it’s unrealistic for a lot of people to write every single day, and for me it was paralyzing. I make sure I do something writing related every day, like editing, plotting or marketing, but I don’t drive myself nuts to get words on the page.

#4. How does music and media factor into your writing? Do you feel it plays as much an inspirational role as literature?

#4. I need background noise to think, and I use music or a movie to provide this if no one’s home or my dogs are actually behaving and not barking like lunatics. It’s definitely as inspirational as literature. I’ve written stories based on songs and I’ve been inspired by films and television. Sometimes it’s literal, but more often it’s a line or a feeling that sparks an idea.

#5. As an author, how much do you engage in social media? Do you feel it is more for your own entertainment, or for marketing and networking?

#5. I engage too much sometimes. Now and then, I get annoyed by it, so I’ll ignore it entirely for a few days, but that doesn’t happen often. For me, social media is equal parts entertainment and marketing tool. Imagine how awesome it’ll be when I figure out how to use it effectively.

#6. Where do you see the future of horror fiction heading? In turn, what changes would you love to see, either socially or technologically?

#6. I love that today’s horror features not just supernatural monsters and creatures from our nightmares, but also real evil that we encounter every day. Horror fiction is a mirror that we can use to view the ugly parts of ourselves and our society, which in some ways is far more terrifying than any fictitious monster could ever be. And in that mirror, we also see how we can make what’s wrong in this world right.

Looking forward, I’d love for horror authors to be more fearless in our writing. Don’t worry about taboos, social norms or offending people. God, I’m so sick of worrying about everyone’s tender little toes. Terrorize the reader. Make them uncomfortable. Don’t be afraid to give a voice to the dark things no one talks about. That’s our job, isn’t it?

Socially, it sometimes seems like we’re on different pages in terms of what gender equality means. This is true across all genres, not just horror. The pendulum swings too far both ways, rather than resting where it should; somewhere in the middle. Through my rose-colored glasses, I imagine a future where we all find the right page. Wouldn’t it be awesome if we were truly blind to everything outside of the writing and the story?

#7. What can you tell us about any forthcoming projects? What titles would you like to promote now?

#7. On October 16th, Unnerving will release my horror novella, STRANDED, as well as a paperback collection called LICKING THE DEVIL’S HORN, which includes Stranded, as well as CHURCH and CATS LIKE CREAM.

My erotic horror story, VIRTUAL HEALING, will be included in Lycan Valley Press’s “Game Over: Black Book Series Volume 3” this winter, and I also signed with HINDERED SOULS PRESS to publish THE MAN FROM NOTHING, a bizarro novella that combines a bit of horror, comedy and dark fantasy. We’re hoping to release that in the spring.

LINKS

AUTHOR PHOTO

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