The Horror Club talks to writer, Catherine Bell, about her work, The Children of Manson, which is available via ebook. She also dicusses her influences, the genre and more.
Tell us about yourself?
I have a huge passion for writing; specifically horror. I absolutely love what you can do with that genre in terms of influencing a reader. I vividly remember reading Black House by Stephen King, and being so gripped by the story that I was terrified to turn the page, yet couldn’t put the book down. I want to re-create that in my work. I want my readers to be torn between the fear of what may happen next, and the connection to the storyline.
I also have an interest in the occult- in terms of understanding the history of it and the concept of demonology and witchcraft. I would happily spend a Sunday afternoon on the sofa with a good horror film…or three!
What was your first published story/work?
My first published work was the Children of Manson. I then went on to complete the Sick and Sombre Tales of Sinister Town, which is a collection of short stories.
What is the Children of Manson?
The Children of Manson is a horror novel, which ties together terror, gore, and psychosis, with a subtle political undertone. It centres around Dee, a student who seeks comfort from her isolation at University from her flatmate Lily, and their friendship quickly blossoms into something more.
Unbeknownst to Dee, a sinister figure is watching her closely. He grows exceedingly paranoid as he tracks her movements over time, as he fears she knows about his own dark secrets. Underneath the home in which he is cared for, a maze of passageways are home to a cult 
following, vigilant in their tasks under their leader Lloyd’s watchful eye. Their aim? To prevent pregnancy, destroy fertility, and if necessary, will go to the very extreme to achieve their goals.
Why did you decide to publish it as an E-book?
I felt that for a newer author, an e-book was a way to reach a wider audience using a more affordable platform. Plus, with the increased use of Kindles, I felt it was keeping up with the newer ways of readers accessing books.
Do you think you’ll go down the traditional publishing route?
I would absolutely go down the traditional publishing route in the future. You can’t beat the smell and feel of a good book.
What attracted you to horror?
I have been into horror as long as I can remember. My parents watch horror films avidly, and I think that’s where I have got it from; it was just something that was always there. I have branched out a little more into foreign, subtitled horrors and some more “underground” films, but still enjoy the more traditional horrors too.
I think I just enjoy the dichotomy between the enjoyment and anticipation, versus the fear, and everything in between. I don’t think any other genre allows you to experience such a range of emotions.
What are the plans for 2018?
I have some exciting new ideas for this coming year. It’s going to be a great one for playing with some non-traditional ideas and seeing where they lead. I’m also looking forward to completing Part 2 of The Sick and Sombre Tales of Sinister Town. I really enjoyed writing those pieces. It is going to be a great year.
Want to know more about Catherine? Click the links below:
thehorrorclubblog.wordpress.com 
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