INTERVIEWER
Chimaera and Other Stories is a collection of Flash Fiction for fans of psychological horror with a sharp, bloody edge. What was the inspiration for this collection of stories?STEVEN BRUCE
The inspiration for Chimaera and Other Stories came from growing up immersed in horror. As a child, I watched a lot of horror films. The first one I remember seeing was A Nightmare on Elm Street. But it wasn’t only films. I also read R.L. Stine’s Goosebumps series in primary school and the darker, more gothic tales of Edgar Allan Poe like “The Tell-Tale Heart.” I’ve always been captivated by how horror lingers in the mind and leaves a lasting impact long after the lights go out.INTERVIEWER
What intrigues you about the horror genre that led you to write this book?STEVEN
As H.P. Lovecraft said, “The oldest and strongest emotion of mankind is fear, and the oldest and strongest kind of fear is fear of the unknown.” Writing this book allowed me to tap into that primal instinct, crafting narratives that explore the unsettling, the gruesome, and the terrors lurking in the unknown.INTERVIEWER
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?STEVEN
I explored many themes in this collection in order to give it a “pick and mix” feel. But my main focus was more on form than themes. I wanted to craft something for people who crave that sense of fear but don’t have the time or patience for a full-length novel. Life is busy, and I understand how difficult it is to find time to read between responsibilities. I wanted to write stories under fifteen hundred words that deliver thrilling scares without the need for hours of commitment.INTERVIEWER
What is the next book that you are working on and when will it be available?STEVEN
I’ve almost finished writing another collection of flash horror stories. While I don’t have a specific release date yet, I’m eager to create new narratives that will continue to unsettle and engage readers. I’ll be sharing updates with members of my mailing list, which you can join through my website, as the book progresses.Original Interview Source: Literary Titan