This month we are spotlighting CemeteryFaerie, who has written over three dozen stories right here on Wattpad. If you're looking for some excellent teen horror and horror comedy (and fantasy!), you're in the right place.
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What draws you to the paranormal genre?
I have always loved all things supernatural. I grew up in a house that embraced all things spooky.
What was the first paranormal story you read or watched?
Poltergeist is the first paranormal movie I can remember. I was very young and was hooked immediately. I've been obsessed ever since.
What paranormal trope do you secretly love—even if readers roll their eyes?
I enjoy a good Chosen One trope, as long as it is well done. I like it even more when it's a chosen group that has to work together.
What's your process for worldbuilding in the paranormal realm? Where does logic meet lore in your work?
I like to blend both. In my Silver Society series, Cierra is very science-minded, and she breaks psychic powers down scientifically by figuring out what makes them work. She understands things better that way. It annoys Arnie, who prefers their powers remain mysterious. There is a good balance between realistic events and ones that require you to believe in the supernatural.
What's the strangest "research" you've done for a paranormal story that made your search history look suspicious?
I would have to say researching things like how long it takes a body to decay or how much torture a person can survive before their body gives out are pretty suspicious searches.
Ever finished a draft and thought, "This is either genius or a disaster. I'll let the readers decide"?
Yes, I think we all have!
Which line or scene from your stories do you secretly feel proud of — the one that gives you goosebumps every time?
I have several, but the biggest is probably toward the end of Inner Demons, when Jade deals with a confrontation that's been coming for eight books. At one point, she chants, "I take back what you took away and I take away your control," and it's such a powerful, healing moment. It gets me every time.
Do you believe in real-life paranormal experiences?
I absolutely do. I have spent a lot of time in Salem, MA, and I actually work in a bank that was built over a Native American burial ground. We've had phantom knocking (and even phantom skipping down the halls), objects moving on their own, and once my manager opened the branch and heard footsteps and thought someone was in the bank but found no one. There are plenty of other stories, too.
What's the most random thing that inspired one of your story ideas?
There was a very old largely abandoned cemetery behind my hotel in Mystic, Connecticut once. I couldn't resist exploring it, but when I entered it was like I felt pure evil in there. It was terrifying, and I couldn't stop thinking about it even weeks later. I posted photos online and they were very popular as everyone else seemed to become obsessed with the creepy cemetery as well. I ended up building a book around the town and especially that cemetery.
What's the biggest challenge when writing supernatural elements?
I definitely find it's important to balance the story so it's believable. I also do a lot of research to make sure any lore I include is accurate.
Which of your characters taught you something unexpected about yourself?
Jade Collins taught me that strength comes in many forms and the past does not define you. Her character arc helped me heal from some of my own past trauma.
What's the best compliment you've ever received from a reader?
One of my readers told me reading my Silver Society series gave her a reason to keep going after her boyfriend passed away. Every day, she'd binge as much of it as she could as she processed her grief. It was the only thing she could bring herself to do most days. To know I helped someone through something so difficult really touched my heart.
What message or emotion do you hope readers walk away with after reading your stories?
Anyone can be a hero. Your past and your blood do not define you, your choices do. You can change your destiny.
Any upcoming projects, events, or releases you want to tease?
I'm working on a bunch of projects at once right now. Most are sequels to existing projects. I may be expanding my runner-up What In The Wattpad short story ("This Is Why We Don't Do Love Spells") into a full novel in the near future.
Is there anything else you'd love to share with readers or fellow writers?
I love hearing from my readers and interacting with them. Any comment makes my day.
Thank you for agreeing to the interview, CemeteryFaerie! It was an honour to hear about your strength and inspirations. We hope you keep following your destiny ♥
