AL: I am happy to say that I am here with author S.J. Krandall who has graciously agreed to sit down with me for a quick interview. Hi S.J.! Welcome to annasauthorscorner! I love your opening line, “Fear takes hold of a small town…” Already, I’m nervous! Tell me more about Fear Farm.
SJK: Hello! Thanks for having me. The title of my book is Fear Farm No Trespassers
Within one year, reports of several missing people took over the media. The victims, all had ventured to parts of the deep wooded countryside never to return. Rumors, posted from local townsfolk, of what might have happened to them caught the attention of the public. Some said the undead may have taken them. Others believed that quick changes in weather patterns played part in their disappearances. A survivor, the only witness, was committed for madness as her story went uncredited. Even though some information was strange investigators, family, friends and adventure seekers all looked into them finding nothing. The lack of any evidence baffled the minds of the people involved as they continued to search for answers. Among them, a young woman so obsessed with these stories in her past that her own nightmares become a reality as she stumbles upon unspeakable horrors playing out before her very own eyes. Are they made up in her mind? Are they a dream? Or is she next? Whether real or fantasy, a story was unfolding before her and she could not stop the images that played out as she confronts who or what was responsible for these individuals grotesque fate.
Fear Farm No Trespassers is based on a real place that I have visited often since childhood. The stories were always in the works and they contain real events that have occurred from a lifetime of memories there, but I won’t tell you what is real and what is not. That’s up to the reader to imagine. Names have been changed and stories have been twisted for the sake of fiction. Many of these stories were seperate incidences occurring throughout time. I liked that I was able to individualize them into shorter stories and create some common ground to bring them together. Whether it be a reunion, a love rekindled, or a ride home… it’s meant to keep you guessing and wish that there were more.
AL: You like many of us have an obvious love of the macabre! Tell me, what do you find intriguing about dark literature and why?
SJ: I find it all intriguing. For me it’s the experience it gives and the way it makes my imagination go wild even after reading or watching. I love the sense of being engaged in what is happening. From holding my breath with anticipation throughout suspenseful moments to an adrenaline rush of fear when a jump scare occurs, it gives a strong feeling. I also enjoy the creative aspect of it and I’m fascinated with some of the amazing ideas writers come up with.
AL: Who is your favorite author and why?
SJ: Although I have many favorite books by various authors I have always been a Stephen King fan. I was (and still am) a huge movie person but his stories were my first introduction to reading horror. I began reading short stories that he had written and gradually worked my way through almost all of his works. I look forward to reading some of his newer titles.
AL: Do you have a favorite character or type of character that inspires you? Personally, I like Pennywise the Clown, particularly the Timmy Curry version. What about you?
SJ: Pennywise the Clown is an interesting character and Tim Curry was amazing. I do feel that both actors who portrayed Pennywise brought something unique to the character and I like the remake just as much. I am also inspired by characters like Michael Myers or even Normal Bates. Although different and troubled in their own way, there is a quietness about them. An underlining evil that brings out violence at unstoppable measures.
AL: Other than horror what other genre’s do you like? Are there any genre’s that don’t float your boat?
SJ: I read mostly horror but I do enjoy thrillers and mysteries. During certain seasons, or if the mood strikes, I will seek out a humorous book or one that has a love story involved. I even love autobiographies/biographies about musicians and movie stars.
I will read just about anything if it interests me.
AL: As a writer what do you struggle with when putting pen to paper or fingers to key board? For me, it’s time. I wish I had more hours in the day.
SJ: Time is always my biggest struggle. I agree, there are definitely not enough hours. I enjoy writing and other crafts but I tend to have very small windows of creative time throughout my day. I try taking advantage of these windows when they come and sometimes you will find me sitting in my car, in a parking lot, writing while waiting for my kids. My family is important to me and I enjoy creating so I do my best to balance it, even if it means working a bit slower.
AL: What are you plans for future books? Will there be a Fear Farm II?
SJ: I do plan to write more horror stories and am currently working on a few different writing pieces. I have a couple of short stories in place and have drafted out book 2 which is to be included in the Fear Farm series. It will tie into the series based on its setting, but also work as a stand alone, similar to how No Trespassers is. I have many ideas for Fear Farm and look forward to building on it in the future.
Links:
Media:
https://www.facebook.com/sjkrandallbooks
https://www.instagram.com/sjkrandall/
AL: I always have to ask the question: If you could pick a place to write your next novel, anywhere in the world, where would you go?
SJ: If I could pick a place to write my next novel it would have to fit the theme of what I would be writing. I think somewhere quiet in the woods would work. I would love a lake nearby and to be situated in the middle of a deep darkened forest where I can sit on a porch and daydream until all the ghosts come out to greet me.
Al: Sounds great to me!
Anna's Author Corner 