Lee Mountford –The Architect of Modern Horror
Crafting Chilling Narratives That Linger in the Mind
Lee Mountford, a modern horror author, shares his journey from debuting with Horror in the Woods to crafting chilling narratives, emphasizing inspiration, outlining, and reader satisfaction in his writing process.
In the shadowy corners of modern horror literature, Lee Mountford emerges as a formidable figure, weaving chilling narratives that linger in the minds of readers long after the final page is turned. His journey from the eerie depths of English woodlands to the unsettling realms of demonic hauntings has not only earned him critical acclaim but has also captivated a dedicated following of horror enthusiasts.
Mountford, hailing from the North-East of England, made his literary debut with Horror in the Woods in May 2017. This gripping tale quickly seized the imaginations of its audience, setting the stage for his subsequent release, The Demonic, which ascended to Best Seller status in Amazon’s Occult Horror and British Horror categories. Yet, the essence of horror in Mountford’s life extends beyond his writing; it intertwines with his family life, creating a playful contrast to the hopes of his wife, Michelle, for their daughters, Ella and Sophie.
“To satisfy the reader. Though I obviously write for myself, I’m aware that readers are going to be looking for certain kinds of things in my books.”
In a recent interview, Mountford opened up about his literary journey, revealing an unexpected admiration for Matthew John’s out-of-print Zombie, Zombie, a story that explores the lengths to which a group of teens will go to survive a zombie apocalypse. He also shared his recent encounter with Shirley Jackson’s The Haunting of Hill House, a novel he found profoundly impactful, particularly for its psychological depth and gut-punch ending.
When discussing his influences, Mountford expressed admiration for fantasy author Brandon Sanderson, noting his contributions to the broader author community. “Even though I’m not much of a fantasy reader, I respect how he’s paving new paths for writers,” he remarked.
Mountford’s creative process is as intriguing as his stories. He emphasizes the importance of being open to inspiration, whether it strikes while reading, watching films, or even playing video games. “I try to let my mind wander and see what it comes back with,” he explained, highlighting the necessity of avoiding pressure during the creative process.
One of the pivotal moments in Mountford’s writing career was the adoption of outlining. “Before I started outlining, my hard drive was a graveyard of unfinished stories,” he admitted. This structured approach has transformed his writing, allowing him to close in on 20 full-length novels.
When it comes to his writing environment, Mountford finds solace in coffee shops, where the ambient noise helps him focus. He aims for a daily word count of 1,500 to 2,000 words, a target that keeps him motivated. “If I fail on any given day, it’s not the end of the world, but having those targets really helps,” he noted.
At the core of Mountford’s writing philosophy is a commitment to his readers. “I want to satisfy the reader,” he stated. “If it’s a ghost story, I aim to make it as creepy as possible while delivering a compelling narrative.” This dedication to crafting an experience that haunts and horrifies is what sets Mountford apart in the realm of horror literature.
As we delve deeper into Lee Mountford’s darkly imaginative world, it becomes clear that every word he writes is a shadow, and every story is a chilling journey into the unknown. For those brave enough to explore his pages, a haunting experience awaits.
