We here at GLAHW have met so many amazing and talented people out in the big wide world (you know, OFF the internets) and thought it was high-time we introduced them to you. Who knows? You may end up discovering a favorite new artist, photographer, writer, or all-around awesome human. This time around, we will be talking to J. L. Royce.

GLAHW: How long have you been writing? When did you get started?

I started as an adolescent with poetry. I’ve only been writing fiction steadily for 1246 days.

GLAHW: Why did you choose the horror genre?

I would characterize my writing as macabre, not buckets-o-blood gross-out rock-em sock-em saw-em box-em horror. I’m drawn to black humor, which is where Macabre goes for happy hour.

GLAHW: Were you inspired by a person or event to begin your writing career?

was deeply embedded in SF fandom as a lad, and met a number of authors who continue to inspire me.

GLAHW: Are you a Plotter or Pantser?

I don’t always plot, but when I pants I’ve usually done some scheming first.

GLAHW: Have you ever had an encounter with the supernatural?

Redacted.

GLAHW: Are you superstitious? Why or why not?

Not obsessively. Like most people I have superstitious habits that serve as social glue.

GLAHW:  What do you do for a living, outside of writing?

Software and services for human brain mapping. Bwahahaha….

GLAHW: Do you keep a journal every day?

Yes, but not a narrative. Notes, death threats, words to look up; like that.

GLAHW: What do you prefer to write – short stories, poetry, novels, scripts, etc.?

Short stories at the moment. I have a bloated novel which I trapped in a stasis field before it could consume my life as I try to formulate an editing scheme. So mostly short stories. My poetry has been redirected into ornamentation for prose.

GLAHW: What truly scares you?

This quote from Thomas Jefferson: “The government you elect is the government you deserve.”

GLAHW: What sort of hobbies are you into?

Not hobbies per se. Hiking, camping, other outdoor stuff.

GLAHW: Do you read outside of the horror genre?

If so, what else have you read? I don’t read much ‘horror’. Lately I’ve been catching up on 20c genre and non-genre fiction. Working my way back to root causes of the mayhem.

GLAHW: What’s your favorite genre to write?

SF, I guess. It’s easiest for me to dream up the consequences of cultural and historical evolution for better or worse.

GLAHW: Do you use a pseudonym?

The homophone J. L. Royce.

GLAHW: What do you think makes a good story?

Empathy and surprise. Sex helps. (The first story I sold had plenty, so I know this for a fact.)

GLAHW: As a child, what did you want to do when you grew up?

Astronaut. Duh.

GLAHW: Are you spiritual?

Yes. All non-sociopaths are, even if they don’t admit it. We’re wired for it, like sex—only less sticky.

GLAHW: What are your influences?

Earliest were Poe, Andre Norton, Ray Bradbury, Roger Zelazny, Harlan Ellison; later Shakespeare, Gene Wolfe, Roald Dahl (adult stories)… I’m easily swayed.

GLAHW: What are you reading right now?

Melmouth by Sarah Perry, The Yellow Mask by Wilkie Collins, The Singing Sands by Josephine Tey, Songs of a Dead Dreamer by Thomas Ligotti, I Am C-3PO by Anthony Daniels; also dipping randomly into Poe for a PR thing and general Gothic brainwashing. Eh, eclectic.

GLAHW: What else do you want your readers to know?

Consider here your likes and dislikes, your interests, your favorite ways to unwind — whatever comes to mind.

Coffee. I like hanging out with my wife. I also enjoy the company of animals, particularly unusual or friendly ones.

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