Mini Interview with Author J. Krawczyk

What draws you to the horror genre, both as a writer and a reader?

Oh man, the horror spectrum is vast these days. It pretty much transcends the genre. It’s almost like music or comics in that no matter what you’re into, there’s a horror book, movie, show, comic, podcast, artist, etc., for you. Horror can involve surrealism, comedy, and romance while simultaneously being culturally symbolic or just plain fun. That versatility is certainly alluring. I think it also helps develop coping mechanisms. It kind of allows your psyche to be introduced to something emblematic of your own insecurities. It’ll give you a little road map of how to approach your own phobia or at least help you understand the plight of others. Horror’s a little empathy gem wrapped up in a spooky blanket. That, and I don’t know, I like feeling depressed sometimes.

Do you believe in ghosts? Why/Why not?

I want to believe in ghosts. One of my favorite things is watching “ghost caught on camera” on youtube, and I’ll like them until I die. So, we’ll all get a chance to find out if ghosts exist. The skeptic in me says no, but I wouldn’t be surprised if death weren’t the end either. Within infinity, we didn’t exist for eons before the elements lined up for us to live. So, if we’re not going to exist again, give it some time.

What are you most afraid of? (could be real and/or fictional)

Emotional or physical harm happening to loved ones. It keeps me up at night. Michael Myers can stab me all he wants, but goddamn, if he tries to eat my dog. That and being smothered. I was a terrible wrestler in high school, and being subdued by warm flesh stronger than me was miserable.