Holiday Horror: A Visit with Nicholas Lilly

1. How did you start writing horror?
I have been obsessed with horror ever since i was little, the first movie i ever saw in theaters was Chucky. I used to draw picture stories of Jason vs Freddy vs Chucky vs Mike Myers so as soon as i was able to write that seemed the next step to me.

2. Tell us about your story in Holiday Horror. What holiday did you pick and why?
My story is about a guy introducing his new girlfriend to the family for the first time, I already had this story written so i just handed it over.

3. Name three things on your desk.
I actually don't like to use a desk but three things i would have by my side would be my phone, my Kindle, and my Spiderman water bottle.

4. If I were your favorite cookie, what would I be?
Sugar cookie

5. What authors have inspired your writing?
The biggest inspiration to me was an author that i read early on Darren shan

6. Plotter or pantster?
More than likely i would have to say a Plotter

7. Favorite horror movie?
Friday the 13th, The old ones. Cheesiest most horrible movies i have ever seen but still hands down my favorite.

8. What is one thing you would tell an aspiring horror writer?
Deadlines are the best fuel to light a fire under your ass. 

9. What kinds of characters are you drawn to write about?
I tend to write more about under dogs who have to overcome more than anyone should ever have to.

10. Tell us what you are working on now.
I am always working on multiple things at once but the two top would be an untitled vampire book and a book of 13 scary stories titled "Where we go to die" i am hoping to have it out by the end on January.

Short excerpt:

“We came here on the other side of the street; these are not our foot prints.” “So what?” Eric chuckles maybe someone came by and we missed them it’s not a private street. “Look closer.’ she whispers. Eric kneels down to get a better look in the dim light of the star and sees a small dark puddle in one of the foot prints. “What is that?” He asks aloud. Starting to panic Amanda takes a deep breath and says in her lowest voice “Its blood and the tracks stop and lead into the ally.” Slowly the both raise their eyes from the blood flied foot print and look straight into the pitch black alley.

Bio:
My name is Nicholas Lilly  and i want to be Having fun and living life one couch cushion at a time Life is simple and you should treat it like that. I am a very calm person and like to surround myself with the same, I like kids but I do not have any of my own. I am a lot like a kid that could be why I get along with them so well. I spend most of my time reading, writing, and going to see movies. I wouldn't call myself an average guy but I make do with what I've got. 

https://www.facebook.com/Wherewegotodie

Facebook party: https://www.facebook.com/events/195952477261715/

Holiday Horror: A Visit with Samie Sands

1. Tell us a little about yourself and how you came to write in the horror genre.

My name is Samie Sands, I am 27 and I live in the UK with my husband and 1 year old daughter. I am new to writing, I have always worked within the media industry - design, photography and PR, but have always wanted to use my creativity in this way. My new years resolution last year was to follow this dream, and I have come such a long way since then! I have a novel being published (which will be released early next year) and now my story in Holiday Horrors.
I have a particular interest in horror as it is such a wide ranging genre. I love the fact that when faced by really horrific situations, characters find things out about themselves that they never knew. I enjoy writing this new depth.

2. What was your inspiration for your story in the Holiday Horrors Anthology?

My story that has been featured in Holiday Horrors is actually a mini spin off story from my novel, Lockdown, which is going to be released. It's about the very beginning of what is to become a zombie apocalypse, and the main character, trying to wrap her head around a very strange occurance!

3. Tell us one thing about you that most people don't know.

I am a huge anime and manga geek. One of the best things to ever happen to me was to visit Japan and see the home of where it all comes from - I even got to visit a working animation studio.

4. Name three things on your desk.

My daughters scan photo, a Hello Kitty plush that was a gift from one of my closest friends and a long line of pens.

5. What are your favorite kinds of characters to write about?

It's always fun to write the villian! Looking from an entirely different perspective is a challenge I love. Saying that, the hardest characters to write are the ones that are similar to yourself.

6. Do you plot your work or wing it?

I always have a strong plan, which never ever seems to work out! I have found the best ideas I actually come up with, are the ones that naturally appear as the story is developing.

7. Tell us your process for working through a novel as opposed to a short story. How do they differ in your mind?

With a novel, you can flesh out your story with character and plot development and details which explain what is happeneing better, so once I have got the basics down, I write around that to make it all more interesting.
With a short story, you have to get everything across quicker and in a much more precise way, every word is vital. I plan out longer stories beforehand, whereas I always just start short stories with a small idea.

8. What is one thing you would tell aspiring horror writers that has helped you in your writing career?

Start with what interests you. It sounds simple, but if you don't like your story, it's unlikely others will.

9. Do you listen to music when you write? What does your soundtrack look like?

I prefer to work without noise as I can focus better. However, that is impossible with a 1 year old so my soundtrack has become childrens songs - something she can sing along to whilst playing so I can have 5 minutes to myself!

10. What's next in your writer horizon?

Lockdown will be released in spring, and the sequel wont be long behind! I am currently working my butt off at the moment to get it done.

Twitter: @SamieSands

Bio:

Samie Sands lives in a small seaside town in England with her husband and daughter. She has a degree in Media Studies and has spent her career working as a Graphic Designer. She enjoys reading books from all genres, particularly horror and spends far too much time with her head in a book. Her debut novel, Lockdown, is a Sci-Fi story that will be coming out soon.

http://thelockdown.co.uk

http://www.facebook.com/SamieSandsLockdown

http://www.twitter.com/SamieSands

http://samiesands.tumblr.com

http://www.wattpad.com/SamieSands

http://instagram.com/zombies_lockdown

http://www.pinterest.com/sslockdown/

 

Website: http://tri-pub.com/authors/samie-sands

Facebook Party: https://www.facebook.com/events/195952477261715/196867143836915/?notif_t=like