What Scares You?

I enjoyed scary movies growing up, basically anything with a tormented monster intent on revenge or some crazed guy wielding an ax. I was one of those fearless little kids never afraid of the dark. I had to be because I had two older brothers that tried to torment me by jumping out of closets or acting like they were possessed zombies.

I think there’s an idea for a horror story somewhere in there…

Even today, I almost hate to admit it, but I enjoy the millionth sequel of Halloween and Friday the 13^th. Most of my family and friends just roll their eyes at me. I do like the psychological thriller with some added paranormal flair like The Ring or 1408. It makes me shudder and smile at the same time.

You’d think that I’d be a horror writer, but the crime thriller definitely called my name. Who knows, I may write a horror novel in the future.

There is a definite horror element to Compulsion and Dead Game with a serial killer on the loose. I think that’s very scary. It’s the unstable psychological aspect of an unknown person that fantasizes, stalks, captures, and then murders unsuspecting victims that is truly frightening to me.

You ask yourself:

Who will be the next victim?

Will the police catch them in time?

Will the next victim be able to escape?

Who is the actual killer?

I approach some of my more intense and frightening chapters on how I would feel alone in the dark with someone chasing me and help wasn’t available or just too far away. It’s that feeling of terror that overcomes you where you find it difficult to concentrate because you’re scared out of your wits. Your pulse rises and your heart is pounding in your ears, perspiration is nonstop on your hands and forehead, and you’re not sure whether or not you’re going to faint.

When I lived next door to a very unstable psychopath that threatened to kill me on a regular basis, I had many scary encounters for more than two years. I’m sure this experience has helped to shape my imagination for my novels.

Here’s an example…

One morning, I pulled my car out of the garage and realized that I forgot something back in the house. I went back inside through the garage and when I returned my neighbor was standing in the middle of my garage with an ax in his hand ranting about the leaves from my tree scattered all over his deck.

Yeah, I know, it’s like something straight out of a slasher movie.

I had a few options… run, stand my ground, or just pray that I wouldn’t be a homicide victim. I stood my ground and remained calm. The situation was diffused and he returned to his house until the next encounter.