The Gore Spotlight
An HMS Q&A With Jeff Prebis
Jeff Prebis, the man who “reaches into your soul to find out what turns you on and what scares you to death” and the author of such novels as A Trip Down Psychopath Lane, Sexy People, and the most recent release Man Without a Country took some time to chat with HMS staff writer PJ Griffin. Read on for a glimpse into the twisted mind of Mr. Prebis and to learn more about this horror fan and author.
HMS: Jeff, Thank you so much for taking the time to talk with us at HMS and telling us a little bit about your experiences and thoughts on the craft of writing horror fiction.
JP: I believe you can get away with more in novels than you can with movies. There are no ratings on novels or short stories. Horror movies are so watered down. Writing horror fiction is one of the most hardcore methods of self-expression. I like the idea of people imagining their own stories off of what you write. People can make up their own mental movies based off your description of a certain scenario. Everyone interprets something differently. No one has the same imagination.
HMS: You make a good point. So, what made you turn to horror themes as your primary writing interest?
JP: I fell in love with horror when I was young. I used to watch Saturday Nightmares on the USA network back in the eighties. They had vampires, the Michael Caine movie about the hand. I think it’s called “The Hand.” There was a movie about a guy dying from a tattoo. A lot of weird ones that I can’t remember the names of because I was really young, about four or five. Then as I progressed as a reader, I started reading Clive Barker. He’s my favorite of all-time.
HMS: Your books deal with many different and diverse topics within the horror world. From supernatural concepts such as vampires to all-too real themes of nuclear war and serial killers. Is there a type of horror that you prefer writing or would you say that horrific themes in general are your real interest?
JP: I roll with whatever inspires me at a particular time. My first Permuted release, Man Without A Country, is based off the thought: What if Charles Manson had access to the Internet? What kind of cult could he have started nowadays? If I can digress for a second, Charles Manson gave his religion as Scientology the first time he was arrested in the early 60’s, and told them not to release him.
HMS: Are there any particular writers, artist or other creative types that you consider to be influences? If so, any particular work?
JP: I mentioned Clive Barker. I love everything he has written. Chuck Palahniuk’s Lullaby. Anything by Bret Easton Ellis, especially American Psycho, that is a sick novel.
HMS: Are there any particular horror subjects that you are anxious to explore? If so, what are they?
JP: I’m interested in exploring more religious themes twisted around into pretzels.
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"I believe you can get away with more in novels than you can with movies."
HMS: Well, that sounds interesting. So, tell us a little bit about your writing process. Do find yourself an organized, consistent writer or do you prefer to just “go with the flow” so to speak, and write when the inspiration strikes?
JP: I go with the flow. I write daily. I try to write at least a thousand words a day.
HMS: Your books have spanned the worlds of both the full-length novel and the novella. Do you prefer working with the challenge of a more condensed story of do you like the legroom associated with longer projects?
JP: Probably every short story I’ve ever written could have been a novel. It was convenient at the time to write a short story. Publishers want work. So I give it to them. As an author, one has to stay relevant in this market with so many authors out there these days, and coming out with new stuff on a constant basis is the key to reaching people.
HMS: Multiple book series are popular in the horror world. Do you have any ideas that you would consider expanding in such a way or do you prefer doing one-shot novels?
JP: I prefer one shot novels.
HMS: Can you tell us about any upcoming projects you have in the works?
JP: Heroin. I have an interesting novel that explores addiction coming soon.
HMS: Well, we are definitely excited to see more from you! Thank you once again for taking the time to talk with us.
JP: No problem. It was my pleasure.
HMS: To learn more about Jeff’s work and pick up one of his horror novels, head over to Amazon. And for his first novel ever written, Debacle, you can find that gem here!
PJ Griffin, HMS
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