Ms. Horror Blogosphere: Entry #15

Blogger: Sarah Jahier
Blog: Fatally Yours

Sarah took the horror world by storm back in 2005, when she debuted Fatally-Yours.com. It is now the go-to site for all things horror, covering everything from independent to mainstream horror films; from music and books to horror products and clothing companies, as well as featuring interviews with the big names and up-and-comers in horror.
Sarah prides herself on giving honest reviews for the genre she so loves. Everything is done “for the love of horror” (the motto and tagline of Fatally-Yours.com) and in an effort to truly represent all the great (and not-so-great) horror that is out there!
Sarah is also proud to represent a growing number of women who have taken up horror’s banner, and isn’t afraid to fight for the genre she is so obsessed about!

Are significant others generally freaked out or psyched by your horror proclivities?
Most people find it very unique and interesting, but I’ve definitely had my fair share of “you do what?!” conversations. I just have to explain to them that watching horror is such a cathartic experience where fear is felt in a safe environment, much like a rollercoaster. Through a controlled environment, you can get an adrenaline rush and run a gamut of emotions, but still know you are safe! My significant other has been very supportive of me and loves that I love horror and can school him any day!

Why is it that there seems to be more female horror fans than ever before? Are more women watching horror, or are more women admitting to watching horror?
Interesting question, but I think there have always been a large number of women who love horror, I just don’t think they were really given any attention by movie studios or the media in general. And now, of course, women have the ability to share their love of the genre online. I’ve seen such a wonderful increase in women writers writing about the genre we all love, which I think is just amazing!

Who is your biggest inspiration?
All the women horror bloggers that came before me, especially Heidi Martinuzzi of Pretty-Scary.net. She really emphasized that women in horror have been overlooked for a long time, and her site is all about showcasing the women in the genre. She is an amazing woman, and gave me an opportunity to write for Pretty-Scary, which gave me a lot of experience for running and writing for Fatally-Yours.

Is image more important for female horror bloggers than male? If so, why?
In a perfect world, a woman’s writing would speak for itself and image wouldn’t matter, but unfortunately, in our world, sex still sells. The image of female journalists matter to a certain extent, because it seems like the majority of horror fans are still male. But I suppose it all boils down to how a particular female writer wants to be viewed.
As for myself, I didn’t start Fatally-Yours with the intention to get famous, I just wanted an outlet where I could write about my passion, the horror genre. So I don’t place a big emphasis on image. Other writers place a large deal of emphasis on their image, but I think it all comes down to the writing and if it’s any good. If it’s good, people will keep coming back no matter your image! If it’s bad… well, then you won’t get much credibility. I definitely think your writing should come way ahead of your image.

If you could have the baby of one figure in the world of horror, real or fictional, who would it be? Not including Bruce Campbell/Ash...
This is a tricky subject, because I definitely don’t want kids… the whole body horror of Cronenberg’s The Brood and Paul Solet’s Grace definitely scared me off of being a mommy! But hypothetically, if I HAD to choose someone, I would probably pick Leslie Vernon from Behind the Mask. It’s a recent pick, but think about it – he’s charming, smart, handsome, young, in shape and extremely intelligent. Of course, he’d always be out there going after virgins, but at least my baby would have good genes!

Why do all of you like Campbell so much, anyway?
Do you have to ask? It’s all because of his boomstick, of course!

Ms. Horror Blogosphere: Entry #14

Blogger: Maweanne
Blog: The Spooky Brew

I grew up in the small town of Milford, Connecticut. I went to school in Florida for film. This is where I worked at Halloween Horror Nights doing costuming. When I was 21, I moved out to California, where I now live under the stairs in a special makeup effects studio where I work sometimes. I live with Tom Devlin and Lola Wallace of 1313FX and Plan 10 pictures. I feel right at home. Occasionally, I help out at the Troma Entertainment table at conventions.

What initially drew you to the horror genre?
When my mom used to play Zombies Ate my Neighbors on my SNES. She would play it for hours on end. The music would haunt my dreams, which eventually led to me having some horrible zombie dreams. So I guess I can blame my mom for my obsession with the horror genre.

Are significant others generally freaked out or psyched by your horror proclivities?
Honestly, if they were freaked out by horror movies I wouldn’t date them. I try to stay away from guys that don’t like horror in genre. I’ve never really met anyone who was freaked out. Most of the time guys are excited about my horror obsession.

Why is it that there seems to be more female horror fans than ever before? Are more women watching horror, or are more women admitting to watching horror?
I have met a few people that are surprised I love horror movies. I guess I have always been around girls that like horror things. I haven’t noticed an increase in female horror fans. I don’t really think about it.

What made you decide to blog?
Being an unemployed poor college graduate in California started it all. I remember watching really crappy horror movies out there and wanting to review them. The reason I made The Spooky Brew was to put out my opinion about certain things, and to also put out some useful news in the horror genre.

Who is your biggest inspiration?
My biggest inspirations come from the people in my life right now. My roommates give me a ton of inspiration. I was about to move out of California months ago because I had nowhere to live, and they gave me a home. I love talking about horror movies with them, and different ideas. They share the same passions I have. I’ve never felt so at home somewhere.

Is image more important for female horror bloggers than male? If so, why?
Image shouldn’t matter, but I feel like it is more important. Men are visual creatures.

Ms. Horror Blogosphere: Entry #13

Blogger: Alison Nastasi
Blog: Screamstress

I’m a complete horror addict. If it’s dark and spooky, it makes me purr. When I’m not writing for Screamstress or Horror Squad, you’ll find me in my art studio masterminding my latest and greatest creation. I also make short films, explore abandoned buildings (often pretending there are zombies inside) and seduce the dark Overlord to do my evil bidding.

What initially drew you to the horror genre?
My father had an interest in horror and the occult, and my mother loved all the old Universal and B-horror flicks. So I’d like to think it’s in my blood. The first horror films I remember watching were The Exorcist and An American Werewolf in London. Both completely terrified me but had me hooked. Aside from that, I read a lot and found that the stories allowed me to create my own visuals, which became some of the first drawings I ever made. Other early influences: Hammer/giallo/Euro films, Brothers Grimm fairy tales, VHS box art, dissecting my dolls, Faces of Death and Cannibal Holocaust sleepovers, Ouija boards, the Catholic church, Hieronymus Bosch orgies, shadow puppets and liverwurst.

Are significant others generally freaked out or psyched by your horror proclivities?
I’m naturally drawn to men who share my interests, so it has never been an issue.

What made you decide to blog?
I’m an artist and often write stories as a prelude to working on a piece, so writing is something that comes naturally. Also, I wanted a bigger audience to bounce things off of. It’s the best feeling in the world when you find that one other person who thinks something like the bathtub kiss in Nekromantik 2 is beautiful. Overall, I’ve made it my goal in life to only spend time doing things I absolutely love—horror is a huge part of that.

Who is your biggest inspiration?
I take inspiration from the usual suspects (art, music, film, literature), but most of the time I’m inspired by what’s happening around me every day. Most recently that included finding a dead bird on the walk home, watching a little girl chase her brother while her nose was bleeding down her face, and sitting next to an old lady on the bus that smelled like cat pee. Real life is cruel and unusual.

Bang, Marry or Kill: Freddy, Jason, Michael. Please explain your answer.
I’d bang them all, then kill them and run off to marry Dr. Hill from Re-Animator, because he gives really good head.

If you could have the baby of one figure in the world of horror, real or fictional, who would it be?
Dario Argento. I think our kid would be insanely talented, and I want bragging rights.

Paranormal Activity: A Conversation

As I've stated in the past, Paranormal Activity may be the most divisive horror film of the year--or of recent years, in fact. Some, like myself, were bowled over by it--while others were very much let down. It seems to be a matter of extreme subjectivity.

I recently had an email debate on the subject with a fellow blogger, Katiebabs of the literary blog Babbling About Books. A devout fan of horror (atmospheric horror in particular, in fact), she was nevertheless disappointed with Paranormal Activity. Here is our conversation in its entirety:

KB: What made you want to see Paranormal Activity?

B-Sol: I had heard so much about it online, what horror fan wouldn't be intrigued? It was getting such a cult following so quickly. Also, that story about how it freaked out Steven Speilberg kind of sold me. I was very curious to see if it really was as genuinely frightening as people were saying.

KB: The hype surrounding Paranormal Activity was too strong not to ignore. I am also a fan of the underdog, those who don’t have a million-dollar payroll when making a movie, and creating a film that will put most big name Hollywood types to shame. And I am with you about Steven Speilberg. And since I have become a bit disillusioned with the latest in horror movies, I thought Paranormal Activity would be interesting to see. How do you feel about the comparisons others are making with Paranormal Activity to The Blair Witch Project? (which coincidentally came out ten years ago almost the to the day of Paranormal Activity’s release)

B-Sol: Yeah, that’s weird, isn’t it? Well I have to say, I was never a fan of Blair Witch, and have been more and more puzzled over the years as it has come to be regarded as a modern horror classic. I distinctly remember a lot of disappointment surrounding it when it first came out—not unlike with P.A., come to think of it. Personally, I found P.A. to be a far superior film.

KB: This is where I disagree. Blair Witch worked for me on so many different levels. The hype and history behind The Blair Witch was more planned. They made sure to use the internet in a great way as well as a companion book that I recommend everyone read before they see The Blair Witch. Because I read the book, I knew certain things that were happening to the three kids in the woods. Their desperation was more real because they had nowhere to go. In Paranormal Activity there were so many ways out, where they could have been saved. Of course, all these things would have ended the movie in a less than thrilling way. But I will say that P.A. was very real, from the way it was filmed to the relationship between Katie and Micah. I felt as if I was witness to their life and the intimate aspects, such as the way they hung out together in their living room, to even at night in bed together. I didn’t feel as if they were acting at all. How about you?

B-Sol: One of the things that killed Blair Witch for me was the shaky camera stuff. Not to sound like an old codger, but I just couldn’t deal with it. And thankfully, that’s absent from P.A. I think that was intentional, like they were trying to avoid the problem Blair Witch had. Also, there was a really great Sci-Fi Channel mockumentary that came out right before Blair Witch, that I actually enjoyed more than the movie. The only part of Blair Witch that really got to me was the ending, whereas with P.A. the sense of dread was pervasive, and grew steadily through the movie. And yes, the acting in P.A. was very convincing! A big part of what made it so effective.

KB: So, what did you think was effective? What scenes gave you the chills?

B-Sol: I liked how it built up, and got progressively creepier. In the beginning it’s so mundane, and slowly but surely, the shit starts to hit the fan. The first time you see her standing there by the bedside for like two hours without moving… Jesus Christ. The photo in the attic. The Ouija board scene. The giant shadow across the bedroom door. The powder footsteps. And then of course, towards the end, it goes completely batshit crazy. The movie amazed me by getting the maximum amount of scares out of a minimum amount of on-screen “stuff”. The economy of that was impressive to me. Almost like what Robert Wise did with The Haunting, although admittedly far less artfully than he did.

KB: The most effective and chilling thing was the very end of course, but when Kate would just stand near the bed and look off into space was very scary. And the one scene where he is pulled down the hallway. That made me jump in my seat. I also think the photo in the attic was pretty great, even though I though Micah was crazy the way he wanted to take a look up there knowing that there may be something up there that is out to harm him. I really blame Micah for the whole thing because he bought the camera, the Ouija board and because he was fighting with Kate, all that negative energy came into the house and helped bring out more paranormal events. If there was anything you would change or recommend to make P.A. a better viewing experience, what would you do?

B-Sol: Good question. I guess if I could change anything, there is probably a bit of mundane filler here and there that could go to tighten the movie up a bit. But then again, that only serves to help the tension build, in my opinion. To be honest, I’m pretty happy with it! Maybe they could’ve given the viewer a little more to go on over the course of the movie, because those early scenes do require a bit of patience to get through. But that’s about it.

KB: I would have loved to see more shocking spookiness going on. Perhaps more of a back story dealing with Kate. I did enjoy the build up but I felt something was lacking. And I assume there is a lot more unseen footage. I checked IMDB.com and there are some characters mentioned that didn’t make the cut in the final version. What I can say is that for a budget of less than $15,000, the creators of P.A. have shown Hollywood that you don’t need a big budget, big names or expensive effects to make a movie a great viewing experience.

B-Sol: Yes, I suppose a little more backstory might have gotten us even more invested in the characters, but I have to admit, I was pretty invested already thanks to their very naturalistic performances. I did hear that there was an alternate ending floating around, but from what I’ve heard it sounds like the one in the theatrical version was better.

KB: I would be definitely interested in seeing the outtakes or alternate endings when the DVD comes out! So, in closing, what would your final grade be, and who would you recommend P.A. to?

B-Sol: I’d have to give it a solid A. It’s just one of those rare horror movies that truly and genuinely had the power to creep me out, and it’s well-made for what it is. I’d recommend it to those who enjoy a truly scary ghost story or haunted house tale, and those who prefer their horror psychological, as opposed to explicit.

KB: Even though I did jump and my heart almost flew out of my mouth, I felt P.A. was somewhat clichéd. I wanted a bit more to the plot, more ghostly activity. There were so many ways out for Kate and Micah, to escape and get help, but they didn’t go those routes, because if they did, the movie would have ended and everyone would be happy and alive. I’d give it a C+ and those who enjoy such horror movies like The Amityville Horror, The Exorcist and Quarantine will want to see this one.

Visceral Visionaries: Joel Robinson

Continuing my never-ending quest to bring you the finest horror artists from around the world, this time around I had an opportunity to sit down with Joel Robinson, also known as "The Artpusher". This acclaimed comic book and horror portraiture specialist had some very interesting things to say not only about his work, but also about his industry. I urge you to take a listen to the interview, either at the embedded player below, or by downloading it at the official Vaultcast page. But before we get to the embedded player, have a gander at some of Robinson's amazing work...





Now take a listen, and by the way--if you really like his stuff, check out his official art store here.

Love Meets Lovecraft! My Debut Short Story Is Now Available!

The day is finally here. As you might recall, some months back I announced that my first piece of fiction had been accepted for publication--and now it's finally out there. Midnight Echo, the official publication of the Australian Horror Writers Association (AHWA), unleashed its third issue today--and my very own story, "Hell Hath No Fury", is among those you will find on the pages within.

A love story with a Lovecraftian twist, "Hell Hath No Fury" took me a good six months to complete, and I'm pretty psyched that it's now out there in the world for people to enjoy. If anyone is interested in picking up their very own copy of Midnight Echo #3 and checking out my story, the AHWA is selling digital PDF copies for a mere $3.50 American--not too shabby for a mag boasting 133 pages of content and containing 41 short stories. If you're old-school like me, print copies are also available. Nothing like holding it in your hands (and no, that is not what she said, unfortunately).

This is a day I've dreamt of since I was six years old. I'm proud of my twisted little tale, and I hope you check it out and enjoy it. Hopefully, it will be the first of many. But for right now, I have some laurel-resting and rose-smelling to do.

Ms. Horror Blogosphere: Entry #12

Blogger: Wednesday's Child
Blog: In It for the Kills

Wednesday's Child thought as a kid that because all the authors whose books she loved included a bio with a long list of random interesting jobs, that it was the random funky jobs that made them good writers. So she decided she wanted to be a writer when she grew up; this event is projected to occur in 2011. Her top five horror movies are The Shining, The Changeling, A Tale of Two Sisters, Poltergeist and Let Sleeping Corpses Lie. She is somewhat disappointed that her only child does not like horror movies, but finds comfort in his ability to make up scary stories.

What initially drew you to the horror genre?
It would have to be the books on ghosts that were all up in my elementary school library. By age six, I was looking at pics of the Brown Lady and reading about Borley Rectory. I got addicted to the jolt of scaring the hell out of myself! Considering I live in a town where it is devil worshiping to celebrate Halloween, I don't know why those books were there. Incidentally, I worked in a library in that school district in 2001 and the books were still there.

Who is your biggest inspiration?
David Sedaris. He reminds me that it is possible to make a career out of writing essays about your own life and your wacky family members without drifting off to Lewis Grizzard Land.

Why is it that there seems to be more female horror fans than ever before? Are more women watching horror, or are more women admitting to watching horror?
We're allowed by society to feel aggression and anger now more than previous generations of women, and allowed to be nerds. So it follows that we would learn to use watching horror as an outlet for those feelings of aggression, and that we would get more and more into subjects like horror that have a community of smart people attached.

How does it feel to be a female horror blogger in a world where it seems necessary to have a beard to write about horror movies? Do you find that you’re not taken as seriously?
I don't get any hate mail, does that mean they're pulling the punches cause I'm a girl? Seriously, I would like there to be more back and forth in my comments. I've noticed that my commenters are all super nice, which is like bizarro world for an online writer.

Is image more important for female horror bloggers than male? If so, why?

I'm not sure. The person I consider to be the most successful female horror blogger has what looks like a picture of a well-known actress on her blog and no picture of herself. So maybe it's not that important. Nobody cares what female authors of actual paper books look like. On the other hand, looking at all the young ladies you've featured so far, I'm sorry I don't do any cosplay. I could send you a picture where my head is photoshopped onto Prince's body during his purple phase, but that's the best I can do.

If you could have the baby of one figure in the world of horror, real or fictional, who would it be?
Glad you asked. I've been telling people for ten years I wanted to have a baby by "Joe Bob Briggs," so maybe now I'm getting the platform to make it happen. Hi Joe Bob. I know where there's a drive-in around here.

Ms. Horror Blogosphere: Entry #11

Blogger: Aleata Illusion
Blog: GoreGoreDancer's Movie Reviews

Let me introduce myself. I'm Aleata Illusion, I'm 23 and I reside in the small and boring town of Wooster, Ohio (for now). I write movie reviews, make movies, collect movies--basically everything in my life revolves around movies. Writing consumes a good portion of my time. If I'm not busy writing for my blog or any other online things, I'm writing short stories, scripts, poems and even my life story, currently in progress. I'm just an artistic and opinionated individual who loves all things horror!

Are significant others generally freaked out or psyched by your horror proclivities?
Usually psyched. I tend to date guys that are a lot like me, so my weird obsession with horror seems pretty normal to them. My boyfriend puts up with it fairly well. He enjoys horror too, so it's not a big deal. I'll ramble on about horror movies/directors/actors, etc., whether anyone is listening or not.

Why is it that there seems to be more female horror fans than ever before? Are more women watching horror, or are more women admitting to watching horror?
I think there's always been a bigger percentage of females who are afraid to watch horror flicks and would rather be watching Sex in the City. But i think as horror hit a more mainstream level (with all the remakes/Final Destination/Saw), more females have been opening up to them. Needless to say, there has always been a chunk of us who have been devoted horror slaves.

Who is your biggest inspiration?
Lucio Fulci! I've always wanted to be a writer/director, but Fulci's work has inspired me beyond belief. The first of his movies i saw was The Seven Doors of Death (a.k.a. The Beyond), and it was love at first sight.

How does it feel to be a female horror blogger in a world where it seems necessary to have a beard to write about horror movies? Do you find that you’re not taken as seriously?
The people who take the time to read my blog are all horror fans, or movie fans in general. They don't judge me by the fact that I'm female, but by what I'm writing. If there are people out there that don't want to take me seriously that's fine, they can fuck off. I'm interested in the opinions of the horror/movie fans who take time to leave me feedback and nice comments.

Is image more important for female horror bloggers than male? If so, why?
Well, I wouldn't say that it is in general, but we are way more noticeable. If a guy sees a really smokin' chick, he's going to be interested in reading her blog automatically. That gives it a bit of a sexist aspect, but it's not always a bad thing to be able to grab someone's attention that way. So I guess in ways, image is important. If it helps draw in the crowd, that's always good.

Bang, Marry or Kill: Freddy, Jason, Michael. Please explain your answer.
I'm not too big of a fan of "Hollywood monsters". I'm more an indie horror chick, but okay, let's see here. I would definitely kill Jason and Michael, no questions asked. I'm not into the big, mindless retard thing. Then i would marry, kill and bang Freddy--exactly in that order. It would be necrophilia anyways, because he is technically already dead, living in teenager dreamland!

Ms. Horror Blogosphere: Entry #10

Blogger: BJ-C
Blog: Day of the Woman

There's a girl I know who is trained in opera, a world champion baton twirler, an English and Theatre major, a published author, a beauty pageant winner, a volunteer at domestic violence shelters, the director of an annual Halloween tri-city food drive, is only 19 years old, and has a hunger for all things spooky and gruesome. I guess you could say I'm something of a contradiction. I've never fully fit the mold of anything, and that's something I take great pride in. I'm one of the youngest horror bloggers out there, but I like to think I can hold my own with the best of them. Mainly because, regardless of my age, I'm a raging fangirl at heart, and that's what really matters. Outside of my sarcastic commentary on DotW, I am now a writer for Horror Society and Bloody-Disgusting.

Are significant others generally freaked out or psyched by your horror proclivities?

I’ve yet to find a boyfriend who shares my hunger for horror! I wouldn’t say that they’re freaked out, but it does raise a few eyebrows when we go to Blockbuster and I go straight for the horror section and completely blow past anything starring Kate Hudson or Jennifer Garner. All the guys I date put up with my nerdy fangirl obsession, but none of them have ever shared it… Now you know why I’m single!

How would you best describe your blog?
I intertwine wit, sass, femininity, intelligence and a teaspoon of sarcasm for good measure. The horror industry is totally male-dominated, from its directors to its slashers, and even its bloggers... and I think that needs to change. My lifetime obsession with horror has turned me into one of the coolest fangirls you're likely to meet.

How does it feel to be a female horror blogger in a world where it seems necessary to have a beard to write about horror movies? Do you find that you’re not taken as seriously?
You forgot how all us horror women wear black-rimmed glasses! It’s not a matter of not being taken as seriously, it’s a matter of having to fight twice as hard to be taken seriously. I’ve had people write on their own blogs about posts I've done, only to be flooded with comments like, “Since when are women allowed to talk about horror anyway?” I feel that while my blog may be more respected than some of the more prominent male bloggers, I know I had to fight twice as hard to get there.

Is image more important for female horror bloggers than male? If so, why?
I wish I could say no, but then I’d be lying. I don’t know how many male bloggers are flooded with emails asking them to do their vlogs topless. Sex sells, and people do like to look at something pretty or have a visual idea of where this voice is coming from. This doesn’t mean you can get away with not knowing what you're talking about just because you're totally slamming. But it doesn't hurt if you have both covered.

If you could have the baby of one figure in the world of horror, real or fictional, who would it be? Not including Bruce Campbell/Ash…
George A. Romero. I think he’s seriously the most adorable man on the planet. He’s like your friend’s grandfather, the one who looks super old but would grab your ass if you walked past, and has no problem telling you crazy stories about back in his time. I've always wanted my child to get three things for their third birthday: Piano lessons, tap shoes and a copy of Night of the Living Dead. And I don't think he'd have a problem with that.

Why do all of you like Campbell so much, anyway?
Bruce Campbell is the PERFECT man. His body makes my knees weak, he’s charming, he’s intelligent, he makes me tingly, and he would kill for me. I have absolutely no shame in admitting I had a poster of him on my ceiling at age 12.

Ms. Horror Blogosphere: Entry #9

Blogger: Tenebrous Kate
Blog: Love Train for the Tenebrous Empire

I was born spooky and have evolved into a happy state of advanced creepiness. In spite of my best efforts, I still haven't been able to land a gig as a mad scientist, masked supercriminal or vampire hunter, so I work a desk job. I try my best to make it a very nefarious desk job. I’m also a professional trained fine artist and a not-at-all-professionally-trained author of everything from incredibly lousy fiction to software user manuals to art and film criticism, which is why you’re reading this bio right now.

What initially drew you to the horror genre?
My dad does a MEAN Bela Lugosi impersonation, and at the formative age of five years old, took me into a shop selling goth rock records and clothing. Realizing that I could JUST DO THAT—just dress like a vampire every day and have giant posters of Max Schreck and paint my fingernails black—was an extraordinary revelation.
By the age of ten, I was quite the little armchair occultist, having exhausted my local library of all its books on ghosts, werewolves and magic, creating a potent recipe for a devoted horror fan. Well… once I conquered my notoriously weak stomach for on-screen grue, anyway. I guess I REALLY got over that.

Are significant others generally freaked out or psyched by your horror proclivities?
I wouldn’t bother with someone who was! First dates with me can be a little like litmus tests—one of the reasons Baron XIII and I have been together for nearly a decade is because he actually enjoyed “Spermula” on our second date. Nothing says KEEPER like the ability to enjoy sexy Seventies aliens living off the Vital Fluids of dissipated Eurotrash!

What made you decide to blog?
Let’s face it—there just aren’t that many people in the world who are interested in '70s-vintage, low-budget, high-kookiness exploitation films, so blogging is a great way to make connections with other fans and learn about new-to-me films. Plus, I can talk about incredibly not-safe-for-colleagues stuff like Nunsploitation and Nazisploitation films to people who will a) willingly listen and b) not report me to HR.

How would you best describe your blog?
The Love Train tagline says it all: lurid, weird, fantastique. The offbeat, kinky and downright inscrutable stuff is what I like best about horror. And… don’t tell anybody, but by being deliberately nebulous in my blog description, it lets me post crap like letters from men’s magazines and paintings of sexy mummies and my unquenchable lust for giant sunglasses, and still be on-topic. Think of it as the Potpourri category in the “Jeopardy” episode that is the horror blogosphere.

How does it feel to be a female horror blogger in a world where it seems necessary to have a beard to write about horror movies? Do you find that you’re not taken as seriously?
“Serious” is a frightening word to me, especially as it pertains to movies that were created primarily for their entertainment value! But no, I don’t feel taken any less seriously as a result of being a woman. If I did, I’d be forced to resort to Terry’s tactics in that '80s comedy Just One of the Guys, and get all undercover brother! My passion for horror cinema is just THAT STRONG.

Bang, Marry or Kill: Freddy, Jason, Michael. Please explain your answer.
Erm… may I put this into terms more relevant to me…? Good—I thought you’d be all right with that! Bang, Marry or Kill: Ilsa She Wolf of the SS, Hammer Horror’s Countess Mircalla Karnstein, or Trash from Return of the Living Dead. Much as it pains me, I think I’d have to dispose of the luscious-and-vicious Ilsa due to what I’ll politely refer to as Serious Ideological Disagreements. Trash from RoTLD is the ultimate deathrock babe (B-Sol, I can completely empathize with your crush here!), but her constant talk of death would wear thin after a couple of hours. She is exactly the kind if girl (read: sexy and crazy) that can fleetingly steal my heart, so I’ll choose her for the Bang role. For long-term companionship, I’d pick Countess Karnstein. She’s forever-young (I can overlook a few hundred dead, bloodless virgins in the interests of LOVE), she comes from money and she owns a castle. A CASTLE, people—THAT is showing class right thar’.

If you could have the baby of one figure in the world of horror, real or fictional, who would it be?
My distaste for reproduction makes my playing mother to an Alien-franchise chest-burster the most likely way that “Tenebrous Kate” and “giving birth” will ever wind up together in a sentence unconnected by the word NOT (in all caps—just like that).

Edward Woodward 1930-2009

The great English star of stage and screen, Edward Albert Arthur Woodward OBE, passed on this morning at the age of 79. For many, he might have been known as the star of The Equalizer, a late 1980s private detective TV series (on which my great uncle appeared a bunch of times as an extra). But to horror fans, and fans of genre cinema in general, he will always be known as the self-righteous Scottish policeman Sgt. Howie, star of the ultimate cult classic, The Wicker Man.

Aside from the 1973 masterpiece, Woodward did little else in the genre--a minor 1970 flick called Incense of the Damned, with Peter Cushing and Patrick Macnee, being a rare exception. Yet, for most us, his iconic performance in The Wicker Man is more than enough to cement him amongst the immortals of horror film history. Clicking on the picture below will take you to video of the infamous closing scene of the film--one of the most harrowing and truly horrifying endings to a fright flick you will ever see. Alongside Christopher Lee, Woodward gave one of the finest lead performances in a horror movie, ever. Let's remember him today.

The Many Faces of Dwight Frye

Ms. Horror Blogosphere: Entry #8

Blogger: Nos
Blog: Confessions of a Gore Whore

I've been working in front of and behind the camera since the tender age of 18. It all started with an internship with Wicked Pixel Cinema. Since then, I've gone on to be a writer, producer, director and production designer! I also act/model regularly... so the first thing that can be said about me is that I'm a bit of a workaholic.
Horror has pretty much saved my life. Without getting into too much of a pity party; I suffered my fair share of childhood trauma. Growing up, I didn't have many outlets for my anger. G.G. Allin, The Ramones, horror and exploitation got me through all of it. None of the movies ever seemed "shocking" to me, it just felt like a release. Finally I was seeing on screen what I was feeling on the inside. Films like Nekromantik, Psycho, Ms. 45, Driller Killer, The Wolf Man, Halloween, An American Werewolf in London, etc., are so ugly/beautiful they still make me cry.

Are significant others generally freaked out or psyched by your horror proclivities?
I would never be in a relationship with someone who would be freaked out. That's so stupid... They're just fucking movies. Chill.

Why is it that there seems to be more female horror fans than ever before? Are more women watching horror, or are more women admitting to watching horror?
I feel women have always been more into horror. It's just that most studios and magazines are run by men. A lot of men in the "baby boomer" generation just assume that women are fragile creatures and therefore don't like horror films. So all the marketing used to be directed only towards other men. The same goes for porn, too.
I think it's only been in the last five years that some companies have opened there eyes and realized "Hey wait a minute .. WOMEN like this stuff too! Let's market it to them!" Also, with this new invention of the "internet" women are given more of chance to speak their minds on the subject of horror with their own blogs and websites dedicated to it. There have ALWAYS been 'zines run by women celebrating horror, but the web gives us a bigger audience. I think websites like www.Pretty-Scary.net have made a really big impact on the way people see women in horror--as watchers AND participators!

How does it feel to be a female horror blogger in a world where it seems necessary to have a beard to write about horror movies? Do you find that you’re not taken as seriously?
I think there are some "old school" writers out there that can't get down with the female perspective. And that's their own loss. I think most people are sick of the mono opinions of said writers. Personally, I've had a great response from the horror community and as long as I'm reaching them, that's all that matters.

Is image more important for female horror bloggers than male? If so, why?
Image is always more important for females, no matter what field you're in. I'm not saying that's fair, but it's the truth. As a woman, you're always held to a different standard than men. More is expected of you.You can sit there and be pissed about it, or you can learn to use to your advantage.

Bang, Marry or Kill: Freddy, Jason, Michael. Please explain your answer.
Bang Freddy 'cause he's the hottest. Marry Michael because he doesn't talk. Kill Jason because that's what he really wants.

If you could have the baby of one figure in the world of horror, real or fictional, who would it be?
Eli Roth, 'cause it looks like he'd make the cutest babies, and I want a cute baby. Not one of those FAKE cute babies that only the mother finds adorable.

Ms. Horror Blogosphere: Entry #7

Blogger: Chris Hadden
Blog: Fascination with Fear

Quite possibly the oldest (or damn near it) member of this competitive ladies' club, I've been infatuated with horror for over thirty years. If it were a school, Stephen King would be my literature prof, John Carpenter my shop supervisor, and Wes Craven my guidance counselor. Throw in Rob Zombie as my current events teacher, and I've had an education. I have no formal training in writing, movie-making, makeup effects, or film history, but I believe experience is the best teacher, and practice makes perfect. On those rare occasions when I'm not watching, reading or writing about horror, I'm either working at my 'real job' or watching Thoroughbred Horseracing, my other passion. My husband and I own a cabin about an hour north of home that looks a lot like the one in Evil Dead and is surrounded by woods that very much resemble the ones in The Blair Witch. I live in one of those typical Stephen King kind of small towns you find in horror... more Derry than Gatlin--thank God, 'cause kids annoy the hell outta me.

What initially drew you to the horror genre?
In what seems to be the norm among us horror fans, my parents left me alone to watch both Friday the 13th and The Exorcist at a very young age. I know, WTF? But hey, I couldn't be happier. Between that and reading The Shining by flashlight under my covers when I was like, 10 or so, I discovered something simple about myself. I like to be scared. Frequently. And I'm always thinking of ways to escape the monster in the closet.

Are significant others generally freaked out or psyched by your horror proclivities?
My hubby is tolerant, yet weary of my horror obsession. Sometimes, when the Netflix queue gets too horror-centric, he freaks out and begs for a gladiator movie (which I am totally cool with). He likes horror, but has expressed extreme discontent (not unfounded, really) with the entire genre in the last several years, and states he hasn't been scared by a movie since the last five minutes of The Blair Witch Project. I definitely concur. That being said, however, I am willing to keep looking. He, on the other hand, is not. But he never tries to deter me from horror, and is content to surf eBay whilst I watch the latest piece of drek I thought looked good but was proven to be otherwise.
Simply put, no one will get between me and my horror.

How would you best describe your blog?
It's really just an conglomeration of chaotic, rambling thoughts on horror. A lot of reviews of stuff I've seen or read. Wandering thoughts on favorites I've seen dozens of times, and meandering discussions on new films I've added to my extensive DVD library or seen through Netflix. I love lists, so there are a lot of those.
I am by nature a completely sarcastic and snarky individual, and I can rant quite properly if inspired to do so. Nothing gets me going faster than a really bad horror movie. I aim to be fairly straightforward, without any of those confusing anecdotes and bewildering over-your-head drivel.

How does it feel to be a female horror blogger in a world where it seems necessary to have a beard to write about horror movies? Do you find that you’re not taken as seriously?
It's really not my ambition to "be the best" (*shaking pom poms here*). I was never a cheerleader. I write on horror for two reasons. I have to write, and horror is my friend. Personally, being male or female matters nothing to me as a reader, and I can only hope a lot of people feel the same way. If it's decent, I'm gonna check it out. For instance, I believe "Final Girl" and "Day of the Woman" are two of the finest blogs out there on horror, and they are both by authors of the female persuasion.
And in all honesty, I don't care if I'm taken seriously, because I have never been the type of girl to sit in the corner and rock while sliding a Prozac down my throat and weeping for someone to understand me and/or love me. Sorry.
Quite simply, I'm insanely selfish. To a fault. I always do what I want, when I want.

Is image more important for female horror bloggers than male? If so, why?
I'd have to go with yes on that, sadly. Usually, you either have to look like Kate Beckinsale (or possibly Elvira in the horror field) for anyone to take notice. But I believe the horror genre is somewhat more discerning than other genres. More accepting of women, in general. Word of mouth (including internet coverage) is the best way to get out there, and I'm psyched to have anyone take a look at my blog. Generally, I think most people expect horror blogs to be written and edited by men. It's a stereotype that I (and my fellow righteous female bloggers) are trying to change. I hope we're succeeding.

Bang, Marry or Kill: Freddy, Jason, Michael. Please explain your answer.
First off, I'd kill Freddy. Hack him to pieces immediately with Jason's machete. I'm sorry, but Fred's slap-slick snide remarks would be the end of him, and fast. If anyone's going to be sarcastic in bed or otherwise, it'll be me, dammit. And if I want a dude with scary hands in bed, I'm gonna pick Edward Scissorhands over Freddy anyday (Johnny Depp factor notwithstanding).
I'd marry Michael, and you know why? Cause I just love him that much. And best of all, Michael keeps his mouth shut. He never says a thing. Quiet is good in a marriage. I love the strong, silent type who doesn't talk back. And since I'm not family to him, and not a raging slut, perhaps I'd have a chance to stick around. I'd like to help him come to terms with all that anger and channel it into more... shall we say, gratifying behavior.
So that leaves the bang, and that'd be Jason. Okay, he'd have to leave the hockey mask on, cause I saw F-13th Part 3, 'kay? I know what's under there. But doesn't he just seem like the mind-blowing sex kind of guy? He's so ferocious, so... unrestrained. Hopefully he doesn't start that stalking shit though. I get the feeling a PFA wouldn't do any good. Unless Michael would come to my rescue... then that's the kind of fight I'd pay to see... Michael vs. Jason.
Go Mikey.

Ms. Horror Blogosphere: Entry #6

Blogger: Emily I.
Blog: The Deadly Doll's House of Horror Nonsense

By day, I protect an appliance company from bad grammar and rusty marketing. But when the sun goes down, I strip away my Clark Kent-like dress pants to sit below my vintage Puppet Master poster with a DVD, carefully absorbing any lessons I can from whatever genre picture my trusty mailman delivers. I'm a native New Yorker, hibernating playwright, retired dog walker, a lifelong and soul-crushed fan of the NY Mets, and mother to a pair of cats with vague resemblances to Zelda Rubinstein and Alan from Return to Sleepaway Camp.

What initially drew you to the horror genre?

I grew up in the golden age of VHS, with the added bonuses of unlimited credit at a video store, older brothers with a Fangoria subscription, and parents that defined supervision as fast-forwarding though sex scenes if the remote happened to be nearby. In the early days, onscreen murder was just more fun than the Care Bears. But then one fateful day in 1988, I met my match in the 2-foot-tall frame of one Charles “Chucky” Lee Ray. Being afraid of dolls and, you know, six, I was soon haunted by nightmares and menacing daydreams regarding anything made of plastic and trying to be my friend. Terror eventually became fascination and now, some 21 years after screaming my kindergarten head off, I can’t help but love a genre that keeps my attention like nothing else in this world.

Why is it that there seems to be more female horror fans than ever before? Are more women watching horror, or are more women admitting to watching horror?

Horror has always had a mixed fanbase, but I think the illusion of the female indifference and prejudice towards the genre was, for so long, caused by the fact that filmmakers, studios and authors didn't always acknowledge that women were watching. Most '80s slasher films, for example, feel so catered to 15-year-old boys (both in style and marketing) that it was hard for some women--especially when they're younger--to justify why it's enjoyable to watch a topless actress get hacked to less pretty pieces. There's definitely been a boom of "respectable" mainstream horror that, on the surface, is much more female friendly (think of the strong maternal themes of The Ring) but I believe we scream princesses have always been out in the cinematic wilderness. The internet just gives us a more public platform.

Who is your biggest inspiration?

Credit certainly goes to some highly esteemed bloggists (all hail Final Girl), film critics and scholars (Roger Ebert, Carol Clover, Kim Newman, Joe Bob Briggs) and family, but I think it's ultimately the films themselves and the community they breed that force my fingers to tap away at my keyboard. On one hand, a hidden gem like Who Can Kill a Child makes me want to email everyone I know with news of why it's amazing, but then I watch something like Kevin Kangas' Fear of Clowns and find that I can write my own book detailing how its insanely silly badness makes it such a must-see. It's too much fun not to do.

Is image more important for female horror bloggers than male? If so, why?

Probably, but I try to avoid worrying about it. I attended a Halloween party last month dressed, quite well, as Mrs. Peacock from the 1988 adaptation of Clue. It was a hit and I was proud, but when the costume contest began, the shock-jocky DJ announced "Ladies, remember that in order to win you gotta show some skin." Really? That's how you measure creativity and seasonal spirit? The same could be said for blogging image. I can’t imagine how my looks would improve anyone’s experience reading my site, so I tend to avoid publishing Maxim style photo stills of myself. If you want to see boobs, just rent an '80s slasher.

Bang, Marry or Kill: Freddy, Jason, Michael. Please explain your answer.

Freddy is that guy that makes you laugh at work or school, so then you attempt to hang out socially and you find that he tries too hard, talks too much, and does things in his spare time that are Court TV reenactments waiting to happen. Hence, kill.

Bang Michael. The guy knows how to drive which leads me to believe he has a little more knowledge about other current practices, including safe sex and making eggs.

Marry Jason. Not that I'm attracted to him, but from what most wives I know have told me, marriage is the best way to commit sexual suicide, and since we know Mr. Voorhees has that whole purity thing, such a sacrament may be the only way to keep myself alive.

If you could have the baby of one figure in the world of horror, real or fictional, who would it be?

Since we’re talking reproduction and not mere coupling, I’ll forgo Viggo Mortenson’s Tex in Leatherface: The Texas Chainsaw Massacre III in place of one refined and well-educated gentleman. Sure, Hannibal Lecter would probably not be father of the year when it comes to diaper duty, but the man could most certainly pass on some of his intelligence and, if our child is lucky, those piercing blue eyes. Plus, I’m sure he’d use fatherhood to impart some rare but luxurious values normally reserved for boarding school trust fund babies: art history, table etiquette, high fashion, gourmet cooking... It’s like we’d be breeding the perfect specimen for a reality competition on Bravo.

Ms. Horror Blogosphere: Entry #5

Blogger: B-Movie Becky
Blog: The Horror Effect

Upon the lap of my guffawing father, I was raised on the horror film. Armed with a clunky VHS camcorder, I fell in love with filmmaking at the age of 13 in my rural hometown of Maple Valley, Washington. Countless short films and bottles of fake blood later, I went on to earn a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Film Production, with minors in Honors and Legal Studies, at Chapman University in Orange, California. After graduation, I married the man I met over a friendly game of Counter-Strike nine years ago. We have since graduated from Counter-Terrorist vs. Terrorists to Infected vs. Survivors. When it comes to filmmaking, we are partners in crime and are constantly working on new projects. I am currently editing a documentary on ecology for a non-profit organization, and continuing to build my resume with film experience.

Are significant others generally freaked out or psyched by your horror proclivities?
Although people are often surprised when I confess my love of horror, no one has pulled out the crucifix and doused me with holy water yet. I am married to a man who has an equally undying obsession with science-fiction and action movies. Together, we revel in our insane world of genre films. Family members are generally supportive of my interests. In particular, my mother has slowly found these proclivities to be “cute,” despite her blatant disliking of horror.

What made you decide to blog?
Firstly, I got tired of just reading all these great blogs and not being able to fully participate in the discussion. Secondly, and more importantly, I was feeling a little lonely has a horror fan. There were times in film school that I felt ostracized as a horror filmmaker, as professors and students seemed to discount the genre as subpar cinema. Even outside of my academic world, I sometimes felt like I wasn’t taken seriously because movies like Silent Night, Deadly Night and Killer Klowns from Outer Space sat on my shelf. People either didn’t understand my enjoyment of “low-brow” entertainment, or refused to appreciate or acknowledge the merit of more “acceptable” horror films. Blogging became a way for me to engage in meaningful conversations about the movies I loved with peers that understood my interests.

Who is your biggest inspiration?
Debra Hill and John Carpenter initially encouraged me to make movies and proved that great films did not have to be the product of Hollywood glamor. Years later, I have found the story of Adam Green to be inspiring. Not only did he break into the genre through an amazing low-budget indie effort, he continues to be constantly productive in his chosen field. Anyone who has seen the Fright Fest and Halloween shorts knows what I’m talking about.

How does it feel to be a female horror blogger in a world where it seems necessary to have a beard to write about horror movies? Do you find that you’re not taken as seriously?
The horror community has been quite welcoming and encouraging to me. I don’t know that it makes a difference that I happen to be a woman. My blog is not themed around my gender, and I frankly see myself as “one of the guys” (pardon the male-centric phrase). I think it’s great that some of the ladies have taken it upon themselves to use their blog as a way to explore issues relating to women in horror. For me, I just wanted to chat with fellow horror fans, who have always given me respect despite the lack of facial hair.

If you could have the baby of one figure in the world of horror, real or fictional, who would it be? Not including Bruce Campbell/Ash…
By having a baby with someone, is the question implying that I should possess an attraction to the person I choose or a desire to see what his offspring would be like? If it’s simply attraction, I’d have to go with Christian Bale in American Psycho--but then again, I’m not comfortable with Patrick Batemans’ take on the whole babymaking process. Misogynistic orgies are not really my thing. If I were to choose someone that would actually be an interesting person to raise children with, I would pick Gregory Peck’s character in The Omen (let’s just hope it’s not Satan’s spawn). Or a thoughtful person like Wes Craven.

Why do all of you like Campbell so much, anyway?
When we talk about Ash, we are definitely talking about Evil Dead II and Army of Darkness Ash. He was a whiny guy in the original film. He just kicks ass and has a great sense of humor about it. Plus, he actually says, “Give me some sugar baby.” That’s how you win a girl over boys!

Ms. Horror Blogosphere: Entry #4

Blogger: The Divemistress
Blog: Zombots!

I am The Divemistress, and when I’m not watching or writing about horror, I’m working on my PhD in underwater archaeology—hence the scuba-related handle. I have a degree in screenwriting, and for one summer wrote speeches for members of Parliament.
Born and raised in Canada, I moved to England for graduate school and moved again to the US for more graduate school. Currently, I live in Florida and I get a real kick out of having the most exotic license plate in town: Ontario. I desperately miss the winter, and look forward to those few short weeks each year when I go home to ski.
My blog is Zombots!, and in addition to writing reviews and essays, I co-host a weekly horror podcast with my good friend Count Vardulon. I’m active in the horror-movies.ca forum, and on reddit, shamelessly promoting myself and ranting about one thing or another.
I like cheeseburgers and opera, and once managed to work an Under Siege reference into a discussion about Marx.

What initially drew you to the horror genre?
In my experience, most horror fans have a story about staying up way too late to watch horror movies when they were way too young. I don’t. But I do have a story about repeatedly being freaked out by something on TV. When I was little, I watched a very wholesome show called Polka Dot Door. The show that aired immediately afterward was Dr. Who. Every day, at the same time, I would sit in front of the TV and freak right out to the opening sequence of Dr. Who. I was six.
Fast forward a few years and I was daring myself to look at the video boxes in the horror section. I was scared by the pictures, but fascinated, too. I can’t tell you exactly when I made the transition from art appreciation to film appreciation, but I do remember that my parents weren’t overly strict about the movies I watched growing up. If I wanted to scare myself silly, that was my business.
Finally, in grade 7, I picked up my first Stephen King novel, Eyes of the Dragon. It’s more fantasy than horror, but for the next few years King was all I read. Even before then, I was always drawn to the dark. As I kid I read mysteries, Christopher Pike and R.L. Stein, and my parents bought me Poe and Shirley Jackson, and others. But I think the Stephen King phase was the real turning point; if I was iffy about getting into horror, King set me straight.

Why is it that there seems to be more female horror fans than ever before? Are more women watching horror, or are more women admitting to watching horror?
Funnily enough, I read something about this not too long ago. A young woman was quoted as saying that she’s pretty happy about not having to hide her fanaticism from her friends. This statement would speak more to women admitting to watching horror, and if that’s the case the follow-up question would by, why? I don’t really have a good answer for that one. Yet.
I think the female fanbase has been holding steady for much longer than we realize. Women have always taken an interest in horror, only now they’re getting more exposure. Recently, the amazing success of True Blood and (like it or not) Twilight have helped open up the horror community to women. Moreover, the Internet has provided an unbiased outlet for female fans.

How does it feel to be a female horror blogger in a world where it seems necessary to have a beard to write about horror movies? Do you find that you’re not taken as seriously?
Sometimes I kind of feel like there’s this expectation that women should conduct themselves differently and think differently than men. We have to take a decidedly feminist approach to horror criticism, and we’re maybe not allowed to like the male-oriented narratives or foci of most mainstream horror. But I think that’s more the media’s spin on genre criticism. I’m still pretty new to the online horror community, but I haven’t yet encountered any kind of condescension.

Bang, Marry or Kill: Freddy, Jason, Michael. Please explain your answer.
I’d bang Michael. He certainly wouldn’t be the tenderest lover, and there’s a good chance he might fixate/stalk/kill me after, but the fact that he’s not dead gives him a one up over Freddy and Jason. Alternatively, Michael’s never known the love of a good woman, so there’s always the chance that I could help heal him. What girl could resist the opportunity to break through to a tall, strong, mysterious man?
I’d marry Jason. In spite of the fact that he’s got some serious mommy issues, Jason could be a devoted husband. There’s little chance of him philandering because of his distaste for loose women, and his dedication to his work means that he’s dependable. Though Jason has no apparent source of income, he’s been living by Crystal Lake for so long there’s a good chance he could invoke squatter’s rights, meaning he’s got equity. The man’s a survivor, I have no doubt he could provide for his family.
I’d kill Freddy. I’m all for a bit of slap and tickle, but with Freddy I’d likely get sliced. Were I to marry him, then I’d have to listen to him pun and wisecrack all day. There’s just no way. He’s gotta go.

If you could have the baby of one figure in the world of horror, real or fictional, who would it be? Not including Bruce Campbell/Ash…
Let me qualify my answer by saying that my infatuations are like the tides: they change regularly. But, for the time being, I have to go with Eric Northman. Have you seen him?

Why do all of you like Campbell so much, anyway?

[Note: This picture was the actual answer.]

Ms. Horror Blogosphere: Entry #3

Blogger: Rhonny Reaper
Blog: Dollar Bin Horror

Hi my name is Rhonda, but everyone calls me Rhonny Reaper. I'm 19 years old and live in Cleveland, Ohio. I got into horror when I was four thanks to cable TV, no supervision, and Tales from the Crypt. The idea for my blog came out of necessity. My dad lost his job, I'm a full-time college student, and I couldn't afford to see new movies. So I relied on the dollar bin to get my horror fix. I couldn't believe all the great, classic movies you could find there, so I made a site dedicated to the almighty buck-a-pop horror films. Right now I'm in college for nursing, but my goal is to turn Dollar Bin Horror into a small, low budget production company and create my own Dollar Bin Horror films.

What initially drew you to the horror genre?
Well when I was really young, my dad got cable for the sports, and I discovered HBO. Tales from the Crypt was on; I had to be around 4 years old. No one stopped me from watching, so I became hooked. I didn't really become addicted to horror though, till I was 13 or 14. I was with my dad, and he said "Come watch this movie I got, you'll like it." That movie was the first Saw film. After that, I never turned back.

Are significant others generally freaked out or psyched by your horror proclivities?
I don't have a significant other at the moment. It's hard to go to the movies with a guy and get close when you like the movie more than the company you're with. I'm sure one day I'll find my knight in shining blood spatter, though.

Who is your biggest inspiration? Doesn’t have to be within the genre itself.
In my life and everything I do, my mom (R.I.P.) is my inspiration. She was a loud-mouthed woman who said what she thought no matter what anyone else said, and that made me love her so much. In the horror genre itself, Vincent Price, Stephen King, and Leigh Whannel & James Wan are my idols. Vincent Price for his ability to bring a story to life with his powerful and haunting voice, let alone his great acting; Stephen King for giving me an imagination of the sickest kind; and Leigh Whannel & James Wan because the first Saw film made me want to make horror movies.

How would you best describe your blog?
It's a blog for horror fans on a budget. It has reviews of films you can find anywhere for a buck (some with links to download them for free), interviews with new and low budget horror writers, actors, sites and artists. And hopefully in the future, Dollar Bin Horror will become Dollar Bin Horror Productions, and will help horror fans produce low budget films.

If you could have the baby of one figure in the world of horror, real or fictional, who would it be? Not including Bruce Campbell/Ash…
Frederick Abberline (played by Johnny Depp) from the film From Hell. Also, if I may, I'm not a lesbian but I have always had a crush on Amanda from the Saw films... I would switch sides in an instant (but i guess then having kids is out of the question).

Why do all of you like Campbell so much, anyway?
I actually prefer dorky guys, so I'm not that into Campbell/Ash all that much...

Ms. Horror Blogosphere: Entry #2

Blogger: Andre Dumas
Blog: The Horror Digest

I'm a 23-year-old living in Boston and trying to survive my first winter in the "real world". I'm a writer, Zelda fanatic and cat lover, and I tend to eat really unhealthy food. I'm obsessed with all things horror, but hate everything having to do with the Saw movies. I tend to get turned on by the "terrible beauty" in horror movies, and stay away from unnecessary booby shots and blood that has no point except to just be there.

What initially drew you to the horror genre?
My first encounters with the horror genre came from when I would take a little trip over to the horror section of the movie store. Horror VHS's are an artwork of their own, but I specifically remember getting freaked out by the back of Sleepaway Camp--a letter a camper wrote to his parents caught off mid sentence, with a splatter of blood at the bottom. After that, I was all about watching horror movies behind some kind of barrier, namely a couch or a pillow. The desire to be scared, but being afraid of being scared. It's similar to why people go to haunted houses or ride roller coasters. It's an adrenaline rush. What really got me into the art form of horror movies, however, was Suspiria. The colors are so amazing that it boggled my mind, and sparked my obsession with the beauty of blood on film.

Who is your biggest inspiration? Doesn’t have to be within the genre itself.
Dario Argento has definitely been my biggest inspiration, because Suspiria was the first horror movie where I really saw something incredible happening on the screen. It was the first time I truly realized that I was obsessed with blood--and honestly, who is a better poster boy than Dario Argento for beautiful blood? Like his movies or not, Argento can paint a picture on film, and lately that style has been replaced with dirty factories and rusty tools of torture. There's a been a huge push to make horror movies more realistic and raw rather than fantastical and nightmare-like. I really miss the days when horror movies weren't questioned for their realism factor. Who really cares if someone can be strangled by their own intestines... it's just fucking awesome. No explanation or scientific research required.

How would you best describe your blog?
My blog is a regurgitation of all my thoughts about horror movies. I usually focus on what aspect of the movie is the most unsettling and disturbing, because I feel like that's what sticks with us the most. My tag line, "Where horror movies are watched, reviewed and remembered" is perfect, because a lot of my first memories all have something to do with some random horror movie that I saw on TV. Images like Freddy Krueger dislocating his jaw to suck a little girl under a bed, or that fucking demon face from The Exorcist, aren't things that you forget too easily. The power and the impact that these movies have on people young or old will always be fascinating to me, and so I like to give people a chance to relive those memories or find new ones. But it's also not just a blog for the horror obsessed. People read it who hate horror movies, but just enjoy my style and wacky banter. God bless them.

How does it feel to be a female horror blogger in a world where it seems necessary to have a beard to write about horror movies? Do you find that you’re not taken as seriously?
I find that I'm met with more interest because I'm female. People read my blog and don't realize that I am this 23-year-old girl who showers daily and is obsessed with her cat. I don't feel like I'm taken any more or less seriously because of it. It really comes down to whether or not you're a good writer, and if you give people a reason to read what you write. I think male or female, if you're writing about horror you will always have a hard time being taken seriously by the non-horror community. It's certainly a challenge, but I think all of us have been making waves and reinventing the way people think and react to horror movies.

Bang, Marry or Kill: Freddy, Jason, Michael. Please explain your answer.
Ooh, toughie. I guess I'd have to bang Michael, but NOT Rob Zombie's Michael--too many whiny, trailer trash/bad childhood issues. Carpenter's Michael is the strong, silent type, so I'd assume he'd let me take control. His heavy breathing could get old fast, but that can be easily solved by a bigger breathing hole in his mask.
I would consider marrying Freddy because he'd be a pretty entertaining husband. Although I might get tired of all his antics... he'd probably try that tongue in the phone thing a few too many times before I divorce him. Plus he's a child molester, so two strikes already. Bad luck Fred.
Seeing as Jason is kind of dead, retarded and moldy/water logged, I may have to just kill him so that he'd leave me alone and I could stop smelling his stench. I wonder how long he's been wearing those pants for... ugh, I just gagged.

If you could have the baby of one figure in the world of horror, real or fictional, who would it be? Not including Bruce Campbell/Ash…
Well it was my fellow Bostonianish (Newton) Eli Roth, until he blocked me on Twitter. And to Eli I would just like to say that I'm sorry for saying I didn't love your movies but still wanted to do you. Apparently, whatever I said was enough for him to shoot down my dreams. I guess I'd still have his baby with or without his consent.... yeah, that's kind of weird. I guess that whole blocking thing was probably warranted. But I did give him lots of credit for Hostel 2 so he should be thanking me, plus he should be glad he has a stalker that's decent looking.

Ms. Horror Blogosphere: Entry #1

Blogger: Nicki Nix
Blog: Hey! Look Behind You!

I'm a very simple girl who happens to love horror movies. Looking at me, one would not think that I am the kind of girl that screams "Yes!" or "SWEET!" during gory scenes in movies. If you saw me at a convention, you would think I was one of those girls forced to go there by their boyfriend. But nope, I'm there for me. Horror movies are my porn--they excite me, I'm entertained and when it's over, I'm satisfied.

Are significant others generally freaked out or psyched by your horror proclivities?
So far, I haven't had that problem with freaking anyone out. When initially meeting people, I tend to scale back on the "I LOVE HORROR!!!" *jazz hands* I think it's better to ease "normal" people into it. I've actually gotten people into a lot of movies they wouldn't normally see or ever hear of, so that makes my day.

Why is it that there seems to be more female horror fans than ever before? Are more women watching horror, or are more women admitting to watching horror?
We've always been around, seen but not heard, but it's good to know that a lot of us are just saying "Fuck it" and coming out with our girly fandom. We represent the ballsy chicks that don't need to hold a guy's hand during a movie or cover our eyes during certain scenes. We mock the guys that shiver, we cheer on great kills and clap when the killer is defeated.

How would you best describe your blog?
To sum it up, it's just me jibber jabbin' about stuff. I love to ramble on about horror things so that's basically what I do. My blog is reaching it's first year in a few months and I'm still trying to find myself in it. If I see a movie that I really love, I spooge-out about it on the blog. Also, as a chick, I want to express that girls like me are just as hardcore about horror as any guy out there.

Is image more important for female horror bloggers than male? If so, why?
I think it definitely helps females. We are cute, sexy and we love horror, the perfect combo. Guys can look however they want, and if their content is good, people will read it. If chicks are hot, people are going to visit their site.

If you could have the baby of one figure in the world of horror, real or fictional, who would it be? Not including Bruce Campbell/Ash…
I'm not a fan of kids but if I had to choose someone, I'd go with Terry O'Quinn as Jerry Blake in the original Stepfather movie. He tries hard to be a good father but once those fuckers get out of line....well, we just start all over again with new kids and hope that this time they'll be good!

Why do all of you like Campbell so much, anyway?
Bruce Campbell is what sexy wants to be when it grows up. He's ruggedly handsome, witty and charming, what girl or guy would turn this man down? No one!