Having joined me for a spotlight previously, I'm thrilled to welcome back author Jennifer Anne Gordon to talk about her participation in the anthology House of Haunts, her involvement in the project, and upcoming work.
Me: Hello, and thank you for returning to this! Since last we spoke, you’ve been involved in the upcoming collection House of Haunts alongside numerous other illustrious genre writers. What can you tell us about it and how did you get involved in the project?
Jennifer Anne Gordon: Hi Don, thanks for having me back. House of Haunts was released back in October of 2023. It was a great project, a collection of 23 short stories by 23 authors all showcasing a different year as well as a different room in “the most haunted house in the world”, the fictional Hale House. The book was published by Parlour Ghost Press, a division of Watertower Hill Publishing, and was edited and the brainchild of horror author Heather Daughrity.
Being involved in the project was incredible, and I am happy to say that I was invited by Heather to have a piece in the collection, and I know they plan on releasing a second anthology this October entitled Hospital of Haunts. I already know which hospital room I have and my year…though I will keep those under wraps for now.
I was mainly involved in this project the way the other authors were, by submitting a story. I did help out a little after the book was released by making some introductions for people so they could appear on podcasts such as Vox Vomitus, House of Mystery, etc. I also made an introduction for Heather to Josh Malerman (NYT Bestselling author of Birdbox) who went on to write the introduction to the book.
Me: What can you reveal about your story in the collection? Were you given any guidelines or specifics for the story once you became involved?
JAG: Every author was asked to choose a location in the fictional mansion, as well as a year. I was very lucky that the attic was still available, so I chose the attic. I wanted to write a modern grief horror tale and chose 2019.
The piece I wrote contains a possible sentient mannequin named Inez who becomes at times the voice of the house itself.
To be fair, I should let people know that I do own a mannequin named Inez in real life. I Inherited her from a friend who passed away a couple years ago. Though as far as I know my Inez is not haunted, though I do live in a haunted house.
Me: Did you ever feel the need to integrate your story into the continuity established by the other writers or were you given more free reign to compose it? Was that a hindrance or a freeing means to create your story?
JAG: I know some of the authors wanted specific details from other authors to add to their stories as Easter Eggs. I personally didn’t want too many details from the past in my story…but that was a choice based on the characters I created. They did not have a history with the house, and they were short-term renters—so I wanted them to be fully aware of the house’s reputation, but I didn’t want too many specifics. This story was also very personal for me, and I loved having the freedom to explore different types of hauntings while still having the security of being part of an overall theme.
Me: What were your intentions with writing the characters throughout this? Did this change the way the story unfolded as you went along?
JAG: My intentions were to write a ghost story in an unusual way, and I think that happened. I also wanted to explore the emotions that come with complicated grief. The sadness, the guilt, the anger, and the confusion. I think as the story unfolds it does become more lyrical and poetic as the grip on reality changes for the characters, and the mannequin.
Me: Once it was finally written, what was the process for having it submitted to be published?
JAG: This was all very easy, as I was already invited to the publication, so it was just a matter of sending it off to the editor and then making changes per the notes. I was lucky that I did not have the often-grueling process of sending a story out into the wide wilderness of magazines and anthology calls.
Me: What else are you working on that you'd like to share with our readers?
JAG: I have an upmarket/crime novel that is on submission now, I cannot talk too much about that right now. I also am always working on short creative nonfiction and speculative horror memoir pieces; some are being sent out to journals and websites. I know I have three essays that will be published in late 2024 in Diane Zinna’s new book “Letting Grief Speak: Writing Portals for Life After Loss”. I am very proud to be part of that incredible book that is coming out with Columbia University Press.
I am still promoting my short story collection that came out in August of 2023 which is called “The Japanese Box and Other Stories”.
Other than that, I am in the early stages of a new horror novel, about identity, aging, sexuality, and demon possession…also it’s kind of a comedy.
Me: Lastly, being that this is our Women in Horror Movement, what special message do you have for any women out there looking to join in the industry in any capacity as you are one yourself? Thank you again for your time!
JAG: The horror community in general is one of the most kind-hearted and welcoming writing communities out there. I would encourage anyone to start to get involved in any local events in their areas and meet some members so of the community in person and to realize that we are all here just trying to help each other, and everyone in the horror community is there for their love of horror. Also, don’t think that you are expected to only write quiet and polite horror. Tell any of the gross and gruesome stories you want to. There is a place for all of it.
This interview ran as part of our 2024 Women in Horror Movement celebrations! Click the banner below to check out our complete coverage:
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