Today I’ll be interviewing Canadian horror writer Carl Bluesy whom I met on Goodreads. I read, reviewed and loved his two extreme horror short stories or shorts and thought of interviewing him for my blog insaneowl.com. I really enjoyed his ‘The Life of Ann’ and his ‘Tapes for Pleasure’ and hope to read more Splatterpunk titles by him in the near future. He is a talented extreme horror author and has just released a new Splatterpunk short titled ‘The Death of a Cult’. It is a pleasure to have him here on insaneowl.com.
Biography
Carl Bluesy is the author behind Blood Pen Ink.
Carl Bluesy has been obsessed with both reading and writing horror for as long as he can remember. He finds nothing more enjoyable than reading pages full of good scares.
His work has appeared on several horror websites and has been narrated and featured on a podcast. Carl Bluesy’s work of short stories continues to grow as he works on his first of many novels: A hell bound journey with fantasy elements and tons of horror!
He lives in Ontario, Canada with his wife and growing family, where he spends many hours dwelling in the cellar crafting creepy and spine-tingling tales.
Interview
Fiza: I have read and reviewed both your shorts or novellas titled ‘The Life of Ann’ and ‘Tapes for Pleasure’ and loved them. I find you an expert in the genre of Social Issue Horror fiction which is a very rare sub-genre in Splatterpunk fiction. What do you have to share with my readers about that aspect?
Carl: One of the biggest ways to help with social issues is to get people talking about the problem and build awareness. Fiction is a great way to get people talking, and I always like the idea of something I write being the starting point to an important conversation.
Fiza: What got you introduced to writing Splatterpunk fiction or horror fiction?
Carl: When I began reading a lot, horror was the genre that I gravitated toward. There was always something gripping about what the characters were going through and the challenges they had to face. I decided I wanted to try my hand at writing my own story after a summer of reading Edgar Allan Poe and Stephen King. I knew from writing horror that the writer needed to dig deep within themselves to find what scares and disturbs them most. I feel like I have done a good job in that regard, and others seem to agree that they are also disturbed by the subjects of my stories. (In a good way of course.)
Fiza: Which was your first novella or short story published on Amazon and why did you choose that theme as your debut creation?
Carl: I’m not sure about Amazon. Things seem to get out of order in finding their way on there for me. But the first story I ever wrote and had published was a novelette called “The Woods Past Dark.” It’s a ghost story that was inspired by a winter drive in the woods, and I became curious about the scares and challenges one might face when lost in the woods. Then I added in a ghost element for symbolism and excitement, and the story was born.
Fiza: I was very taken up with the raw emotions of ‘The Life of Ann’ and the way you portrayed the issue of child abuse there. Can you tell my readers a bit more about your novella titled ‘The Life of Ann’?
Carl: When it comes to stories I have written that disturbed me, “The Life of Ann” is at the top of the list. The destruction of innocence is a truly despicable thing that is way too prominent in the real world, so I wanted to have a story that highlighted the disturbing details of someone who has the prosperity of their life stolen from them before they had a chance to defend themselves from the cruelties of the world.
I think it is a deeply disturbing story that still unsettles me. To help with the social issues that the story covers, I plan on donating any profits made from the story to a charity local to me in order to support people who have suffered such injustice in their life.
Fiza: I enjoyed ‘Tapes for Pleasure’ very much and found your handling of the Satanism theme to have been done very well. I felt you handled that portion in a mature way, and it was very unconventional from the usual climaxes of Splatterpunk or contemporary 21st century horror fiction. What do you have to say about that to my readers?
Carl: I definitely wanted to approach the Satanist aspect in a different way. I focused it more on the version started by Anton LaVey as an Anti-Christian religion with his chosen name, one he thought would upset the Christian community. Most people only know the version of Satanism presented in movies. So I thought having the Anton LaVey version would offer a unique twist to the story.
The story was written when I was still new to writing and offered me an opportunity to learn how to be a better horror author and cover horror themes in a unique way.
Fiza: How do you go about researching the material for your novellas and short stories or does all this information come naturally to you for now?
Carl: I like to do a fair amount of research on my stories’ subject matters, but I don’t have a set system on how I go about it. The way I research is dictated by what is necessary for the story. Sometimes that means looking things up online, before or during writing. Other times it might mean seeking out someone to question who has formal education or real experience in the subject matter. I try to keep myself well informed in what is needed so I can add that extra layer of realism and depth to whatever the story is about.
Fiza: Which is your favorite novella from ‘The Life of Ann’ and ‘Tapes for Pleasure’? Personally, I preferred ‘Tapes for Pleasure’ but loved both nevertheless!
Carl: Between those two, I would have to go with “Life of Ann” as I found that to be a truly challenging story to write, and it did more to help me grow as a writer. This makes it a story I’m more proud of, even if it is a much harder story for me to read due to its unnerving subject.
“Tapes for Pleasure” was a much easier story to write and is one I would recommend more often. But like most writers, whenever I read my old work, all I can see is the changes I would have made had I written it at my current skill level.
Yet my favorite story of all, always seems to be whatever one I’m currently working on or am just releasing and sharing with the world. I love being immersed in a new story and always try to make my newest story my best story.
Fiza: Who were your author mentors and how have they affected your writing abilities?
Carl: Dina Hawthorn has been a mentor for years and has helped me tremendously in everything regarding writing. From writing prose, the general craft of writing, and what it means and how to be an indie author.
And
I met Matt Ozark this past winter, and since then he has helped me in more ways than I can imagine on strengthening my writing and answering any questions I have on the road to become an indie author.
Fiza: Choose one favorite from the following and give a reason for your choice:
Frankenstein, Dracula, It, The Stand.
Carl: That’s a tough choice. But I’ll have to go with It.
I find Stephen King’s “It” covers the most elements of fear and horror. The way that it compares child fear and adult fear and how they can interconnect. Pennywise is a unique monster that hasn’t been overdone in the modern world and is the best examples of how to make a town a character within itself.
Fiza: Who is the author you would be least likely to read ever again from the following and why:
Jules Verne, Ernest Hemingway, Dan Simmons, Henry James.
Carl: I would have to go with Henry James. I have only read one book of his. (The Turn of the Screw) and it was a complete miss for me. I couldn’t get into the writing style of the plot or connect with the characters. I can see why other people like him and why he is so celebrated, but that book was not for me, and I haven’t had an interest to return to his books since.
Fiza: Who are your top three favorite authors and how have they influenced your writing projects?
Carl: Clive Barker: for his unique writing style when it comes to graphic horror stories, and his way of experimenting with different genres and writing styles. His writing style in his earlier horror stories was a huge inspiration in my upcoming debut novel “The Desire in the Damned.”
George Orwell: for all the social commentary he put into his writing, both fiction and nonfiction. His writing has changed the way I view the world and proves that fiction can make a very real difference in the world.
Duncan Ralston: for showing what it takes to be an indie author in the modern world, with so many unique horror stories, that cover so many of the horror sub-genres.
Fiza: You seem to be a really well-read author and a great fan of the King of Horror Stephen King (SK as we call him on Goodreads). Which was the first Stephen King book you ever read and who recommended the book to you?
Carl: I had always been interested in Stephen King, but I wasn’t much of a reader when I was younger and had only seen a handful of movies based on his work. It wasn’t until I was in high school that I finally read one of his books.
A friend of mine was reading ‘Desperation’ by SK, and literally shouted out in surprise when reading it in school one day. When I asked her about what happened, she told me I was going to have to read it so I could see for myself, and we could talk about it after.
So I did, and we did. And I’ve never stopped reading books by SK since.
Fiza: To be frank, when you and I first interacted on Goodreads and became friends, I was not aware that you were an author and then was so glad to find out that you were of all things a Splatterpunk writer and immediately got interested in reading your books and shorts. Were you shocked when you found out that I read your ‘The Life of Ann’ or did you expect that coming?
Carl: I have only just started advertising myself as an author, so I’m not surprised that you didn’t know I was a horror author. I do write horror in other elements other then Splatterpunk but those seem to be the ones you found first.
I was very shocked when you told me that you read “The Life of Ann” as it is not a story that I advertise a lot. Of all the stories I have out in the world, that was the last one I would have expected you to find first.
Fiza: Have other indie-authors like me encouraged you to write or have you not got much support in this regard earlier compared to the present era?
Carl: I have a tremendous amount of support from other indie authors! It is a wonderful community to be a part of. So many people are willing to help each other out in the indie community, and I always try to do my part to help other writers when I can.
Fiza: What is your latest release all about? Where is it available for reading?
Carl: ‘The Death of a Cult’ is a supernatural horror story.
Clint agrees to be interviewed by Detective Raymond in his apartment about the recent killing spree. Clint denies his connection to the victims, but when the evidence proves otherwise he agrees to tell the story of his horrific past, and what it means for the members of the former cult.
This is a story that I am particularly proud of, as I find it is a good portrayal of my current writing skills, and focuses on some characters that I enjoy and plan on writing more stories on in the future.
This is a giveaway story to everyone who joins my newsletter. People can join my newsletter though a link on my authors website. Or through a link that I will provide.
Link to Carl Bluesy newsletter sign-up form:
https://subscribepage.io/lFflvW
Fiza: What prompted you to write your latest release, and what hopes do you have for it?
Carl: ‘The Death of a Cult’ is a story that I’ve been chipping away for years. I believe I wrote the first draft five years ago!
It was inspired by the strange things one might see late at night, somewhere between the dream state and being awake.
I created some creatures in this mindset and played around with them until the characters, plot, and style were just the way they deserved to be told.
Fiza: Since ‘The Death of a Cult’ is not available on Amazon Kindle in India, where else can a reader from India get a hold of this short or novella of yours? Or can we reach you in any way to procure ourselves a copy?
Carl: This is a giveaway story for everyone who joins my newsletter. People can join my newsletter though a link on my authors website. Or through a link that I will provide.
Link to Carl Bluesy newsletter sign-up form:
https://subscribepage.io/lFflvW
Fiza: What is the difference between ‘The Death of a Cult’ and your earlier works, especially the ones I’ve already read that is ‘The Life of Ann’ and ‘Tapes for Pleasure’?
Carl: As far as the stories go, both of those stories are a realism setting. Meaning that those things could potentially (however unlikely) happen in real life. Whereas ‘The Death of a Cult’, features supernatural elements.
As far as writing style, I have grown a lot as a writer since those stories, and I think the extra experience shows in this newest story.
That is not to say that those other stores are bad by any means. You don’t have to be a good writer to tell a story with a powerful message that people can enjoy. I hope I have done that with my stories that you have read, and I hope that my growth helps me offer a bigger impact and more joy to more readers than I could have before.
Fiza: I’ve always wanted to ask this question to horror authors, and that question is – why are you all so mysterious where your private details are concerned like your photographs, personal details, biographies, etc. I rarely see horror authors publicizing themselves to the reading market. What is your answer to that?
Carl: Well I can only speak for myself on that one. I’ve always had a very introverted personality, and advertising myself on social media platforms seemed to be a rather nerve-racking thing to do when I first started. Wearing a mask helped a lot with putting myself out there and with being comfortable engaging with the community.
I have become much more comfortable doing so, but now I have connected with the mask I wear and feel like it is a good reputation of my horror self. People are complex and have many different sides to themselves, and what makes them uniquely them. Having a unique visual for my face seems fitting for the horror writing side of my personality, and the mask is a good visual representation of that side of me.
Fiza: What is the difference between the horror that you write compared to the other Splatterpunk or extreme horror fiction already present in the market?
Carl: I find the other Splatterpunk or extreme horror I have read focuses on a wide range of angles I have never thought of. Things like voodoo, the afterlife, and extreme mafia violence. I find it very interesting what others find to be unnerving or creepy and how adding the extra layer of gore may fit naturally into the story.
I do find that most authors who write Splatterpunk or extreme horror often, like myself, write in a wide range of horror and sometimes encompass other genres completely. It so interesting how many angles these authors have for keeping their reader up at night and giving them a good scare.
It’s those kinds of unique angles that will keep me a dedicated reader to all things horror and beyond.
Fiza: What are you currently working on? What are your future projects going to be like?
Carl: I am currently editing my debut novel “The Desire in the Damned”. It is a horror fantasy about being trapped in a hell-inspired dimension, as some of the hellish creatures make their way to our world.
I plan on self-publishing it next year. There will be many updates about characters, excerpts, merchandise, and more. All updates will be available through my newsletter first, and then on my social media platforms (Instagram, TikTok, X) sometime afterwards.
Fiza: What intrigues you most about the Victorian Classic ‘Dracula’ by Bram Stoker? Do you plan on writing a vampire themed horror story in the near future?
Carl: That truly is a masterpiece deserving of its reputation. Every time I read the book, I find new ways to appreciate it. From the steady lore that is still looked upon as the definition of vampires to this day, to the rich depth of the characters, and the style of writing. The way Bram Stoker pulled inspiration from the modern concerns of its time that fit the vampire law so perfectly is something that I find deeply inspiring.
I find little bits and pieces of vampire lore and themes that I have fit into my stories here and there. At this time, I have no plans for a vampire story, but I would love to write one if the right plot and characters come to mind.
Fiza: Who has got your back whenever you are in a reading or writing slump or are having writer’s block?
Carl: There’s always such a constant flow of great indie authors who share their work with me or introduce me to others that they think that I will enjoy. And more times than not they are right. The Indie horror author community has introduced me to many new sub genres of horror that I have fallen in love with.
As well as the books of horror, indie horror books always give me a great list to choose from for my next read that put an end to any reading slump I may find myself in.
Fiza: Where can my readers easily reach you to have a chat?
Carl: I am active on all my social media accounts (Goodreads, X, TikTok, Instagram, threads, and Fable.) Any of these accounts would be a great way to reach me on whatever platform works best for those who want to reach me.
I do plan on becoming more active on Facebook in the future, and I hope to add that onto the list of platforms for people to reach me on in the near future.
Fiza: Describe where you want to see yourself five years from now.
Carl: I would like to see my written skills grow in the same manner as they have in the past five years. I hope to come out with many novels and short stories, hopefully two a year, and to make enough profits from my written work to help me afford more time to write and come out with bigger and better products for the people who enjoy reading the kind of stories that I love to write.
Conclusion
Fiza: I really enjoyed interviewing Carl Bluesy on my blog insaneowl.com today. You can find all of Carl Bluesy’s books easily on booksie.com and bloodpenhorror,com. Please feel free to reach out to him on Goodreads as well as his website and do check out his amazing books. I hope to interview Carl once again soon in the near future on this blog which contains quality bookish content always.
Copyright © 2024, Fiza Pathan
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