Speculative Fiction, Cosmic Horror, and Weird Western Author KC Grifant #Interview
KC Grifant Interview
1. You’re the first author I’ve interviewed who, in addition to science and speculative fiction / cosmic horror, is a self-proclaimed “weird western” writer. What is the definition of a weird western and what inspired your interest in this particular genre?
Weird West is one of my favorite subgenres, niche as it is. Typically, a Wild West setting and aesthetics mash with fantastical elements from other genres, like horror, scifi and fantasy. Think Jonah Hex, Cowboys & Aliens, Deadlands and even Stephen King’s Dark Tower series.
I like this subgenre because it offers room for fresh takes on the often overused imagery and caricatures of the Wild West—like the stoic cowboy, or the saloon prostitute—and offers a chance to tell stories from perspectives not well represented during that time period. The Wild West is romanticized for adventure and exploration, but it was also a time of horrific violence and upheaval, all of which can be thoughtfully and respectfully explored in Weird West tales. Plus, something about the Wild West invites more speculative wanderings; tales of werewolves, demons, ghosts, aliens, magic and otherworldly elements seem right at home with the Rocky Mountains, Southwestern deserts and other beautiful but unforgiving settings.
2. You’ve been published in anthologies and magazines, but your website mentions that your stories have also been featured in collectable card games. Can you tell us a little about how this came about?
This ties back to your first question, funny enough! I used to regularly play regional tournaments in a Weird West-themed LLC game (short for “living card game,” which is essentially a hybrid board game and collectible card game). Doomtown: Reloaded involves a one-on-one battle for Wild West town dominance through card abilities, board maneuvers and “shootouts” via poker hands. I loved how this game had Weird West elements—even an evil circus!—and lots of interesting female characters ranging from outlaws to businesswomen. This game prompted my interest in writing more Weird West stories, and, through the gaming group, I ended up writing several official stories tied to the release of new cards. It was my first time working in a shared universe with a defined story arch and established characters. It was fun to write professional “fan fic” so to speak, and put my own mark on the game. I hope to get a chance to write for more games in the future.
3. Okay, this is going to be tough since your body of work is extensive. If you could only pick one short story that you’ve written to be made into a movie, who would play the lead and why?
What a fun question! I’d have to go with my Weird West horror story, A DUSTY ARRIVAL, featured on the cover of Andromeda Magazine’s March 2018 issue. This tale centers around two of my reoccurring characters, Melinda and Lance, gunslingers for hire who deal with unusual infestations in towns. In this story, they must battle cannibalistic gremlins that spread a psychic infection to anyone who nears them. Given that, both need to be actors that look like they can handle themselves in a brawl. I’d select the former mixed martial artist and actress Gina Carano (who played a freedom fighter in The Mandalorian) for the serious, gunslinging, butt-kicking Melinda and Chris Pine or Keanu Reeves for the charming, rugged Lance. Those are two characters I’d love to see onscreen!
4. We all know writer’s have extensive google search histories that would make the FBI a little, um, nervous. If the Feds were to examine your browser right now, what strange things would pop us that you’ve looked up for “research”?
Ha, too true! My latest google searches for a new Weird West horror story include gems like “conjure Italian demons,” “how to set off dynamite from a distance,” “build a flamethrower,” and “size of derringer bullets” which might raise an eyebrow or two from Big Brother.
5. What book(s) are you reading right now?
I’ve just picked up Wanderers by Chuck Wendig and have not been able to put it down! It threads mystery, science and weirdness into a page-turning plot, yet is still thoughtful and intriguing. I’m also reading Carmen Maria Machado’s Her Body and Other Parties which is excellent, and have Sarah Read’s The Bone Weaver’s Orchard next on my list.
6. What is next for you? Anything in the works?
Yes! Right on topic, I’m wrapping up a Weird West novel featuring the aforementioned gunslinging team in their most intense adventure yet. Melinda and Lance dispose of supernatural critters in the Wild West, but their adventures come at a price. After unwittingly unleashing an ancient demon who steals their friend’s soul, they must battle new types of deadly creatures and track a famed outlaw to stop the demon before it completes its spell and reigns hell on Earth. DARK TRAILS (working title) is a kind of mashup of Ghostbusters and Wild West elements and features soul-sucking insects, an epic train battle and a visit to another world, with a few twists and turns along the way. It’s been a lot of fun to write.
I’ve also recently completed THE FINAL HOUR, a fantasy novella inspired by The Labyrinth, about a queen desperate to escape a goblin realm she is forced to rule for eternity. In order to escape back to Earth, she must master the realm’s magic and defend the kingdom from other worlds while not losing her own humanity.
Finally, I’m in the midst of revising two weird science novels: in one, a woman with a prototype of a prosthetic arm finds herself at the center of a rising social movement and scientific coverup. In the second, dream chasers who map nightmares for a new type of psychotherapy uncover a social contagion threatening to destroy society.
7. Where can people find you online?
My website, Amazon, Instagram, FB and Twitter.
8. Thank you so much! This is your chance to say anything that wasn’t asked. Closing thoughts?
Thank you for the fun questions and the opportunity to share more about genre fiction and my work!
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