Horror Author Nicole Henneman #Interview
Nicole Henneman Interview
1. Congratulations on you forthcoming Witch of Whidbey series! Can you tell us a little about these books?
Whidbey Island has always been a special place for me. My step-father was in the military and I grew up there. The concept for the books came to me while I was sitting in a 9th grade history class learning about one of the island’s first white settlers, Isaac Ebey. He was decapitated by a group of Native Americans as retaliation for a military attack, but I always wondered how the narrative would change if it had been someone else who killed him. While Ebey’s Landing is a fictionalized account of those events, it is rooted in island history. The first book follows Ebey’s life up to his eventual death, while the second book is set in modern day.
2. If Witch of Whidbey were made into a movie, who would you want to play the heroine, Andrea?
The Witch of Whidbey series has two quietly determined female protagonists facing very different circumstances. In Ebey’s Landing, Olivia practices folk magic and is wronged in the process. I could see her being played by Morfydd Clark or Maggie Rhee. Andrea is newly single, lives in San Francisco and knows nothing about magic. Andrea not only struggles with catastrophic events but also the aftermath of her own naiveté. Her character would be a good vehicle for Florence Pugh or maybe Laia Costa.
3. On your website, you mention you write paranormal fiction among other genres (mysteries, children’s imaginative fantasy, YA adventure). Have you ever experienced anything paranormal?
When I was younger, I encountered lots of shadow people but never the infamous Hat Man. As I got older, the experiences became less frequent but one time I was home alone and heard a man call my name from another room. My most recent experience was in 2013 when we videotaped an orb floating through our living room. Generally, they have been fairly benign experiences. Strangely, later I did have a dream of the Hat Man. In my dream I was screaming and I woke up standing straight up on the floor-still screaming.
4. Do you ever research real events, legends, or myths to get ideas?
The Witch of Whidbey was borne out of my love of lore. In elementary school I read Greek mythology books and the Legends of King Arthur repeatedly. I still spend time researching myths of various countries and people. While those stories have not inspired any books yet, I am definitely influenced by their tone and structure.
5. When did you first realize you wanted to be an author?
I have always loved stories but did not realize I could create my own until I won a writing award in second grade. However, I was not one of those writers blessed with the perseverance to write a novel early on or forge my way into the industry. I am an introvert who experiences anxiety and intense writer’s block. The Witch of Whidbey series has been a decades long project in the making, so the fact that I am still working on manuscripts stands as an inner testament to the craft.
6. In your opinion, what one stereotype about horror writers is absolutely wrong?
That we base characters on people in real life just so we can kill them off. Wait, no, we do that. Okay, maybe that we only wear black. I definitely own a few grey shirts. So that stereotype is completely wrong.
7. Let’s have a little fun. Would you rather spend a weekend in the house from The House on Haunted Hill or The Overlook Hotel with Jack?
That is a hard one. While each location has its merits and challenges lurking amongst the walls, I think ending Jack would ultimately prove easier.
8. What’s next for you? Any projects you can discuss?
I will be publishing a YA book (The Mack Morgan Mysteries) and working on a new paranormal story (Catfish).
9. Where can people find you online?
My website
10. Last chance! Anything else you’d like to say?
Thank you for this great opportunity! Please check out my books and continue supporting the work of horror writers.
Nicole Henneman