Interview with Kevin David Anderson
Author of “The Breach" and "The Box in the Attic,” published in Outsider Monsters: A Flash Anthology
Interview with Kevin David Anderson
Author of “The Breach” and “The Box in the Attic,” published in Outsider Monsters: A Flash Anthology
Please introduce yourself: Where are you from, and can you share a little about your writing background or your favorite themes as an author?
I was born in the state of Indiana, but I live and write in southern California, where we have just two seasons. Summer and Fire. Currently, I work as a Special Education teacher, but I started out writing as an advertising copywriter for print, radio, and TV. After a decade and a half in marketing, I started writing fiction. I sold my first short story ($25) in 2003, and my first novel, Night of the Living Trekkies, in 2009. That novel and my follow-up, Night of the ZomBEEs, were required reading in several college courses, most notably How to Survive Your Freshman Year by Studying the Zombie Apocalypse at The University in Mansfield, Pennsylvania. My collections include Midnight Men: The Supernatural Adventures of Earl and Dale, and Night Sounds: From Podcast to Print. My short stories have appeared in more than fifty anthologies, thirty magazines, and award-winning horror podcasts such as Pseudopod and the NoSleep Podcast. My latest book is part of the popular Try Not To Die choose-your-own-adventure series, TNTD in Roswell and Beyond (2025). I also write genre-themed joke books under the pen name Giggles A. Lott & Nee Slapper, including Star Wars: The Jokes Awaken, and Jurassic Jokes: A Joke Book 5 Million Years in the Making.
What drew you to WATG Press and to this anthology’s call for submissions?
I’m 58 years old, and my memory is not what it used to be, so I can’t honestly say how I came across WATG Press. I do run a Facebook group in which I and members post open calls. It might have been there, but I was drawn by their willingness to start something new, and I just love that drive.
Facebook group - https://www.facebook.com/groups/openspeculativemarkets
How would you describe your experience working with WATG Press—from the open call to the publication process?
There was so much energy behind what they were doing, and it was infectious. I think my favorite part of working with WATG Press was their unending positivity. Positivity in what they were doing, who they had selected to work with, and the direction they were moving in. That kind of drive and belief in what they do creates amazing energy. I wish them nothing but success.
How does your story fit the “misfit” or boundary-pushing spirit of this anthology?
I think my contributions to Outsider Monsters fit into the theme because I like to create a situation in which the reader is not really sure who the monster is until the end. I also like to create monsters that don’t see themselves as monsters.
Can you share a line, image, or thought from your story that still lingers with you?
“…you need to stop feeding that thing. You’re running out of friends.”
What do you hope readers take away, question, or feel after reading your piece?
That a monster can be anywhere or anyone. A neighbor, or even a friend.
Have any writers, artists, or personal experiences influenced your approach to horror, speculative, or surreal fiction?
Most of my influences are those who infuse humor into their work. I find humor connects us more than it divides us. If we can laugh together, we can be friends even if we don’t agree. I enjoy the works of Jeff Strand, Terry Pratchett, and Douglas Adams.
What creative projects or ideas are you exploring next?
I seem to be in sequel mode at the moment. I’m working on a follow-up to Midnight Men and Night of the Living Trekkies. I also have a few commissioned pieces and short stories in the works. I’m also hoping to relaunch all the Midnight Men stories in audio with the help of Jason Hill, the voice of Earl and Dale.
Anything else?
Just that I really need to get to the beach more. It’s so relaxing. So chill.
Assuming it’s not on fire.
More about Kevin David Anderson:
KevinDavidAnderson.com
Amazon Author Page - Kevin David Anderson
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