Today, I will be interviewing author Rayne Havok. Rayne has the attention span of a goldfish, so she tends to write shorter stories. Full of gory and gross thoughts that need to be put on paper, she writes all the time to clear space for the new stuff. She is a huge fan of horror and loves to be shocked by all things ‘extreme’. She focuses on the human condition, what causes people to do the things they do, and the possibility that not all of it is wrong. She’s all about the bloody and gruesome but also loves to sprinkle it with gratuitous sex. She is a little psychotic and a little sweet and lives in Phoenix, Arizona (but doesn’t get out much for fear of melting to death in the desert heat.) She loves hearing what you think, so leave a review or reach out to her on Goodreads.
“I always know the ending, then I write the story for it.”
“Writing horror is burning a room full of people. Writing gore is following them inside to listen to their skin crackle.”
EB: Welcome, Rayne. You’ve released a few books this year. Can you tell us about your book Killstreme and what inspired you to write it?
Rayne: Killstreme is basically a snuff flipped on its head. So often men are the victimizers, I thought I’d give them a shot at being a good victim.
I was inspired to write it when a flash of one of the scenes came into my head and I giggled. It had to be written. Spoiler: (giant dildo insertion)
If you would like to check it out, here is the link:
EB: What, if anything, did you learn while writing this book?
Rayne: Honestly, I don’t know that this is one of those learnin’ books. I had a lot of fun with it, though.
EB: It certainly was a fun read. How many hours a day do you spend writing?
Rayne: I actually don’t write every day. I can’t, my brain is not wired for daily productivity. I do, however, spend every day thinking about stories and sussing them out. When it is a day to write, I can spend anywhere from an hour to all day.
EB: What other authors are you friends with, and how did they help you become a better writer?
Rayne: Okay, so, I’m not big on name dropping (Stephen King would kill me.) Plus, it would be super awkward if I was to name someone who didn’t consider me a friend as well and then told everyone I was a loser, so I won’t. I will say the authors I know (who may or may not know me) kick fucking ass. I love this community and all the people in it. I feel like reading helps me be a better writer, as cliché as that is.
EB: That’s not cliché at all. I happen to agree. Do you try to be original or to deliver readers what they want?
Rayne: I have to write what is in my head. I have tried to write for anthologies before. Fitting within parameters of submissions or even topics, word count, or anything else, it makes my mind blank. I’m not able to do it. As for original, I wouldn’t say I was. It’s all been done before, but not by me, so I’ll contribute while not necessarily reinventing… maybe more re-envisioning.
EB: Can you tell us about your next project? Where can readers find out more about you?
Rayne: I have Necrosis coming out next, and I have a few other things written and waiting for finishing touches.
My Christmas Story will be available for free from December 11th through the 14th. You can check it out here:
I’m pretty low-key for the most part. I’m active on Goodreads, though:
https://www.goodreads.com/search?q=RAYNE%20HAVOK
EB: Is there anything else you would like readers to know about you?
Rayne: I’m just a normal girl. I don’t do any of the shit I write about. I just really, really love horror.
I’ve been married half my life to my best friend (who everyone can thank for also being a great editor, beta, and all-around sounding board.)
I giggle when I think about people having sex organs right under their clothes. I think there are werewolves lurking under every parked car at night. I feel like I could go on all day, but would it all be things I’d want my readers to know about me? Not at all. Thanks, EB!
EB: Thank you, Rayne, for being here. It was a pleasure. I can’t wait to read more of your stories. They may be short, but they pack one helluva punch!
Tomorrow, I will be posting a new book release for another author. This collection may not be as splattery as some of the books I’ve read, but it sure looks good. I will tell you more about it in my next blog post. I also have a couple more interviews that I will be posting later this week. Thanks for stopping by! -E.B.
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