Lee Mountford Weaves Chilling Tales That Redefine Modern Horror
Inside the Mind of a Horror Luminary
Lee Mountford shares his journey as a horror author, revealing his inspirations, creative process, and dedication to crafting haunting stories that captivate readers and redefine the boundaries of modern horror.
In the shadowy corridors of modern horror literature, Lee Mountford has emerged as a master storyteller, crafting chilling narratives that linger in the minds of readers long after the final page. From the eerie depths of English woodlands to the sinister confines of demonic hauntings, Mountford’s work has captivated audiences and earned him a place among the luminaries of the genre. In this exclusive feature for Reader’s House magazine, we delve into the mind of the man behind the nightmares, exploring his inspirations, creative process, and the journey that has defined his career.
A Rising Star in Horror
Hailing from the North-East of England, Mountford’s journey into the world of horror began with his debut novel, Horror in the Woods, which was released in May 2017. The book quickly gained traction, drawing readers into its terrifying narrative. His follow-up, The Demonic, solidified his reputation, achieving Best Seller status in Amazon’s Occult Horror and British Horror categories. These early successes marked the beginning of a prolific career, with Mountford now closing in on 20 full-length novels.
Yet, Mountford’s passion for horror extends beyond his writing. It’s a love that permeates his family life, though it stands in playful contrast to his wife Michelle’s hopes for their daughters, Ella and Sophie. While Michelle might dream of a less spine-chilling influence, Mountford’s dedication to his craft remains unwavering.
“Outlining was a gamechanger for me, transforming my writing career and helping me complete nearly 20 full-length novels.”
– Lee Mountford
Inspirations and Influences
As a reader, Mountford’s tastes are as eclectic as they are revealing. He fondly recalls Zombie, Zombie by Matthew John, an out-of-print novel that he discovered in his early twenties and continues to revisit. The book, which follows a group of teens navigating a zombie apocalypse, left a lasting impression on him.
More recently, Mountford experienced Shirley Jackson’s classic The Haunting of Hill House for the first time. “It was very enjoyable,” he reflects. “Obviously much more subtle than a lot of horror nowadays, but I really appreciated the psychological aspect of it, as well as the gut-punch ending.” Interestingly, it was the Netflix adaptation of the same name that finally prompted him to explore the novel’s origins.
Mountford’s admiration for writers extends beyond the horror genre. He praises fantasy author Brandon Sanderson, not for his books, but for his contributions to the author community. “He’s showing what can be done outside the tried and tested methods and paving the way in new frontiers for writers. I have to admire that,” Mountford notes.
“The Haunting of Hill House was subtle but powerful, with a psychological depth and a gut-punch ending.”
The Creative Process
For Mountford, the process of crafting a story is as much about discipline as it is about inspiration. He credits outlining as the single most transformative piece of advice he’s ever received. Before adopting this method, his hard drive was a “digital graveyard of unfinished stories.” Outlining provided the structure he needed to complete his projects, and while he no longer outlines as extensively as he once did, the practice remains a cornerstone of his writing process.
When it comes to generating ideas, Mountford keeps an open mind. Inspiration can strike from anywhere—books, movies, television shows, or even video games. “Many of them create amazing worlds to explore, which I find gets my creative gears turning,” he explains. He also values the power of letting his mind wander, allowing ideas to surface naturally without the pressure of immediate results.
Writing Habits and Goals
Mountford’s writing routine is both structured and flexible. When working on a novel, he aims to write 1,500 to 2,000 words a day. While he doesn’t stress over missing a target, these goals help him maintain momentum. Coffee shops are his preferred writing spots, where the background noise serves as a source of focus rather than distraction.
At the heart of Mountford’s work lies a commitment to his readers. “Though I obviously write for myself, I’m aware that readers are going to be looking for certain kinds of things in my books,” he says. Whether it’s a ghost story or a tale of demonic possession, Mountford strives to deliver an experience that is both haunting and satisfying.
A Lifelong Love of Horror
Mountford’s fascination with horror began in childhood. He recalls being captivated by The World of the Unknown in his school library and rereading a collection of ghost stories that included The Everlasting Club by Arthur Gray. “I remember that story always scared the hell out of me,” he admits. He also enjoyed the Point Horror series, which introduced him to the genre’s eerie allure.
This early love of ghost stories laid the foundation for a career defined by dark and imaginative tales. Today, Mountford continues to explore the darker side of literature, drawing readers into worlds where every shadow holds a secret and every story is a journey into the unknown.
A Legacy of Fear
As Lee Mountford reflects on his career, one thing is clear: his primary goal is to create stories that resonate with his audience. “I feel I have a responsibility to really try and deliver,” he says. With nearly two decades of writing experience and a growing body of work, Mountford has more than fulfilled that promise.
For fans of horror, Mountford’s books are more than just stories—they are experiences. They are journeys into the depths of fear, where the line between reality and nightmare blurs. And for Mountford, there is no greater reward than knowing his words have left a lasting impression on those brave enough to read them.
Souce: Reader’s House
