ash.reads.horror | AUTHOR INTERVIEW: KELLY DWYER

AUTHOR INTERVIEW: KELLY DWYER

Bindery refers to a studio, workshop or factory where sheets of (usually) paper are fastened together to make books, but also where gold and other decorative elements are added to the exterior of books, where boxes or slipcases for books are made and where the restoration of books is carried out.

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AUTHOR INTERVIEW: Mikayla Randolph

Welcome back to another author interview! Today I'm joined by author Mikayla Randolph as we talk about her debut novel, Not Your Final Girl.

Questions:

  1. I always use this first question as a chance for you to introduce yourself. Say as much or as little as you want.

    Hello! I’m an author based out of California who writes horror, fantasy, and thrillers. My favorite stories blend genres, invert tropes, and feature complicated characters, all while being a bloody good time. Beyond writing, I love adding too many books to my TBR pile, reading while cuddling with my dogs, and waffling between wanting to travel the world and wanting to never leave the house.

  2. Your debut book Not Your Final Girl released May 5th. How have you been feeling? Excited? Overwhelmed? Everything in between?

    Yes! Absolutely everything, and it changes by the second. I’m frazzled, but mostly I’m feeling incredibly grateful. It’s a lifelong dream coming true, and I’m blown away by the support I’ve received.

  3. What made you choose a slasher for your debut novel?

    A slasher has been on my bucket list for a long time. My first stab at it was in college, and I think it frightened my poor roommate, who was not a horror fan.

  4. Any specific films or media that helped influence your novel?

    There were so many influences, and most don't seem like they belong together. Thomas Hardy’s Tess of the D’urbervilles was a primary inspiration.

  5. What was your favorite scene to write? The hardest?

    Oh, that is difficult to answer and remain spoiler-free! For my favorite, I’ll say there is a scene with a shed, a wheelbarrow, and a surprise that was a lot of fun to write.

  6. Who was your favorite character to get inside the mind of?

    I loved them all, and bouncing between them was such a fun experience.

  7. Are you currently working on any other projects at the moment? If so, can you drop us any hints?

    I’m currently querying my next novel, which I think of as a witchy X-Men horror noir.

  8. Tell us what you've been reading lately? Your favorite 2026 book? What books are on your backlist?

    I really enjoyed King Sorrow by Joe Hill.

  9. What books are you looking forward to releasing this year? How about movies?

    I’m so excited for Worry Box by Chris Panatier and Kiss Slay Replay from Rachel Harrison.

  10. Did you have a playlist that you listened to when writing your book? > Yes, I had a Spotify playlist especially curated for the book.

Thank you again, Mikayla, for allowing me to do this interview! You can follow Mikayla on Instagram at mik_randolph.

AUTHOR INTERVIEW: Julia Jackson

Welcome back for another Author Interview! Today we'll be talking to author Julia Jackson about her debut novel Powder & Poison.

Questions:

  1. Tell us a little bit about yourself and your book.

    Hi! I'm Julia, a GOOD FOR HER horror writer who watches an unhealthy amount of ghost hunting shows and scary movies.

  2. What inspired you to write Powder & Poison?

    I have always been obsessed with history, and as I was dreaming up new story ideas I started thinking about Marie.

  3. I know you're currently working on another novel. Any hints on what to expect from it?

    It is a romantic horror novella called Project Heart.

  4. Have you ever been to Versailles?

    Yes, I have been to Versailles, and it truly is unlike anywhere else in the world.

  5. Do you have a writing process? Any tips for aspiring writers?

    I created something called Channeling Story, which helps writers tap into their story.

  6. What is your favorite scene in Powder & Poison?

    I loved writing the scene in the sewer below Versailles; it was visceral.

  7. What are some of your favorite horror books? Movies?

    Some of my fave books are Maeve Fly by CJ Leede and The Eyes are the Best Part by Monika Kim.

  8. Were there any songs or playlists that helped you write Powder & Poison?

    I listened to a lot of Björk throughout the day to get into the right mindset.

Thank you so much Julia for all your wonderful answers and advice! Please be sure to pick up a copy of Powder & Poison!