Kerry E.B. Black Reveals Her Passion for Horror Writing and Thrilling Tales

Kerry E.B. Black: Author of Spine-Chilling Stories and Atmospheric Magic, Crafting Worlds That Stay With Readers Long After The Last Page.

Behind The Curtain Of Thrills And Nightmares

Award-winning author Kerry E.B. Black discusses her writing inspirations, her love for the horror genre, balancing family life, and her upcoming projects, offering valuable advice to aspiring writers.

K  erry E.B. Black is a name that sends shivers down the spines of readers and conjures an irresistible allure for lovers of the paranormal, suspense, and all things eerie. Her literary repertoire is as varied as it is mesmerizing, boasting two acclaimed YA Paranormal Thrillers, Awakening at Equinox and Spring of Spirits, alongside ventures into poetry, pseudo-historical narratives, and an impressive four collections of short stories. Each work she’s penned reflects her ability to craft intricate, atmospheric tales that leave readers both haunted and spellbound. From Poetic Nightmares, her evocative poetry collection, to the chilling and expertly woven stories in Nightmares on Holiday and Fairy Herds and Mythscapes, Black solidifies her reputation as a versatile and masterful storyteller.

At Mosaic Digest magazine, we value and celebrate creative voices, and Kerry E.B. Black is a true luminary in the world of contemporary horror and speculative fiction. Writing from her charmingly mysterious cottage in a swamp outside Pittsburgh, she blends old-world charm, rich imagination, and the nuanced storytelling of legendary authors like Shirley Jackson and Ray Bradbury. As a proud member of the Horror Writers Association and a frequent contributor to journals, zines, and anthologies, her name often stands as both a mark of quality and a thrilling promise of tales that stay with you long after you turn the final page.

It was an absolute honor interviewing with an author as charming and insightful as Kerry E.B. Black. In this interview, she candidly shares her creative process, her dedication to craft, and how she balances her family life with her boundless passion for writing. Her wisdom and advice for aspiring writers, particularly in the horror genre, offer a beacon of guidance, and her excitement about future projects—like her upcoming work Witches in the Air—is nothing short of infectious.

Step into the mind of this extraordinary author. It’s a journey you won’t forget.

Kerry E.B. Black is a masterful storyteller who crafts rich, atmospheric tales that captivate, haunt, and inspire readers worldwide.

What inspired you to become a writer, particularly in the horror genre? 

 I love telling tales of all sorts, but I do my best when writing scary stories. Perhaps it’s a holdover from all of the campfires.

How do you manage to balance your writing life with your family commitments?

I do the best I can. Family first, though, which leaves me to write in the wee hours when the family’s gone to bed. The family felines usually keep me company while my fingers flirt with the keyboard.

Can you tell us about your writing process, from idea conception to completion?

Every project is different, but I always know how the story will end before I begin to write. Often, an idea turns on the proverbial lightbulb in my brain, and I allow it to gestate while I complete other projects. That’s an important thing. Complete the projects once begun. Don’t become dazzled by the brilliant flicker of a flashy, new idea. 

Your work is featured in several anthologies, what do you enjoy most about collaborating with other authors?

I love short stories, both reading and writing them. For me, anthologies are great ways to network, to learn of other writers and their work, and to engage with all sorts of editors. There’s something deeply validating about seeing my name alongside other authors I admire! It gives me a thrill every time.

How do you create such eerie and suspenseful atmospheres in your stories?

Thank you for saying so! I usually write from a limited POV and try to allow the reader to experience that fully, immerse them in the experience, using as many senses as possible. However, I do need to mind my adjectives. I’m a fan of many old-time writers, and unfortunately, I sometimes slip into their purple prose. (THAT, my dears, is one reason why a good editor is worth more than their weight in gold!) 

Are there any authors or books that have had a significant influence on your writing style? 

So, so many! Ray Bradbury and Shirley Jackson. C.S. Lewis, the Brothers Grimm, Hans C. Anderson, and the other fairy tale authors. Edgar A. Poe, Algernon Blackwood, and Mary Shelley. The Brontes. Jane Austin. There are so many contemporary authors I admire, too! Stephen King and his son Joe Hill, Alice Hoffman, Tanarive Due, Gwendolyn Kiste… I could happily gush for hours if you allow me, so I’ll stop there. (Authors are my rock stars, so this question brings out the fangirl in me.)

What can readers expect from your future projects? Are you working on any new novels or short stories?

I am always working on something. I love flash fiction, because it soothes my ADHD-addled brain to have a completed project, and I enjoy the challenge of telling a story using very few words. When a big writing project gets to that sticky point where it feels overwhelming and insurmountable, I turn to poetry or shorts to break out of the funk and into the groove of completing the project. I’m very excited about a book I have coming soon through Tree Shadow Press called Witches in the Air. It’s poetic essays on witchcraft and witch allegations. It’s in the editor’s capable hands, though, so I started a new novel, a folk horror piece set in rural Pennsylvania, which I hope will turn out well. 

What advice would you give to aspiring authors who are looking to break into the horror genre and get their work published alongside established writers like yourself?

Anthologies are wonderful ways to network, as we discussed above. They also help build confidence. After all, the producer of the book and its editor thought your work excellent enough to grace their Table of Contents! Write as often as you can, and read widely. See what works for you, and experiment with form and genre. I review what I read, which is an excellent way to clarify what I enjoyed and why. Gather and treasure other writing and reading friends, be it in a writing group or book club. Both groups broaden the experience and allow unique insights and interpretations. And keep at it. Writing is a skill that improves with work.