An accomplished author capable of working with regular novels or short stories, Miracle Austin has turned a lifelong love affair with the genre in the form of several impressive aspects to her name. Now, in honor of Women in Horror Month, I talk with her about her early interest in writing, her past writing, and upcoming projects.
Me: Hello and thank you for taking the time to do this. First off, when did you get into horror in general? What films specifically got you into watching horror movies?
Miracle Austin: I give my mom credit for many of current and future stories. She’s my inspiration. She’s always shared stories about her youth from the late 1940s growing up in Crawford, Texas, and throughout her adulthood. We used to listen to an AM radio station on Friday nights, which aired scary and suspenseful stories; I was under ten years old. I was sold instantly and couldn’t wait until the next airing. Horror/suspense stories and movies pulled me onto their dance floor early on and kept me on it to this very day. They made me jump, hide under the covers, look under the bed, pull my dangling foot from the edge of the bed and quickly tuck it under the sheets, and always made me shut my closet door before I turned off the lights—I still do by the way. I crave horror stories/movies/series because I want to know who or what’s the monster and why—sometimes the ending leaves me breathless.
As for which films specifically got me into watching horror movies, Carrie, directed by Brian De Palma in 1976; Squirm; Scooby Doo; Dark Shadows; Phantasm; Halloween; Alien; Without Warning; and Tales from the Darkside.
Me: Who were some of your favorite writers growing up? Do you try to take influences from their style with your own voice in your work?
MA: Some of my favorite writers growing up: Stephen King, R.L. Stine, Gwendolyn Brooks, Langston Hughes, Shirley Jackson, Maya Angelou, and Judy Blume. They each provided inspirational roots for me to create my story branches.
Me: What was the starting point of becoming a writer? Were you always into writing growing up?
MA: Don, when I was in late elementary and junior high, I recorded my favorite songs off the radio on cassette tapes via my boom box. I had the power to rewind, fast forward, and pause. I would then write the lyrics down in a notebook. Each song spoke to me—every song told a story.
In the sixth grade, I wrote my first short story. It was about a thirteen-year-old boy, Jobie Harper. He was spending his last summer with his best friend, dreaming about kissing a girl for the first time, and trying to come to terms with his untimely death, which was my first slow dance with horror. I wished I’d kept a copy of it, but it was thrown away years ago.
During my college years, I wrote free-verse poems off and on, when I wasn’t studying for the next exam or writing academic papers. Social theory was one of my toughest classes in my sociology major because a lot of the theories were too abstract for me to comprehend.
However, I learned how to dissect them into a way I could understand better. I chose a current newspaper/magazine article or movie—saturated with tough social issues—cults, racism, sexism, sexual assault, AIDS, and so many more—, which were all horrific on different levels. I then applied the theory to the topic I chose and wrote it up. I didn’t know it back then, but I was actually composing short stories.
My professor, Dr. Crone—I’ll never forget him. He was one of most supportive teachers I ever had. He adored reading my papers weekly as I enjoyed writing them. He would always write a little comment on the first page about his feelings about the topic I chose, and how well I applied it to the theory. I never identified as an author when I was in college.
Me: Is there any specific genre you prefer to write? Is there a style or format that you find easier to get into, even if you don't have a preference?
MA: I’m a YA/NA (Young Adult/New Adult) author. Horror and supernatural are my favorite genres, but not limited to. I enjoy writing micro-fiction, flash fiction, short stories, and longer works. I like mild gore and psychological building.
Initially, my mind was focused on writing for adults. A promising, past publisher told me once that my stories seem to fall into the young adult arena. So, I thought about what he told me and realized that he was right. Young/new adult stories became my passion. I like to reflect back on my teen/college years with related struggles; read teen stories; and watch teen movies/series. I’m most passionate about teen dating violence, bullying, injustice, and suicide awareness topics. I sprinkle these and other issues throughout my stories.
Me: Having contributed to various anthologies early in your career, what tools and skills do you acquire working on those that transferred to future projects?
MA: Creative storytelling allows me to build the next story and borrow ideas to apply to future stories.
Me: What is the general process for getting involved in these projects?
MA: I like to explore the projects that call me the loudest, specifically topics that I’m attracted to write about, even some that make me uncomfortable, because I think that is vital to grow as an artist.
Me: How do you settle on the plots for the stories? Is there any special significance to the variety of stories infused with fantasy and romance elements?
MA: I build special playlists to assist me in defining my story framework—the beginning, middle, and end. I allow the songs/lyrics to drive my stories most of the time. I add romance and fantasy as my characters instruct me to do so.
Me: Is there anything while writing the characters that you were surprised by in telling their stories?
MA: It’s simply magic when the characters steer the story. I just sit in the backseat and watch how everything unfolds. I see them all around me and hear their voices—I can see what their wearing and etc. That’s when I capture everything by recording all of their actions and exchanges.
Me: What is your writing process? How do you stay focused on writing?
MA: Playlist of choice, pens, pencils, highlighters, markers, ruled paper or journal, notecards, sticky notes, poster board, laptop, and headphones… I stay focused by setting writing days with a set time. I also set realistic mini goals for myself with mini rewards…
Me: What do you do to keep your creative energy flowing?
MA: Reading, watching movies/series, attending concerts, meeting new authors/creatives, chatting with my awesome author friends, and participating as an author/panelist/moderator at comic cons or book festivals or just fangirling at one—ideas can blossom at any time, so you have to be ready to catch them! My upcoming events: MockingBird Lane in San Antonio, Spring Scream Mallapalooza in Temple, Texas, & Teen BookFest By The Bay in Corpus Christi.
Me: What else are you working on that you'd like to share with our readers?
MA: Two fabulous projects just released. The first is a YA/Horror anthology, DREAMSCARES, with my phenomenal besties, Jackie Smith, Manuel Ruiz, and Cody Wagner (they’re all incredible authors, so check them out)—this is our first collaboration and not our last. Fears and phobias are the themes of DREAMSCARES.
The second project is an anthology of dark fairytales and/or folktales, Mama Said: An Angels Of Darkness Anthology, by a group of Black women authors.
Please look for them where books are sold—the stories are incredible, in my opinion!
Furthermore, I’ve had an adult collection of short stories, DECAYED SECRETS, on the back burner for years. I’m currently working on that collection and FRIGHT BITES: Volume 2—YA/NA horror short stories… a few retellings and hoping to hit 31 stories this round…
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!
MA: Read what you love and what you may not be a big fan of—short and longer works--because you’ll be surprised how opposite ideas can transform into an incredible story you never imagined.
Finally, we’re all human and negativity can bruise us mentally, psychologically, spiritually, and emotionally. This is where your positive cheerleaders come in to lift you up and give you inspirational support. However, if you don’t have a supportive circle, then seek out positive affirmations or whatever tends to make you laugh or smile to build yourself up. There’s so much that can knock us down, which is why positive outlets are vital for artists and non-artists.
Never allow someone to dismiss your dreams or tell you that you’re not good enough. Guess what? You are more than good enough and AWESOMENESS with all the sparkles!! Soar…
“Just remember that Dumbo didn’t need the feather, the magic was in him.”
~Stephen King~
Click the banner below to check out and read the rest of this year's celebrations!
Comments
Post a Comment