The 7Q Interview: Patrick Lacey

AUTHOR BIO

Patrick Lacey was born and raised in a haunted house. He currently spends his nights and weekends writing about things that make the general public uncomfortable. He lives in Massachusetts with his wife, his over-sized cat, and his muse, who is likely trying to kill him. Follow him on Twitter (@patlacey), find him on Facebook, or visit his website at https://patrickclacey.wordpress.com

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. Hard to choose just one, so how about OFF SEASON by Jack Ketchum and THE LONG LAST CALL by John Skipp? When I first started writing, I was in full Stephen King mode. Wanted to write novels that spanned decades and also could be used to prop my car up in a flat-tire scenario. But that's just not my style and it came across as forced. When I read Ketchum/Skipp, though—that's when I learned what brevity could do for a story. I started trimming and trimming and eventually not adding any fat from the get-go. Not sure I'd call myself a minimalist but you'd have to stack several of my books to get your car even a half-foot off the ground.

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

#2. I don't have a problem if someone wants to say they're writing quiet horror or extreme horror but when people get uber-pedantic and start throwing out terms like "dark fiction," my eyes roll into the back of my sockets. I don't think too much about describing my books under any sub-genres (or sub-sub-genres). I just pitch them as horror. They're not overly extreme, but I wouldn't call them quiet either. Sometimes they veer toward the weird and sometimes they're more defined and concrete. So you can call me whatever you want. It's all semantics. Although "pedantic horror" does sound kinda fun.

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

#3. My writing process is inherently boring. I complete a rough draft. And I mean rough. I don't like editing as I go because I tend not to outline and I'm changing stuff left and right, testing the water so to speak. I set that mess aside and write a short story to cleanse the palate. Then I come back and complete draft two. Set it aside. Another story. Draft three. Set it aside. Another story. Usually, I find the fourth draft is the charm, though that's a new development within the last couple of years. I used to stick to the three-draft rule but I genuinely enjoy editing more than writing. I'm not huge on writing advice to tell you the truth. Whenever people start talking about craft, I visibly shudder. Usually, it's with good intentions but I gag if someone mentions their character's motivations. Seriously, I have to carry Pepto-Bismol at all times. Not sure if there's actual magic in the process but it feels like the more we dissect it, the less magical it becomes. Also, before I write, I like to perform a blood sacrifice. Can't remember if I mentioned that.

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

#4. While I don't usually outline, sometimes, when I'm in the early stages of planning a book, I'll create an unofficial soundtrack to play while I'm commuting to and from work. Put that bad boy on repeat and I can imagine certain scenes playing out like a music video that's so cringe-worthy, I thank the stars no one can extract it from my skull zone. I don't tend to write to music but I do edit to horror soundtracks. Anything with a synth.

#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 low-key love social media, especially Twitter. In this futuristic world, authors need to market their stuff online. No way around it. But that doesn't mean you need to tweet out a generic Read my vampire book that is definitely not derivative of any other vampire book that's ever been written message every hour on the hour. Have fun with it. I like to discuss a slew of topics in between promo stuff. Action figures, discontinued fast food items, and Freddy Krueger ephemera. I think readers want authors to show their personalities online instead of being full-fledged cold callers. Also, who doesn't like some Burger King trivia now and then?

#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. We're in a golden era of horror, evenly divided between serious character-driven stuff and nostalgia worship (mostly from the 80's, and to be fair, I'm not exactly complaining). And I suspect we'll see more and more offerings from each camp. But I think we better enjoy it as best we can because if history is to be trusted, it'll crash again. Maybe not next year or the next, but the market will become saturated and before you know it, everything will implode. But it'll still be there. You'll just need to dig a bit deeper for it. And from its ashes, something new will arise once more. Probably some other decade of nostalgia (though not sure many people will look back on the early 2000's and think What a cool time to be alive! but maybe I'm wrong).

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

#7. Can't really talk about anything on the immediate horizon just yet but I can talk about my two newest novels WHERE STARS WON'T SHINE and LORDS OF THE DEEP (co-written with my good buddy Tim Meyer). The former is an examination of serial killer culture and haunted towns and is a good indication of where my stuff is headed. The latter involves pirate cults and giant snakes and is a reminder that I'll never forget my roots because I've still got one foot planted in the ground. Seriously, I can't feel my big toe.

AUTHOR PIC