SNM Horror Magazine

We will conduct 4 SNM author interviews per month

                      Interviews with a Vampire!

Lilith is our hot Author Interviewer at SNM Horror Mag. She is an aspiring writer and poet and has been published in Poetry.com and was also the editor for her high school newspaper. Her passion for journalism and art of literary writing has earned her the position as Author Interviewer. Having a dark passion for vampires and the horror genre, she has added a real distinctiveness to SNM's staff. Lilith, a Native American, lives in the very hot state of Arizona. Lilith is also a dark poet working on a vamp novel series. *You can visit her on her Myspace site for further details.

NOTE: Lilith is NOT accepting author's interviews directly, only those scheduled by the editors' monthly selections, and those by invite only. Thanks for your understanding! 

Thank you, Lilith, SNM Horror Mag darkly embraces you.

         LILITH       

 www.myspace.com/shinigami_vamp_Lilith

Darkest and Sincerest Greetings,

Welcome back to SNM Horror Magazine's Author Interview section. Hello to the cold December weather! Personally, I'm not a fan of the snow and cold, but my family sure is. Plenty of excuses to either make a cozy fire or make me the snowball target. Recently, those within my small circle as well as myself went out and got our H1N1 Vaccinations. Nothing new as far as shots go, but definitely a horror story on its own seeing the little ones get their vaccinations up the nose. Yikes! I'm telling you. Aside from that, I hope your November holiday was fantastic. I'm sure many of you had a full tummy of goods, I know I did! I'm not sure if I'm prepared for December's feasts...ack! Not to mention before that happens, this Mommy is going to have a birthday, so Happy Birthday to me (throws confetti)!

Okay, so what do we have stored for you December readings? A debut from author Paula Ray (Yeah!) a triumphant return from Robert Nicholas (Oh Yeah, baby!), and a grand return from Suzie Bradshaw (Bells & Whistles!!!). Yeah, I know, I'm silly, but in all seriousness these 3 have done a great job in their stories and I hope that you'll take the time to comment them and visit their networking sites. In case I don't get a chance to say it later, Happy New Year to all my friends here on the SNM Horror Magazine Staff (kisses on the cheek & hugs to you guys) and to those who I've interviewed and kept in touch with me...MUAH on the cheek and BEAR HUGS! I love you all, take care of yourselves in your travels, may your family be well, and keep those stories coming!

Mischievous Smiles,

Mistress Kasandora Lilith

SNM Author Interviews

Paula Ray

Suzie Bradshaw

Robert Nicholas

Brian Johnpeer

Pen Name: Paula Ray

We applaud and welcome Paula Ray from North Carolina. This was her SNM debut in the November issue and she placed 2nd and left a well branded mark on those who read Opium Fingers. For years, she has handled her poetry and fiction in a similar manner by stuffing her writing in a rusty filing cabinet. But in addition to writing she plays a mean saxophone. But after much encouragement from family and friends, she began submitting her writing last October. Since then, her work has appeared in several publications. Please feel free to swing by the guestbook and leave her comments and please take a trip to visit her blog.

Lilith: Your submission story to SNM Mag was chosen as 2nd place. What thoughts went through your mind when you first heard the news?

PR: No Way! I was pleasantly surprised. This was my first submission to SNM Horror Mag and the story went through a couple of revisions with Steve Marshall before it was up to snuff. At the time he told me it was second, I must confess, my jaw dropped.

Lilith: Were there many nights spent sitting up at the computer with a warm cup of tea? How much time was put forth for this story?

PR: The story came from a writing prompt of Poe's "Bernic." In a writer's forum I frequent, we had a flash fiction contest where we were challenged to write in the style of Poe. Originally, I had called my story "For Elise," which is the name of a famous piano song by Beethoven. My story was under 1,000 words and I had no clue where to send it. I heard about SNM Horror and checked their guidelines. When I saw there was going to be a month dedicated to stories of this nature, I was thrilled! I sat my story aside and thought about how to expand it, because it needed to be twice as long...at least. I waited for submissions to open for the November issue and fired my longer story off to SNM Horror. Steve requested a little more development of the dreams and a new title. He worked with me via several emails. I'm not sure how many hours went into the story exactly, but it certainly wasn't one I whipped out. It did require a great deal of editing and expansion.

Tea? ummm, sure -- we can call it tea.

Lilith: Where have you been featured as a writer?

PR: "Featured" sounds like a spotlight. I've been submitting my writing since October of last year. The bulk of my work has been poetry and flash fiction. I wrote my first horror story this past summer in that writing forum I talked about earlier. I don't consider myself as having ever been "featured" as a writer. This interview is probably the closest I've come to such a label but I'm lucky enough to have my stories and poems published in over sixty literary zines. The majority of those zines have been online venues.

Lilith: I've heard that you're one wicked saxophonist. How long have you been playing it and what is your favorite musical piece?

PR: Uh oh, now I gotta fess up. I do play saxophone, but I majored on classical clarinet. I get more gigs on the saxophone though, because that instrument is used in small jazz combos and blues bands. I learned the sax when I was in Alaska during my freshman year of high school. I went to visit my uncle over the summer and ended up staying up there for six months before returning to North Carolina. While enrolled at a high school in Anchorage, the band director needed a sax player and I was eager to learn any instrument I could get my hands on. He dug out an old junker from the closet and sent me home with a fingering chart one weekend. I came back the following week and challenged the lead sax player in the jazz band and beat him. I was shocked. I must have practiced that saxophone sixty hours that first week. I practiced until my bottom lip bled; I know that much.

How long have I been playing sax? I started at age fourteen and I'm in my early forties - I'll let you do the math - It will truly depress me to do that calculation.

Musical piece? A crystal clarinet mouth piece.

I know that isn't what you meant. I don't have a favorite song. It depends on my mood. Music is such an emotional art form.

Lilith: Tell me about the refurbishing. Where did you pick up the skill to do this and what have you done with the instruments that were revived?

PR: I took a workshop in college that was focused on making minor instrumental repairs for wood and brass instruments. All the music ed students took this course. I liked it so much, I took it twice. After graduating college and getting my first band directing job, the knowledge I gained from that course paid off. Also, during summer vacations, I sometimes hung out at the local repair shop and watched the guys use the heavy duty tools I didn't own. I can do the small stuff, repair wise, but a lot of the brass work requires specialized blocks and buffers, etc. and I don't have those, so I tend to do more woodwind repair. I've given a lot of instruments to band students who couldn't afford instruments. I used to keep a stock pile in my garage when I taught elementary music, but last year I taught band again and this past summer I farmed out all my refurbished instruments to various band programs in need. I've been checking ebay for more cheap instruments. There is a school nearby in desperate need. I'm surprised more band directors don't do repairs, but around here, very few do that sort of work and the pro-shops charge a hefty price to overhaul an instrument.

Lilith: Was writing something you always wanted to pursue professionally or mostly as a hobby?

PR: Writing is something I discovered I had an interest in after I became a care-giver to an ill grandmother and father. Taking care of two adults after working all day is quite demanding, but it also makes one feel obligated to stay close to home in the evening and on weekends. In the past, I did some gigs on the weekends or went to jams in the evening. All of the sudden, I'm a shut in and have relocated back to my home town and found out my old high-school friends have moved away or have busy families and I don't know many people in town anymore. I started frequenting a poetry chatroom online and also tried my hand at writing poetry. I picked it up pretty easily and soon discovered it was very cathartic. The poetry addiction grew into an interest in flash fiction and now I've set my sights on short stories. My grandmother has passed away, but my father still lives with me. I have help with my dad now and could easily gig more, but I'm hooked on writing. It has become my "thing." Sure, it started as a hobby, but lately, I've been dreaming about turning that hobby into a career. I still have a long ways to go though.

Lilith: What gets you in the "zone" while writing?

PR: Nothing really gets me in the zone exactly. I think writing IS the zone. At any given moment I can start typing and let my mind drain into my fingers and five minutes later I have a thread to build a story on. No, not all the stories are good, but it's fun to write and not worry if it is good or not, just see where it goes. So, no -- nothing gets me in the zone other than fingers to keyboard.

Lilith: Can you tell us about your current work and when could we anticipate seeing it, if so whereabouts online could we key our attention to?

PR: I have a handful of stories I'm editing at the moment. I would like to submit them to various horror markets over the next month or so, but it remains to be seen if they will be accepted. I do have a few poems forthcoming and a couple of stories. I always post links on my blog when a new piece goes live.

Lilith: What do you see as a useful tool for any writer to have?

PR: Other writers. And I don't mean using other writers in a negative way, but rather developing positive dialog with other writers you respect. It is important to workshop your stories. For some reason, it is always easier to pick someone else's story apart and identify the mistakes than it is to spot the weaknesses of your own work. You really need to get another set of eyes to read over your material twice before you submit it. The more feedback you receive, the more likely you will be able to polish your work to a professional level.

There are tons of other tools, but becoming a member of a writing group where you can workshop your stories is one of the most beneficial things a writer can do. This is why I just opened a new writers workshop here on The Dark Fiction Guild under Innsmouth Writer's Asylum.

Lilith: Now that the year is almost over, what do you plan on accomplishing in 2010?

PR: I would like to complete a novel and continue to publish short stories. There are some workshops I've already scheduled to attend and tons of books I'd like to read.

Lilith: What would surprise people about you?

PR: They may be surprised to find out I can play clarinet, flute, the saxophone, trumpet, trombone, baritone, tuba, timpani, marimba, drums, oboe, and french horn, but what will really shock them...is the fact I can't whistle. It's true. I've tried. I just can't do it. My tongue is so short it can barely get past my own bottom lip. I can NOT whistle or roll my R's -- nope, my ruffles do not have rrrrrrrridges -- they are flat as can be.

Lilith: What character or subject of horror do you feel would be more original in today's limelight?

PR: Frankenstein. We have all these new genetic tests, organ donors, and cloning going on - a futuristic Frankenstein would be awesome...the genetic scientific experiment gone wrong. Now, the monster lives amongst us, but who is he? He might blend right in. He might resemble your dad. Heck, he might  even look just like YOU! (Bwahahaha)

Lilith: Where can our readers contact you online?

PR: My email addy is PaulaRayABC@aol.com.

http//:musicalpencil.blogspot.com.

http//:backspacejunkie.blogspot.com/

Lilith:  Thank you, Paula, for taking the time to do this interview with me. I wish you the very best of luck in getting more of your creations out there for everyone to enjoy.

PR: Thank you for having me and I really appreciate being part of this issue. I also appreciate the feedback I got from all of the editors on the SNM staff.

*

Pen Name: Suzie Bradshaw

Suzie loves speaking and writing about herself in the third person. She doubts that light is really the fastest thing in the Universe and in her next life she plans  on proving Einstein wrong. But in this life all she wants to do is write. Is that a song?

Suzie's had stories published in SNM Horror Mag as well as Microhorror, The Monsters Next Door and 2 new print publications. One in The House of Horror anthology and now one in SNM's Bonded By Blood II. 

LILITH: Hi Suzie, nice to see you back once again. Congratulations on getting into BBB II With "Wagging Tongues."

SB: Nice to see you too, Lilith. Thank you. I’m so excited to be here and included in BBB II! I loved BBBI. Fantastic stories!

So Lilith, what’s with the cattle prod?

(LILITH HIDES THE CATTLE PROD...LONG STORY!)

Oh, you heard how I ramble on. Okay, you can use it when I get off topic. And I thought SNM was just the founder’s initials. Hmmmm.

LILITH: (Smiles, enjoying Suzies humor) Can you tell us about the story you submitted and why you chose SNM Horror Magazine to send it to?

SB: “Wagging Tongues” is my vision of Hell for children. It’s not what you think. The children actually get to serve justice up to their abusers. And yes, Pat Benatar’s “Hell is for Children” was an influence. I always knew I’d do a story with that song as my muse. I’m very proud of this story. I wanted to live there. My best friend thinks I am the child in that story but I don’t agree. I related more to Satan in the story, just the overseer. As far as choosing SNM…I wrote this story specifically for SNM’s August a vision of hell theme. What attracted me to SNM in the first place was the professionalism of the magazine and the pretty backgrounds. My very first story was published by SNM and I can’t help myself I have to keep coming back for more. You know, the inner glutton and yada yada.

LILITH: Wow, you have been writing since 8 years old? What was your first story about?

SB: LOL! That makes me laugh. I had such vivid and horrific nightmares and would write about those and then I would tape my stories to the outside of my bedroom door for anyone who passed by to read. My first self-publishing venture. HaHa! I still remember those nightmares. I had a tremendous fear of little people/creatures coming for me from a hole in my closet (really did have one when I was a child) and dragging my sister and I to hell and eating us.

LILITH: Your the mother of 5 children, my hat is off to you in respect. What do your children think of you writing horror stories?

SB: Oh, well thanks Lilith. There’s never a dull moment. My children are the most awesome people in the world. We have so much fun and there’s always laughter in the house. Mostly it’s them laughing at me or my husband but that’s okay. I am truly blessed with these young people in my life. I really don’t know how I got so lucky. It’s a good thing I’ve been fixed or I would probably have five more. Okay…sorry, I got off topic. They love that I write. They all know it’s what I’ve always wanted to do. I’ve always written stories for them or made up stories for them. They love for mommy to scare them. We’re strange like that. We all love horror!

LILITH: Have you seen your children also taking any interest in following in your footsteps as well?

SB: Both my boys, the oldest and youngest, are creative. My oldest writes screenplays and wants to make movies. He’s written several pieces and they are very good. His work blows me away! My youngest writes and draws. His passion is drawing and he is very talented. I hope they stick with it. Perseverance, discipline and tenacity. Never give up or in!

LILITH: Do you have any updates of when we will be able to read and buy your novel "Carnival, Texas"?

SB: Oh dear lord…poor “Carnival”. I have rewritten it so many times I’m not even sure I can save it now. I love the story but I really messed it up. So, maybe one day I’ll go back to it but as of now it hasn’t seen the light of day for about six months.

LILITH: You've worked as a substitute teacher. What would you say has been a happy memory from that?

SB: Almost every day gave me a happy memory. There is no greater feeling then when the little ones draw pictures for you, tell you how beautiful you are and you are their favorite teacher. They always want to hug you. Did you know teachers aren’t allowed to hug the children? Good grief, what is wrong with this world when you can’t hug a child? Anyway they are all so darn cute and sweet and love their teachers. It’s precious. But what I enjoyed the most when I subbed for the gifted and talented English classes in the secondary schools. I actually enjoy the heck out of teenagers. A lot of people are afraid of them or treat them with such disrespect. It really pisses me off when kids get treated poorly by adults just because they are kids. It’s easy really, you show them respect and guess what? They show you respect. I saw a lot of things in the schools that I completely disagree with and decided maybe I shouldn’t teach after all. I have been giving serious thought about going back to school and getting my Masters Degree. I’d like to try my hand at teaching on the college level. I love to learn.

Ooops, there I go again. Lilith, where’s that cattle prod?

( ZAP!!! )

Ouch…easy with that thing, will ya. Okay, okay, I’m done. Jeez.

LILITH: *Grins* Would you like to promote any other work your currently working on?

SB: Jeez, I don’t want to bore anyone. I have stuff out there that I am quite proud of. If you go to my Myspace page or my blog there’s a list of all my publications. Thank you for asking!

LILITH: No problem, Suzie. If you could relate your personality to a genre of music, what would it be and why?

SB: Sweet, nice question Lilith! This is tough. I love all music. Hmmm, let’s see, okay got it, not sure what genre it is but I’d say the B52’s Love Shack matches my personality the best. Upbeat, peppy and all about the dancing and love, baby! Or Closer by Nine Inch Nails…just joking. Have you listened to the lyrics of that song? Wow, is all I have to say about that. If you are easily offended, don’t listen to it.

LILITH: If you could be a proud owner of any horror item, what would you want to be your treasure?

SB: Could I own Stephen King? That would be cool. Actually, I have this fantasy of owning my own haunted house attraction. I asked my husband if he would build a mausoleum for me in our backyard. I'd use it as an office. Wouldn't that be neat? I thought so. Oh, and I want a hearse.

LILITH: A hearse sounds very fun, especially on girls night out... Oh now where was I? Oh yes, while we're on the subject of horror, could you share with us a personal horror experience of your own?

SB: Oh my…those need to stay nice and bottled up where they belong to seep out slowly through my stories. I guess I can give you one of the lesser of the evils. I was robbed at gun point on my 18th birthday. I was with a group of friends and we stopped at a gas station. It was about three in the morning, none of us were hurt. The guy just took all the girls purses but you know what I did when he walked up and pointed a gun to my head? I laughed. I couldn’t believe I laughed and then I hid my purse. You never know your reaction to certain situations until you’re actually in them, you know? He didn’t get my purse. HaHa!! It was terrifying though. I remember shaking for hours afterward. I am the stupid blond in the scary movies. I hear a strange noise and walk right towards it.

LILITH: I could visualize that scene in my head and I think I either would have laughed if I had been there in your shoes. Or I'd have burped. I do the strangest things at intense times. Back to the questions. What is your goal for next year and have you made any New Years resolutions?

SB: There are certain online mags I want to be published in. I also want to reach fifty published stories by next year and try another novel. We’ll see. I love to edit too, so I’m hoping  that someone will give me a job editing at one of my favorite mags. Hint, hint. As for resolutions: Don’t lose weight and don’t quit smoking. There, I’m going the opposite of my usual. Bet I’ll succeed this time!! Yay me!

LILITH: Are you dreading  the whole gift shopping for the upcoming big holiday or have you already bought your goods?

SB: I have already started and I’m actually looking forward to it this year. I’m usually bah-humbug about it. My kids have to beg me to even decorate. Not this year. I’m completely psyched! No, I don’t know why or what’s changed. Just thankful I’m not grumpy this year.

LILITH: Where can readers contact you online?

http://www.myspace.com/suziebradshaw  http://www.suziebradshaw.blogspot.com/

Or I’m on Facebook (Suzie Bradshaw) which I use as a virtual office. You know, grab some coffee, pull up a chair, let’s chat. Thanks for asking!

LILITH: I imagine we'll be seeing your name posted more in the future. Whether it be here or elsewhere. Stay brilliant, Suzie!

SB: Well, that is very kind of you to say, Lilith! I appreciate it. Fun interview and it was a pleasure meeting you! Oh, and thanks for going easy on me with the prod.

GIVES SUZIE A LAST QUICK ZAP WITH THE CATTLE PROD FOR GOOD MEASURE!

LILITH: I love these neat interview bonuses! Will keep this handy for future reference!

SB: I guess I shouldn't have expected anything less knowing who I would be interviewing for! Next time I'll bring a muzzle. Wait, scratch that thought!

*

Pen Name: Robert Nicholas

Robert Nicholas was born and is currently residing in Allentown, Pa. with his wife and children and crazy cat. Educated in the honorable school of hard knocks, he majored in advanced irony. Now a roofer by trade, he enjoys the freedom of outdoor work. A huge fan of classic horror fiction; Crowley and the Golden Dawn, and classic heavy metal, Robert strives to entertain, amuse and disturb the willing reader. He's now been published twice in fiction and once in poetry at SNM.

LILITH: Greetings Robert. There were talks of your return to mausoleum, welcome back :)

RN: Thank you, Lilith. It is truly rewarding and even a little intimidating to have my creations generate interest.

LILITH: Tell us a briefly about the story you submitted and what is your favorite part within it?

RN: The Deep Blue Doom is about a musician, in the realm of Ozzy or Jimmy Page, who collects occult memorabilia. He gets more than he bargained for when the rite, contained in a treasured Grimore, is dramatically effective.

My favorite part of the story is when the protagonist's ancestral spirits berate him for meddling in the affairs  of the dead.

LILITH: How have you been in general since the last time you were published here?

RN: I have been well, thank you. While putting roofs on houses is a tough living, the crew that I work with is incredibly fun and very inspirational. I'll never starve for subject matter with that madcap crew of pirates. My children grow so fast it seems time just whips by.

LILITH: How many more stories do you have up your sleeve? Any new stories that you'd like to announce?

RN: As an artist and all around strange bird, I don't think that I've been without a story up my sleeve. The trick is getting them out on paper and published.

As for any new stories, I am currently working with a female gunslinger, and some ghastly happenings in ancient Sumeria. Both of which are governed by harsh and notional muses, so they are very time consuming.

LILITH: Would you consider yourself to be traditional or someone who “thinks outside the box?”

RN: While my rebellious nature wants to proclaim my style as "Outside the box", I would honestly say I am very traditional. I have a little more tolerance in my subject matter than the master's like Poe, Lovecraft, and Longfellow had in their day. However, silly as it sounds, creaking floorboards and animated shadows still scare the daylights out of me.

LILITH: Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

RN: In five years? I'll be the frazzled parent of two teenage girls! Seriously though, I really try not to think so far ahead, I tend to let Lady Fate guide the days.

LILITH: Do you have crazy rituals that MUST be done before announcing a project has been completed?

RN: No. My announcement usually consists of, "Thank the Gods that it's done!"

LILITH: Where'd your passion for writing stem from?

RN: My passion for the written word began in grammar school. Devouring Alfred Hitchcock's "you-solve-em" mysteries and his "Three investigators" series. Goosebumps was still a long way off at that point.

LILITH: If you could write a full length novel with a famous author, who would it be?

RN: It would be great to do a collaboration with author Tom Robbins, father of "Skinny legs and all" &  "Jitterbug perfume."

LILITH: Why would you choose that person?

RN: His urbane, satirical spin on a brooding tale of human misery, mayhem, or occult  would be unique and entertaining..

LILITH: What area of horror do you like? The effects, descriptions or plot?

RN: I can appreciate the surreal and the absolutely far out; shocking outcomes and fantastic beasties. I especially enjoy when placed in normal, average, everyday situations.

LILITH: Tell us what was the most exciting  event that happened for you in 2009.

RN: Hands down, being published in SNM Horror Mag. "A Tenant Too Many" was actually based on a dream that I had and my first published work. This would not have happened were it not for the  encouragement and input from my wife, Michelle, also a unique talent in her own right.

LILITH: What other talents do you possess?

RN: I have been playing guitar for around thirty years, but that takes a backseat to family life and now writing as it turns out. I have the rare talent of being able to change a diaper while still talking on the phone, if that is considered a talent.

LILITH: Will you be posting a personal website up or possibly be joining a networking site soon?

RN: Proud to announce we, my wife and I, do have a website www.mindbang.webs.com. Please come visit and sign in. We love guests!

LILITH: Keep up that energy and continue writing, Robert. I'm sure we'll be reading great things from you again soon.

RN: Thank you again Lilith! I am honored to once again be included in an issue of SNM Magazine. I look forward to many more months of quality horror fiction and of course, Ms. Newbill's new poetry section. Blessed Be!  

     Author Pen Name: Brian Johnpeer

Brian Johnpeer makes his third appearance in SNM Mag! His story "The Pen" made SOTM in the December issue and will now be featured in BBB II. He has  penned quite a few short stories now but has had only two other publications. His story "February 14th" offered quite the twist and bang and received the most guestbook comments of any writer in SNM history. Brian currently hails from Elk Grove, California with his wife and kids. Readers may contact him and visit his Myspace page for more stories. He will also be launching a website very soon. He was the only author in 2009 to have 2 SNM SOTM awards!

Lilith: Since your story "The Pen," I've heard plenty about you. You are well-penned and have a true skill. Congrats on returning to us. Would you please give our readers a taste of what to expect with your recent story we published as SOTM and your background?

BRIAN_J: I work as a Chief Engineer at Hilton in Elk Grove, Ca. and I was approached with the same work order that Alex Gibson was handed at the beginning of Peek-A-Boo. I went to the room 406, steamed the restroom, and found the words Peek-a-boo, life is good, when you die. Creepy huh? When I exited the room with a colleague, I told her that I would have a short story (pertaining to room 406) completed by the end of the week but there was too much to say…too much to explain… so a month later Peek-A-Boo was completed.

Lilith: What do you feel are the most essential tools for a writer to have?

BRIAN_J: Thick skin and an unquenchable thirst for success.

Lilith: Where have you studied and have you taken any workshops?

BRIAN_J: Hahaha…Clearing my throat…I've never actually studied writing…no workshops…no groups…I've just learned a handful of tools of the craft on my own. Cheryl Hendricks has been a huge inspirational blessing. She has been kind enough to take me under her wing and edit and proof read my stories.

Lilith: Okay, straying slightly away from the subject, I noticed you're pretty buff. Do you work out routinely? What type of work out rituals do you do?

BRIAN_J: Smiling. I have lifted weights since I was a kid. Routine? No…I lift when I feel like it. The only routine that I have is at 6PM I drink beer and write stories in a room with the door shut. I sneak a little whiskey too, if you must know.

Lilith: I saw you’re quite popular on the guestbook comment section and that you have A LOT of friends on Myspace. How did you get so many friends?

BRIAN_J: My writing habits include, 50% writing, and 50% promoting. I am constantly bugging people all around me to read my stories. I print them at home and give them away. I ask for friendship all day on Myspace.

Lilith: What else have you had published?

BRIAN_J: My story The Home was just accepted today (7/22) by Shallow Graves Magazine and I have other irons in the fire that should pan out; nada other than SNM and Shallow Graves.

BRIAN_J: Though it would be my downfall and perhaps my ultimate demise, see the future. Who wouldn’t want to know what lottery numbers are coming up on Wednesday?

Lilith: What is your biggest personal fear?

BRIAN_J: The last time I was actually scared was about four years ago after I had watched Rose Red then had to go to the bathroom…lol. I have little fear. I keep telling Racquel, my wife, that I want to catch a rattle snake with my bare hands…

Lilith: Have you met any of your fans in person and if so, what was it like meeting the first one?

BRIAN_J: Being that I force-feed my work to the people around me…I have fans around me daily. I love it. They always ask about the next one.  

My biggest fans are Racquel, my wife, Megean and Taylor, my daughters, Tony and Dylan, my sons…and though my Mom doesn’t like that I write Thriller/Horror,  she is still a big fan.

Lilith: What would give you satisfaction as a writer?

BRIAN_J: I get satisfaction on a daily basis. Sure, my goals are set high NEW YORK TIMES BEST SELLING AUTHOR but the art of creation is the true pleasure.

Lilith: As a child, was your first dream to be a writer, or had you wanted to be something else? If so, what?

BRIAN_J: First dream…a baseball player. I did want to be a writer early on, but I was told that in order to write one must read, and I didn’t read. I never read a full book in high school…not that I didn’t try. And I am an extremely slow reader still. I probably write faster than I read…

Lilith: In total how many stories have you written and do you plan on incorporating them into a full-length novel of short stories?

BRIAN_J: I have also written Secret Within, Delusions, and Disheveled Souls…Novels. Charley, a novel, is currently in the works.  I have 11 short stories total and I will write nine more before choosing the best for a book of shorts. I have also wrote and recorded eight rap songs…lol -- they aren’t very good -- but are funny as hell. I learned that I can’t rap very well, but found it a challenge in wording them. It was actually a good writing exercise. But a troubadour I am not!

Lilith: Where online can you be contacted or perhaps stalked in your case?

www.myspace.com/brian_johnpeer

Lilith: Thank you Brian and on behalf of SNM Horror Magazine, I wish you the best. Happy Holidays!