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 Jenny Toupin.
GLAHW: How long have you been writing? When did you get started?
It started in first grade when I found a bound pad of paper and I wrote a children’s book called “The Roaring Tiger” and read it to my classmates.
GLAHW: Why did you choose the horror genre?
After growing up on Goosebumps, Fear Street and cheesy Sci-Fi horror movies, I fell in love with horror and enjoyed being scared and chasing that thrill.
GLAHW: Were you inspired by a person or event to begin your writing career?
My mom and I would write short stories together when I was young. It was between that and encouragement from my teachers and classmates.
GLAHW: Are you a Plotter or Pantser?
A little of both. I’ll outline chapter ideas and chapter titles and then go rogue from there.
GLAHW: Have you ever had an encounter with the supernatural?
I have some creepy doll, demon and ghost stories. I started practicing witchcraft when I was little so I wouldn’t be scared of it anymore.
GLAHW: Are you superstitious? Why or why not?
I think it’s fun to be!
GLAHW: What do you do for a living, outside of writing?
I work as an electronics buyer for a PCB manufacturer.
GLAHW: Do you keep a journal every day?
Not anymore.
GLAHW: What do you prefer to write – short stories, poetry, novels, scripts, etc.?
Poetry is my mistress I always go back to, but I’m laser focused on expanding my ideas into novels.
GLAHW: What truly scares you?
The big sleep.
GLAHW: What sort of hobbies are you into?
Outside of writing and reading, I play video games, practice witchcraft and immerse myself into nature as much as possible.
GLAHW: Do you read outside of the horror genre? If so, what else have you read?
I read a lot of nonfiction in relation to mythologies, folk magic, true crime and memoirs. I also indulge in poetry and manga from time to time.
GLAHW: What’s your favorite genre to write?
HORROR (:<
GLAHW: Do you use a pseudonym?
Nope.
GLAHW: What do you think makes a good story?
I prefer a story where the setting is as alive as its characters, and one that balances its use of senses to immerse me in it.
GLAHW: As a child, what did you want to do when you grew up?
A writer.
GLAHW: Are you spiritual?
Yep.
GLAHW: What are your influences?
R.L Stine, Poppy Z Brite, Augusteen Burroughs, Raven Grimassi, Josh Malerman, The King
GLAHW: What are you reading right now?
Folk Religion of the Pennsylvania Dutch: Witchcraft, Faith Healing and Related Practices
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.
Advice to readers and writers: Never give up on your dreams and be grateful for all criticism and reviews, constructive or not so much. Do what you love because you want to, not for profit or for validation.
More about me:
Tea > Coffee
Cats > Dogs
Metal > Other Music
Open to collab with other writers and bounce ideas.