Q&A With Author Anthony Crowley

What are some of your favorite horror stories?

I grew up through my childhood reading some of the finest classics of the macabre and horror. There are many literary works which are my favourites, but to name a couple of those would be ‘The Raven’ by Edgar Allan Poe and ‘The Devil Rides Out’ by Dennis Wheatley.

When did your interest/inspiration to write horror first come from?

From the day I was born I have always had Horror and the macabre around me. Obviously as the years progressed I learnt and understood much more of what was involved in the genre.

Your latest book TOMBSTONES is a collection of some of the finest dark verse and horror themed literature. Can you tell us a little more about the book and what readers who have not read anything by you expect?

I began writing Dark poetic verses for a long time now and I wanted to release a collection which will take the readers on a journey through the different elements within the Horror genre. Basically it is like a poetic funfair or playground, there is something within the pages of Tombstones for everybody and poetry is powerfully expressive. It is a dark to escape to, there are elements of philosophy, erotica, fear, death, torture, blood, mythology, and other dark discoveries.

What, in your opinion, are the most important elements of good horror writing?

For example, I believe fiction and poetry each possess their own certain strengths. When I write dark poetic verses, I like to be as visual as possible, and focus mainly on the certain subject or theme. When I wrote, The Blackened Witch and The Fallen Angel (which was featured in Sanitarium Magazine Issue 14  and now included in Tombstones), I focused mainly on the character and its involvement, whereas if I had created a fiction story, I would have focused on not just the character but also the surrounding theme. That is what differs between the poetry and fiction literature I write.

What are the ingredients of a blockbuster horror story?

Not to lead your readers into a false sense of security, slowly make them feel that something is about to lurk and appear out of nowhere and the psychological elements are also important.

How would you increase literacy?

The direction in how the modern world is always inventing new technology whether it is reading apps on ipads, kindle. Digital readership is evolving and it does have its convenience. I have noticed in recent years that the children of our future are reading more than playing too many games, and some of these games even have storylines involved.

What story do you enjoy reading over and over again?

There are many, but to mention a few are ;The Raven by Edgar Allan Poe, Books of Blood- Clive Barker, Hide and Seek-Jack Ketchum.

Do you have any advice to aspiring writers?

Be prepared and develop your craft, keep a positive balance within you. Drink plenty of coffee.
If you were given the power to become invisible for one day, what would you do?

“Haha. Now that would be telling, but it would be inspiring though”

If heaven exists, what is the first thing you would like to hear from God when you arrive at the Pearly Gates?

“Would you like a Mocha and a packet of cigarettes?”

If you could relive one of the happiest days of your life, what would it be?

“Exactly this very moment. This is the happiest day of my life, because I am being creative daily. This is my karma. Each and every day is a blessing and I am very thankful”

What ice cream flavor would you invent?

The Bloody Mary Ice Cream. Ingredients to be confirmed upon the deceased.

Any exciting news/hints about your upcoming projects?

I have a new edition of The Black Diaries- Volume one coming soon to paperback, a short collection of dark verse and fiction tales, which is edited by the amazing Simon Marshall-Jones of Spectral Press, and he is also unleashing his new story collection ‘Biblia Longcroftia’ published by Ticky Boo Press.

I have a forthcoming novella ‘The Mirrored Room’ also due out soon, and a short fiction anthology ‘Doomsday after Midnight’ no release date confirmed at present.  During the last few days I have also wrote the third installment for ‘Crowleys Crypt’ featured in the UK’s leading horror publication ‘Haunted after Dark’, very admirer of horror and literature shall enjoy.

This ‘Halloween’ I have a couple more featured literary works; ‘The House of All Hallows Eve’ which is available at the Official HWA (Horror Writers Association) Halloween Haunts’ page, which is worth checking out. Secondly, ‘The Evil Eye -Witchcraft in England’ shall appear in Haunted Digital Magazine. More updates will appear on my Official Facebook page and Twitter. Finally, I shall mention briefly I am unleashing a new dark literature publication titled ‘Dark Realms’  which will be launched in 2015. It will feature many big names in the world of Horror Literature and the Arts. A special interview is also confirmed with a multi- Bram Stoker award winning Author. I cannot mention no more until the time of release, but it will be spectacularly dark.

Tombstones  available now !

‘The Mirrored Room’  – Novella &  The Black Diaries (Volume One) -New Edition Out soon !

For the latest Anthony Crowley bibliography, please visit http://www.amazon.com/ANTHONY-CROWLEY/e/B0048E5L3K/
Haunted after Dark Issue Seven out now !  www.hauntedafterdark.com