Javiann Dugard Blends Horror And Poetry To Create Unforgettable Stories
PHOTO: Javiann Dugard, horror writer and teacher, brings haunting stories to life through the power of poetry.
A Texas Teacher Turns Personal Loss Into Poetic Horror Masterpieces
Javiann Dugard, a Texas teacher and horror writer, transforms her passion for poetry into gripping storytelling, crafting haunting narratives that deeply resonate with readers across genres.
Javiann Dugard captivates readers with her unique ability to merge the haunting essence of horror with the lyrical depth of poetry. As a dedicated teacher in Texas and a writer deeply inspired by personal loss and enduring dreams, she has crafted a distinctive style that challenges traditional storytelling norms. Her work transforms poetry into a narrative force, weaving eerie, immersive worlds that both unsettle and mesmerise.
Javiann Dugard, a Texas teacher and horror writer, transforms her passion for poetry into gripping storytelling, crafting haunting narratives that deeply resonate with readers across genres.
Mosaic Digest magazine is proud to feature Javiann’s journey, one rooted in passion, resilience, and a commitment to pushing creative boundaries. From her early fascination with horror in sixth grade to her innovative approach to poetic storytelling, Javiann demonstrates the power of imagination and authenticity in literature. Her words allow readers to experience fear, wonder, and emotion as vividly as her characters do.
Through this interview, we celebrate not only Javiann Dugard’s compelling voice but also her determination to redefine how poetry can tell stories across genres. Her books invite readers into a chilling yet profoundly human realm, leaving a lasting mark on both heart and mind.
“Between the Covers of Madness” masterfully blends poetry with psychological horror. What inspired you to tell this unraveling story through verse rather than prose?
What inspired me was just the importance of being able to tell a story. Poetry is not ever just one
way of writing but a style that can be written in many different ways. If I could tell my story in a similar
poetic fashion then I have achieved my goal.
The book’s narrator—a bookstore owner—offers a unique perspective on the power of literature and the fragility of the mind. Was this character influenced by your personal experiences or someone you’ve encountered in real life?
Honestly, I have always wanted to become a librarian. I did at one point want to own a book store
so in a way there was some personal influence.
The imagery in your poems walks a fine line between the familiar and the macabre. How did you approach crafting that eerie atmosphere without losing emotional resonance?
Whenever I write poetry I imagine myself as the character. I can see myself experiencing what
they are experiencing which makes it easier to understand how the reader should feel. My
imagination takes me very far in my writing and I love the ability to feel like everything is real. My
goal is to always have the reader feel the same as the character.
Was there a particular moment in your writing journey when you realised that poetry could be a vehicle for psychological storytelling? If so, can you describe that breakthrough?
Well I originally wanted this to be an actual novel style writing. Yet, every time I would start writing
the story just wasn’t going my way. I would lose track and I just wanted to know what I could do to
make my vision a reality. That was when I started looking back at my poetry and thought no one has
ever written a storybook with poetry.
Your work has a raw intensity that feels both timeless and urgent. Looking back, what has been the most defining moment of your writing career so far—something that affirmed your voice or vision?
I always liked horror as a kid but when I was in 6th grade my teacher, Ms. McNeil, tasked us to
write a story. I decided to write a horror story that scared the class. I got the best grade on my paper.
That really motivated me to continue writing as I knew I could make something out of it one day.
If a reader were to take away just one message or feeling from Between the Covers of Madness, what would you hope it would be?
The message is I truly do hope they can understand my style. I know poetry is not such an
intricate style of writing anymore. It is all about love and relationships. However poetry can be used
to tell a story through different genres.
“Poetry is not ever just one way of writing but a style that can be written in many different ways.” – Javiann Dugard
