In this episode we chat with Michael David Wilson, the founder, editor in chief, and podcast host over at This Is Horror. Michael has done amazing work to promote the horror genre and has provided an invaluable resource for writers at all stages of their careers. In this conversation, we take a deep dive into his early writing (you won’t want to miss his retelling of James and the Chocolate Tree!), we explore his religious upbringing and how that connects to his love of horror. We also talk about the path that led him to start This Is Horror, and we learn about his forthcoming novella, The Girl in the Video, out next year from Perpetual Motion Machine Publishing.
Show Notes:
This Is Horror Story Unboxed “The Lottery” with guests the Ladies of the Fright, Lisa Quigley & Mackenzie Kiera
Michael’s early writing (“James and the Chocolate Tree”) and early interest in horror
Theological discussion. We discuss Michael’s recurring childhood nightmare, and how his religious upbringing informed his interest in horror.
This Is Horror origin story
Early influences
Black Static magazine
Scream magazine
David Moody
Adam Neville
Neil Gaiman quote: “Remember: when people tell you something’s wrong or doesn’t work for them, they are almost always right. When they tell you exactly what they think is wrong and how to fix it, they are almost always wrong.”
The Girl in the Video, Michael’s novella, is forthcoming from Perpetual Motion Machine Publishing
Michael’s superpower: to know exactly what someone needs when they are down or in a negative state. The cost: to feel what they are feeling. Ultimate empathy.
Classic book Michael will never read: Ender’s Game
Don’t forget to check out the This Is Horror Podcast Patreon. I am personally a member at the $4 level and it’s worth every penny. You can support them for as little as $1 a month. I am passionate about supporting artists in their endeavors and the awesome guys at This Is Horror are deserving of every dollar you can spare. Check it out!
Photo by Ricky Turner on Unsplash