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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Multi-Talented Author Ephiny Gale #Interview

Ephiny Gale Interview

Author Ephiny Gale

1. Books, short stories, poetry and plays! You are very busy! Let’s start at the beginning. What inspired you to become a writer?

I don’t think I can remember a time before I wanted to write! My parents were enthusiastic readers and definitely passed that passion on to me; I was one of those small children who often climbed my school’s stairs while reading. It seemed perfectly natural to write the kind of stories I enjoyed consuming; I started writing fiction as soon as I was physically able to write.

 2. Where did you love of science fiction and fantasy evolve from?

What an interesting question! As a child I was captivated by science fiction and fantasy because they presented such an endless range of possibilities and adventure. I loved the sense of magic (either through actual magic or technology) and glimpses into more exciting and vivid universes than our own.
During my teen years I became somehow convinced that I didn’t, in fact, enjoy speculative fiction because I didn’t particularly like Star Wars or Lord of the Rings. I had to re-discover my love of science fiction and fantasy by learning that it comes in many different forms, and that they can still be my favorite genres even if I’m unlikely to be excited by space opera or high fantasy.

3. Congratulations on your collection of short stories Next Curious Thing! What is your favorite story from the collection?

Thank you! I’m fond of lots of stories in that collection, but my favorite is probably ‘The Secret Death of Lane Islington’. It’s a story about a misanthropic singer who pulls her doppelganger out of a portal to an alternate universe, and then teaches said doppelganger to take her place for the events she’d rather not attend. Like many of my pieces, ‘The Secret Death of Lane Islington’ explores the roles we play within society and in relation to other people, but this is a favorite because it does so in a such a fun way.

4. You’ve had several short stories published. What tip would you give a newbie writer who is looking to submit to an anthology or literary magazine?

For anyone new to submissions, I would recommend becoming familiar with Duotrope (paid) or The Submissions Grinder (free). My understanding of and success with the submission process increased immensely once I was introduced to Duotrope. These websites are both excellent resources for learning about potential markets and recording your submissions. Once I’m ready to submit a piece I log into Duotrope, do a search by the piece’s genre and length (e.g. science fiction, 3000 words) and Duotrope generates a list of all the markets that might be interested in a piece with those parameters.
If you’re new to submissions, I would also advise you to take story rejections as par for the course. They’re not just happening because you’re new; writers who regularly sell stories to professional markets at professional rates still get plenty of rejections in the process. It’s not unusual to receive 10 or even 20+ rejections before you sell a story – but once it’s sold, all of those rejections won’t matter!

5. If you could write and produce any play you want, what would it be about?

Anything I want? I’d thrill my childhood self by writing and producing a new Xena: Warrior Princess musical! Failing that, I’d love to write a sci-fi jukebox musical using Sia songs. But if we’re talking straight plays, I’d be keen to adapt Catherynne Valente’s Refrigerator Monologues for the stage; I saw very clearly how I’d direct that when I was reading it.

 6. When you’re not writing, what are you up to?

I work full-time as a digital project manager, which can be all-consuming at times. When I’m not working or writing I’m probably having a passionate philosophical discussion or low-key adventure with my spouse (who is also a writer), out at the theatre, or playing board games with friends.

 7. What book(s) are you reading right now?

While I’m not in the middle of any books right now, I recently finished Gideon the Ninth by Tamsyn Muir, which I loved. It wasn’t at all what I was expecting from the publicity, but I really enjoyed what I did get: exploration of a gothic palace, a deadly magical competition, and a complex murder mystery. Also, a terrific and unusual authorial voice.

 8. What is next for you? Anything in the works?

I currently have 3 half-written short stories to finish (broadly about AI, witches, and aliens, respectively), which is more than I usually have on the go at once. I know exactly what happens in each of them; I just have to sit down and actually write the endings.

 9. Where can people find you online?

The key places would be my website or Twitter

 10. Thank you so much! This is you chance to say anything that wasn’t asked. Closing thoughts?

Thank you so much for having me, Nico, and for your generous and thoughtful questions. It’s been a pleasure!

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