If you’re a witch fan or just looking for some creepy Halloween tales, this author’s collection of short stories and illustrations could be just what you need. Read below about his harrowing experience with a Ouija board after the tragic death of a friend and why he’s scarred for life by the Tristar Pictures music and Pegasus. Welcome Steve Stred!
Has a movie or book scared you so much you couldn’t sleep? Which one?
When I was younger we had an unconventional ‘Christmas’ movie that we’d watch each and every Christmas. The Monster Squad. I don’t know why that ended up being our Christmas movie, but it did and when I first watched it I was maybe 6 or 7 and it scared me so bad. Each year, I would be petrified of it and it gave me a lifelong fear of Werewolves. Additionally, for many years after first watching the movie, I was terrified when the Tristar music and Pegasus would begin before any movie.
Would you rather use a Ouija board or participate in a séance?
I’ve actually used a Ouija board before and had a very uncomfortable experience. Where I grew up, a friend died in a horrible car accident. After her memorial a bunch of us were at a different friend’s house. We were having a remembrance sleep over/party for her. Someone decided to try and ask the deceased some questions with the Ouija board. We all uncomfortably laughed, but later on the board was brought out and they started messing with it. I was laying on the couch (trying to snuggle up with a crush!) when I felt a pressure on my chest and infinite sorrow. I began to cry uncontrollably, but could talk just fine. I told my freaked out friends what was happening and they were unable to help me get off the couch. It was as though I had been super glued to the material. After another few minutes of this, someone took the board and put it somewhere and poof, I was free to move again and didn’t feel any of the sadness I had felt. I don’t think I’ll ever mess with another one again.
As for a séance, I think it would be a unique experience, but only if it was with a group of people who were taking it completely seriously.
If you were in a horror movie, would you rather have a loaded gun or a car that wouldn’t break down?
I think part of this is situational. I mean if a car won’t break down, get in and drive, yeah? Leave Mr. Leatherface in the dust? But if you were trapped in a house, a gun would be much more efficient for your survival than a car parked outside.
Do you write to music?
Absolutely. Usually, I’ll have 2 or 3 albums specifically for each thing I’m writing. I listen to a lot of different music, but for writing sessions I’ll only listen to those specific works that make up the backdrop for emotional leverage of each release. For ‘Scott: A Wagon Buddy Tale’ which is the sequel to ‘Wagon Buddy’ I listened to Tom Petty and Arcade Fire. Currently for book three of my ‘Father of Lies’ trilogy, I’m listening to a lot of SepticFlesh and Dimmu Borgir. So, it really just depends on what I’m writing as to what I’m playing.
Describe your writing space.
BORING! Haha! Is that accurate? I do 99% of my writing at work on my lunch break, so it’s a computer on a desk with a fan beside it. Tada! I also do some very, very, very rare writing on my phone. So, it’s a Samsung and that’s really it. Not a very amazing spot like I’ve seen a lot of people’s set up!
What are you working on now?
Oh lord. What a loaded question! Well, “Of Witches…” just came out September 4th. So, that was my newest collection of 8 short stories about witches. It also featured 15 pieces of stunning art by Miranda Crites! I’m prepping my last release of the year, ‘Scott: A Wagon Buddy Tale,’ for its arrival. This is a sequel to my release ‘Wagon Buddy.’
Otherwise, I’m working on Books 2 and 3 respectively of my ‘Sermons of Sorrow Trilogy,’ Book 3 of my ‘Father of Lies Trilogy,’ my ultra-limited release ‘456 Blatchford Drive,’ my novel ‘Mastodon,’ the horror-western I’m co-writing with David Sodergren, and three other releases that I can’t share any more details on!
I’m always busy working on stuff!
“Of Witches…” the newest collection by dark fiction author, Steve Stred, brings together eight stories all revolving around one of history’s great curiosities – the witch.
Steve Stred will once again take you into the deepest, darkest places.
Accompanied by fifteen stunning photographs/illustrations, as well as an amazing foreword from Miranda Crites, this collection is sure to quench your crone thirst.
Within this collection you’ll find tales about;
-A watery reunion
-A story shared in a bar
-Letters left after a family member dies
–A chance encounter while camping
-Three sisters who live on the outskirts of town
-The events that follow the loss of a loved one
-Strange occurrences at a property
-A teenager starting to work at the family business
“Of Witches…” is sure to become both a Halloween classic as well as a collection classic.
Purchase Link
Author Bio
Steve Stred writes dark, bleak horror fiction.
Steve is the author of a number novels, novellas and collections.
He is proud to work with the Ladies of Horror Fiction to facilitate the Annual LOHF Writers Grant.
Steve has appeared alongside some of Horror’s heaviest hitters in some fantastic anthologies.
Steve Stred is based in Edmonton, AB, Canada and lives with his wife, his son and their dog OJ.
Social Media
Website: stevestredauthor.wordpress.com
Twitter: @stevestred
Instagram: @stevestred
Books and Such 
Always in awe of those who write with music. Great interview.
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Thanks, Jay! It’s interesting how some writers need absolute quiet and others make playlists.
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It’s very interesting that he uses his music to set the tone and help his writing!
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That ouija story is going to stick with me. Wishing Steve all the best.
Thanks, Teri.
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Right? That’s a freaky one. Seems like no good comes from using ouija boards.
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Very cool interview! Steve is one of the good guys out there. Always glad to see him doing well!
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You’re a busy fellow, Steve. Nice to meet you.
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Great interview, Teri. The ouija story gave me the chills. Best to Steve!
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Same here, Jill!
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Steve, have you ever seen the short indie film “The S from Hell”? If the opening sequence of a movie (or tv show) is troublesome, you might really dig this short. You can google it – it should be free on the interwebs.
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OMGosh, that’s a freaky ouiji board story! Best of luck to Stred on all his projects, busy guy!
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That ouija board experience sounds unpleasant. Glad it stopped when the board was taken away.
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That’s exactly what I thought when I read it, Tori. Scary.
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Totally creeped out by the Ouija board story. I’ll have nothing to do with them, but especially now, after hearing THAT! Yikes!
That is a very cool cover on Steve’s book, and it sounds like a great release for Halloween. Wishing him all the best!
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A book of short stories about witches sounds great, Teri. Nice to meet Steve. I also sometimes write at work during lunch time but only if I can take lunch which isn’t often.
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I like the idea of the common theme of witches in all the stories. I can remember writing long hand during my son’s soccer and basketball practices, Robbie – that’s when I was just starting and didn’t even have a laptop yet.
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I also used the various lessons my sons had to work. In those days it was paycheck work. I find lately, that I fall asleep in the car while waiting … I’m older I guess.
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I enjoyed Steve’s answers. That board experience would keep me away too. Best wishes on your latest book.
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“I do 99% of my writing at work on my lunch break….”
I don’t know if I’ve thought of this before, but I don’t remember the last time I wrote on my lunch break. Then again, most of my writing has been as a journalist where writing on break is the last thing I want to do….
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The Ouija board story is so sad. The book sounds interesting though I’m always up for some witch stories!
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I also love a good witch story, Gemma – this sounds like a real “witchy” collection!
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Great interview answers, Steve. I knew there was a reason I’ve always avoided Ouija boards! And I’m not much interested in seances, either. I do like scary stories, though (within reason) and witches can be pretty interesting, too. Enjoyed this post a lot, and wish you much success with all of your books and short stories, Steve!
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Reblogged this on The Write Stuff and commented:
Today’s Bad Moon Rising post features author Steve Stred, who writes “dark, bleak horror fiction,” and has some very interesting answers to his interview questions. Be sure to stop by and take a look, and if you would, please pass the post along far and wide so others can meet Steve, too. Thanks and thanks to Teri for hosting this super spooky series! 🙂
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Thanks for reblogging, Marcia!
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The Ouija Board experience sounds really scary, Steve. That’s why I don’t mess with this stuff. Who knows what’s out there! And a fascinating music regimen. Lol. Another great guest, Teri.
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Thanks, Diana! Steve had some fascinating and chilling answers. I also messed around with a Ouija board once and that was enough for me.
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Nice to ‘meet’ you Steve 🙂 Your personality comes shining through your answers – you seem like a really cool guy!
I love the short story book collection idea. People are so time-poor these days, and book bites seem to be a really good answer.
Also, OMG how busy are you? Do you ever take a break? Maybe your muse might like to wander down here and help out on my farm for a while?
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Another fascinating interview, Teri!
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Thanks, Jan!
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