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Horror Writer Interview #2: Jenna Lehne

I am super excited to bring to our little corner of the cemetery, yet another interview with horror writer Jenna Lehne! Seriously love her answers, especially to #3.

Enjoy!

 

Interview

1.  Why write horror? What draws you to writing in this genre?

 

I like scaring people. I’m the kind of person that will hide behind the front door for half an hour just so I can jump out and scare you.

 

I started writing horror because there’s so much to work with. People are afraid of everything. My friend, for example, is afraid of balloons. Another is afraid of foam. Writing horror lets you take those everyday things and turn them into something absolutely terrifying.

 

2.  What reactions have you received after telling people that you are a writer of horror? Any interesting anecdotes to share?

 

Most people think it’s cool. Then again, only cool people ask about what I’m writing.

 

A few people shudder and say they’d never read that kind of book. Usually they’re the ones that were traumatized by a book when they were younger and never fully recovered. To those authors, I salute you.

 

3.  I always tell the traumatic story of my first viewing of Poltergeist when I was in third grade and how it scarred me for years. Do you have any stories of fears to share? This has been a huge topic on our blog.

 

I was twelve when The Sixth Sense came out. After begging my parents to let me watch it, they finally gave in. I loved it. I couldn’t look away, even if I wanted to. That night I woke up around midnight to go to the washroom. I kicked off the covers but I could not get out of bed. I knew in my freaking soul that a puke-covered Misha Barton was underneath my bed.

 

So, like any rational kid, I started crying. I bawled for hours and read my children’s bible. I was too embarrassed to tell my mom until she came downstairs the next morning and found me still awake.

 

To this day I can’t watch the movie without the lights on.

 

4.  What is your favorite horror novel? Horror movie? Why?

 

I inhaled the Goosebumps series when I was a kid. I signed out Scary Tales to Tell in the Dark more than anyone in the school (how freaky were those illustrations??) I got my first Stephen King book at age nine (Gerald’s Game) and haven’t stopped reading him. I’m a big fan of Daniel Kraus and Kendare Blake.

 

I’d have to say April Fool’s Day  (1986) is my favorite movie. I could list another fifty movies I like but you probably have things to do. If you need a rec, tweet me ☺

 

5.  Where do you get your inspiration from?

 

Everywhere. I’m always taking everyday scenes out of my life and twisting them into something scary. If I go to the theater, there’s always a serial killer sitting behind me. If I’m in an empty grocery store, it’s because the zombie plague finally hit.

 

The occasional Ghost Adventure marathons don’t hurt.

 

6.  We love music here at The Midnight Society, especially when it helps us to write creepy stories. Any songs or playlists you can share that have inspired your writing?

 

I really like movie and video game soundtracks. The soundtrack for THE FOUNTAIN is pretty good. Anything by Clint Mansell is solid. If I’m having one of those days where I can’t focus, a thunderstorm loop does the trick.

 

7.  Any writing tips you can share with us?

 

Don’t be afraid to write what scares you. Are you afraid of burning to death in a barn? Write it. Drowning? Write it. Worldwide cupcake shortage? Write it. (But don’t really. No one can handle that.)

 

8.  Add anything else you feel is important to your writing, reading, and other experiences:)

 

I had a horror novel, SECOND HAND LACE, published last year. It’s a ghost story, told from 4 POVs. If you like a little possession, a little Ouija, and a ghost or two, then this is the book for you.

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Want to follow/learn more about Jenna? Check out her links:

@raddestgirlever

http://theprintingprincess.blogspot.ca

 

http://www.amazon.com/Second-Hand-Lace-Jenna-Lehne-ebook/dp/B00CE0QLCU/ref=tmm_kin_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&sr=8-1&qid=1397608833

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  • Kathy Palm
    April 22, 2014

    Thanks for introducing us to Jenna! I love scary!

  • Amy Giuffrida
    April 22, 2014

    Yay! Glad you enjoyed meeting Jenna…me too:)

  • krystal jane
    April 23, 2014

    Sixth Sense, huh? 🙂
    Love her writing advice. I’m scared to try it, but I can’t wait at the same time! Might be therapeutic. ^_^

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