Where writing crime earns you time.
The Writers' Wing is a cell block where crime, thriller, mystery, horror, true crime nonfiction, and suspense authors are invited to imagine themselves as inmates in a fictional prison while answering questions.
Interested in becoming an inmate in the Writer's Wing?
Bow Street Society logo artwork by Heather Curtis: mouseink@gmail.com
Copyright 2017 Tahnee Campbell. All rights reserved.
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G.A. MILLER
The Writers' Wing would like to welcome its next inmate, horror writer, G.A. Miller.
G.A. Miller is a new voice in the chorus of horror authors, drawing his ideas from every day, commonplace events that take unforeseen turns down dark corridors, often with horrific consequences. In his own words, he describes his literary journey thus far...
My fascination with horror began in the late 50’s, when I’d sit in front of our small black and white TV, watching Shock Theater. John Zacherle (a.k.a. Zacherly, the Cool Ghoul) was the host, and his antics were the perfect offset to the classic monsters I was discovering in those early Universal films.
Horror and humor soon became fundamental cornerstones of the life I’d lead, and I enjoy them both every day.
I’d thought about writing now and then, but never had the courage or conviction to try my hand at it until January of 2017. I’d been a musician for most of my life, but the onset of arthritis took away my ability to play a stringed instrument, and I’d been creatively “dormant” for over a year.
I decided it was high time to give fiction writing a try. I created a persona for myself and gave myself a year to see how well I would (or wouldn’t) do. I had no idea whatsoever that so many authors toil for years at their craft before they finally see their work published. That was just one of the many things I’ve learned and am still learning as I go.
In addition to my wife, who supports my efforts (although she is afraid to actually read them), two people were instrumental in helping me get off to a good start.
MJ Zander is a friend, a writer, and edits for the professors at the college she attends. She had me send her one of my very first efforts, and took the time to do a complete edit, pointing out the errors I was making throughout the piece. I save that edited Word file and refer to it now and then as a refresher.
C.P. Dunphey is an author, editor, and the publisher of Gehenna & Hinnom Publications. He’s also the man who gave me my first chance, publishing my short story “Bequeath” in the premiere issue of his Hinnom Magazine. I’m proud to say he’s also become a friend, one who I reach out to when I have a question about what path to take in my efforts. His insights are always well thought out and very insightful.
In appreciation for that opportunity, I’ve included the cover of that first issue of Hinnom Magazine above.
In closing, I am very appreciative of the opportunities I’ve had, both to have my work accepted and presented to readers, and also to better learn the craft every day as I travel along this enjoyable path.
Oh yes, and to echo that valuable lesson I learned from decades as a musician…do it because you love doing it, and keep your day job!
THE INTERROGATION
Who is your cellmate, and why?
That’s an easy one, Stephen King. To have the opportunity to get to know him and to learn from him would be a dream come true. His book, “On Writing”, has been the source I’ve turned to for answers and inspiration more so than any other resource. He strikes me as completely down to earth, forthright and honest, and has no worries about speaking his mind, all qualities I admire (not discounting his extraordinary talent).
Which four books would you choose to pass the time with, and why?
“On Writing”, for the reasons cited above, and also “Salem’s Lot” by Stephen King, as that was the book that introduced me to him in 1976, and remains my favorite of his body of work to this day. I’ll add Bram Stoker’s “Dracula” as a book I’ve enjoyed many times since I first discovered it when I was young, and we’ll finish with my (as yet) unpublished collection of short stories titled “What If?”, this one to honor the belief that you should write for yourself first and foremost.
Which one of your own literary creations would you choose to visit you, and why?
Of all the questions asked, I gave this one the most time to think about, and the answer came to me naturally, as story ideas tend to do. I’d like my visitor to be Theresa, from my story “Dinner at Eight”, as she was based entirely on my wife (whose middle name just happens to be Theresa). What first brought us together was the natural ease and comfort with which we can talk about literally anything, and that still holds true today, some twenty odd years later. That kind of companionship is a once in a lifetime gift, one for which I’m very grateful.
Tracking down G.A. Miller after his escape: