Interview With Author Ryan Harville
Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
My name is Ryan Harville, and I’m a horror author from the Deep South. I’m a veteran of the U.S. Army, and have too many kids and too many pets. I love any and all things horror, video games, reading, and of course, writing.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My new book is called Red Rains Down. It is the title of the first story in the collection, and not only evokes the obvious image of blood, but also has a sort of double meaning within the story itself. I won’t give that particular point away, because I’d really love you to read it for yourself!
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I have ADHD, so writing is always a bit different for me. I’d love to say that I have a set number of hours, or set number of words I write a day, but unfortunately I’m just not wired that way. I mostly have to wait until my brain is “ready”, for lack of a better term. That usually means days of binge-writing followed by a week or more of inactivity, then the cycle continues.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
I think that I, like most horror authors of my generation, was enormously influenced by Stephen King. I devoured everything he wrote. I also love Clive Barker, who taught me to let loose a bit and write what I wanted and instead of what I thought was expected. Horror can come from anywhere. So many others! Joe Hill is fantastic (it’s in the genes), Peter Straub, Neil Gaiman, Brian Keene. I could really go on forever.
What are you working on now?
I’ve completed a second collection of stories, tentatively titled Cloud Nine, that should be released Spring ’23. I’m also close to finishing a book of military horror stories that I hope to release this summer.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I am very new to this and I have spent months learning everything I can. I’ve lost track of how many blogs, sites, podcasts, and reviewers I’ve contacted leading up to the release of Red Rain Down. So, I guess we’ll see!
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Don’t stop, no matter what. I let a decade pass without writing a word, thinking it was pointless. The first story I wrote after that hiatus was published in anthology with some big names (including the always excellent Clive Barker) and since then I’ve been published in anthologies, magazines, and have written nearly fifty episodes of various podcasts. This piece of advice doesn’t end with “And now I’m rich and famous!”, but I have managed to prove some things to myself. And that still means a good deal to me.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
No matter how pretty your prose, it’s probably dragging the rest of the story down. It still think of it every time I’m doing rewrites.
What are you reading now?
I’m playing catch-up from last year. Recently finished All the White Spaces by Ally Wilkes. Right now I’m about halfway through Jackal by Erin E. Adams.
What’s next for you as a writer?
I’m really just trying to put my mark on this new year. If everything goes as planned I’ll have four releases this year! It’s a ton of work, but I love it.
If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
Well, I know I’d take King’s The Stand and IT, because no matter how many times I’ve read them I always find something new to appreciate. And let’s face it, they’re massive books! Should keep me entertained for a while. I’d probably take an omnibus of all of the The Sandman graphic novels. And Rant, by Chuck Palahniuk.
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