Sharon L. Higa

1. Who has been the biggest influence on you as a female horror writer?

I would have to say Shirley Jackson. The Lottery was one of the first horror stories of hers which I read, followed by We have always lived in the castle. I was fascinated by her style and how she was able to build creeping suspense mingled with horror. The House on Haunted Hill just capped it for me when I read that novel. I was captivated by her from then on.

2. Do you think the style of horror differs between women and men authors? E.g. psychological vs gore?

I don’t believe so. I’ve read some female horror writers that put men to shame when it comes to the gore category. I believe we female authors can be very versatile, and can get down in the mud with the bad boys anytime we so choose. On the other side of the coin, I’ve read some pretty creepy psychological horror done by men; i.e., Edgar Allen Poe, Dean Koontz. I believe that within each writer - male or female - there is the capability to write any style of horror. It just depends on which style that particular person feels they excel at is what they bring forth.


3. Do you have a main subject that your write about? I.e. certain bad guys or themes?

I really can’t say. I’ve written a variety of different themes, and I guess I could say that my main subject is the supernatural intertwined with a warped twisting of the psyche. As for certain bad guys – I would have to say real life sociopaths and psychopaths. They have always fascinated me, and that is worked into a lot of my characters.

4. If you could have dinner with a famous horror writer, living or dead, who would it be and why?

I would really love to have dinner with Edgar Allen Poe. He was one of the other horror writers who also influenced me, but, for some bizarre reason, his death has always intrigued me. What actually happened to him prior to the time he was found in the street gutter to his passing away two weeks later? That actual answer is one I would give my eye-teeth -won’t go as far as selling my soul! LOL - for.

5. Favorite female horror writer? Why?

I would have to say the most recent one whom I have read: Catt Dahman. Man, she brings psychological horror as well as actual horror to the next level! I began reading her novels after I was accepted at JEA Press, and had wished that I’d heard of her before then! I love her style, and the way she interweaves plotline and almost fate-like situations among her characters. She is definitely my favorite at this time in my life.