Author Q&A: Horror/Sci Fi Novelist Lia Scott Price

Just in time for Halloween, Write On! interviews Lia Scott Price, a horror/sci fi novelist and film producer. The creator of Serial Killer and Vampire Guardian Angels (TM), she writes about supernatural serial killers and evil guardian angels. Price has also produced films based on her evil guardian angel characters. Price discusses horror, thriller, and writing with humor, as well as her decision to self-publish, how important it is for writers to become their best advocates, and more.

Why horror? What attracted you to the genre?
I wrote horror as a way to cope with traumatic life events. Creative writing was my therapy. I used my imagination as a way to deal with stress and unpleasant memories.It was kind of an escape, and a way to "vent."

How did you first go about getting published?
At first I searched the Internet for a way to self-publish my first book. I came across a print-on-demand company called iuniverse.com. I liked the idea of print-on-demand publishing and the do-it-yourself route. I began designing my own covers, writing my own bio and press releases, and utilizing online print-on-demand companies to produce the book. I now use online publishers for my books.

What elements must be present in all horror novels?
The "What If" element. What if something is behind that door? What if the Boogeyman is real? What if an inanimate object comes to life? This is the way I write my novels. I play the "what if" game, like a child asking many make-believe questions. I would see a person walking on the street and ask myself, "What if he was a serial killer?" And so on.

Is there a difference between horror and thriller? Please explain...
Horror's more graphic with lots of blood, gore, and scary characters. The films don't hide who they are--you know if it's a vampire, chainsaw-wielding freak or a zombie right away. Thrillers are more cerebral. You have to build a story and entice the audience into your world; it seems like there's more of an "art" to scaring people by creating characters, atmosphere, mystery, and suspense.

How do you go about incorporating humor into your dark work?
I see evil characters as sarcastic beings. Sometimes they will say a really cutting remark or two that adds a little humor to the situation. If it makes people laugh nervously, then that's some humor, especially if the evil character is after a really annoying victim, then the tables are turned and we tend to cheer for the killer in a really screwed-up way. Another way of incorporating humor would be to add a bumbling or air-headed character into a serious killing scene. "Like OMG Why are you grabbing me by my hair? Don't you realize how many hours I spent at the salon?" (Splat.)

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