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 Kirk Douglas.
GLAHW: How long have you been writing? When did you get started?
I did some writing early in grade school but stopped. I started back decades later. I was never serious about it until the last year or so.
GLAHW: Why did you choose the horror genre?
It’s my favorite genre.
GLAHW: Were you inspired by a person or event to begin your writing career?
A friend and mutual horror fan, handed me a novel she had written. It gave me the inspiration I needed to actually finish and polish up some of the stories I had written. I should also mention Peggy Christie. I met her at Motor City Comic Con. She convinced me that I was in fact, a writer. Though I still have my doubts. Shortly after I joined GLAHW and submitted a story.
GLAHW: Are you a Plotter or Pantser?
Both, but primarily a plotter. Otherwise things start to get weird.
GLAHW: Have you ever had an encounter with the supernatural?
No.
GLAHW: Are you superstitious? Why or why not?
No.
GLAHW: What do you do for a living, outside of writing?
Assist in cancer research.
GLAHW: Do you keep a journal every day?
No.
GLAHW: What do you prefer to write – short stories, poetry, novels, scripts, etc.?
Short stories. But I have ideas that I hope will turn into novels.
GLAHW: What truly scares you?
Politicians, on both sides of the isle.
Writing a story, and have someone ask me, “Hey, didn’t that happen on an episode of Night Gallery?”
GLAHW: What sort of hobbies are you into?
Currently, I do martial arts and play guitar (poorly). I have a 69 Mustang I’m trying to fix up. I like to fish, camp and hike when given the chance.
GLAHW: Do you read outside of the horror genre? If so, what else have you read?
Yes, I like to read fantasy, mythology, religious, some military history stuff.
GLAHW: What’s your favorite genre to write?
Horror is the only thing I’ve tried so far.
GLAHW: Do you use a pseudonym?
No, but I probably should. I am NOT Spartacus!
GLAHW: What do you think makes a good story?
Something that grabs you. It could be a compelling character, the way the story unfolds or a really creative take on the genre.
GLAHW: As a child, what did you want to do when you grew up?
A paleontologist and a Ghostbuster. To bad there are no dinosaur ghosts. That would have been perfect.
GLAHW: Are you spiritual?
Yes.
GLAHW: What are your influences?
As far as writers, HP Lovecraft really hooked me into reading, but I don’t really see his influence in anything I’ve written. Perhaps Robert Bloch. Hammer Films, Night Gallery/Twilight Zone, Amicus anthologies, old horror comics like Vampire Tales, Eerie and Creepy magazines.
GLAHW: What are you reading right now?
A collection of short stories by Clark Ashton Smith.
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’m a big fan of old horror movies, especially pre 1980s. Loud music (Ozzy, Sabbath, Iron Maiden etc.)