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 Jen Haeger.

 

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

Seriously writing for 11 years, but started in middle school.

 

GLAHW: Why did you choose the horror genre?

I’m really more a speculative fiction author with a bent towards the whimsically morbid. Also, I read a lot of Stephen King, Anne Rice, and Dean R. Koontz growing up.

 

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

Yes. I had just finished my Masters Degree in Forensic Science, but couldn’t find a job or PhD program and my friend Carolyn said that she thought I should try doing NaNoWriMo.

 

GLAHW: Are you a Plotter or Pantser?

Pantser with aspirations of plotting.

 

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

Yes. When I was a child we were playing with an Ouija board in my sister’s bedroom and the window shade on the other side of the room flew up even though no one was near it.

 

GLAHW: Are you superstitious? Why or why not?

Absolutely. Better safe than sorry.

 

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

Writing is my life. Well, that and beekeeping. In previous lives I was a veterinarian and got a Masters Degree in Forensic Science. I also worked at Kohl’s and Barnes and Noble for a few years.

 

GLAHW: Do you keep a journal every day?

Not every day, no. But when I’m particularly motivated, I try to write in one weekly or monthly. I used to journal daily when I had more free time.

 

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

Novels. Used to be poetry. I do write short stories, but they’ve never been my forte.

 

GLAHW: What truly scares you?

Spiders. Ignorant people.

 

GLAHW: What sort of hobbies are you into?

Beekeeping. Gardening. Running. Board gaming.

 

GLAHW: Do you read outside of the horror genre? If so, what else have you read?

I read a lot less horror than I used to (the real world is scary enough). Mostly read scifi and fantasy, though also occasionally a good non-fiction like The Hidden Life of Trees by Peter Wohlleben. Love Jim Butcher, J. K. Rowling, Philip Pullman, Ian Tregillis, N.K. Jemisin, Ann Leckie, Patrick Rothfuss, Gail Carriger, Brent Weeks, Max Gladstone…so many good authors out there! Favorite horror writer is probably Anne Rice.

 

GLAHW: What’s your favorite genre to write?

Speculative fiction. Nice, broad category with few restrictions.

 

GLAHW: Do you use a pseudonym?

No

 

GLAHW: What do you think makes a good story?

When you absolutely must know what happens next.

 

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

Astronaut.

 

GLAHW: Are you spiritual?

Yes?ish? I pray nightly, but don’t attend any religious functions on a regular basis.

 

GLAHW: What are your influences?

Please the see above list of authors. Also, loads of T.V. and movies.

 

GLAHW: What are you reading right now?

Currently reading The Sol Majestic by Ferrett Steinmetz, a beautifully written science fiction novel about a gourmet restaurant in an isolated space station and the class struggle. 

 

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.

I’ve climbed Mt. Kilimanjaro, gone bungy jumping twice, lived in New Zealand for 3 years, have been a part of two Guiness Book World Records (largest gathering of people dressed as Rosie the Riveter and the most people playing Settlers of Catan simultaneously), and have two orange tabbies and the best husband in the world. 

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