Repurposed Interview With Author of "The Dead Parade", James Roy Daley

Am I the only one who feels like they're working twice as hard for around the same amount of money these days? For those that are interested, my 'day job' is in marketing and advertising - I help put together marketing plans, I bring in advertising dollars and I also do some creative work. I love it, but my pay is commission based and/or project based and for a few months there, say... late December to the end of February, work was dead slow - a direct result of the economic meltdown. The ONE good thing was, it gave me lots of time to work on the site, plus work on Dead Harvey side projects. Now, though, it seems like things are heating up... but clients don't want to pay what they used to pay. So, I'm working twice as hard for, like I said, about the same pay. I guess this is all part of the new economy. We're going to shake things up, people are going to swing deals and, when it's all said and done, we'll find a new common ground and work our way back up. My personal feeling is, we've seen the worst of it... and that should be good for everyone. Lord knows I'm just glad to be working and bringing money in. Having said that, I'm no economist... and, well, this site isn't about the economy.

The point of all that is because I feel guilty. I feel guilty because, for the first time on the site, we're re-purposing an interview. This 'new economy' has me working a lot and my Dead Harvey inbox is jammed with unread emails. I do have an interview or two somewhat ready to post, I also have a few people that I need to send interviews to, plus I have a STACK of DVD's to get through. I usually catch up on weekends, but haven't had the chance lately... poor me, I know. I just feel guilty, as I like to put our best stuff out there every day. Regardless, a while back, we were in touch with horror author James Roy Daley and wanted to talk horror with him and he sent us a message, saying, basically, "I just did an interview on 'N 2 Horror', why don't you use that?" Now, that's generally not my style, but, as I need something to post, it is today!

James Roy Daley is a writer, a drummer and he's even made a few films. His book, "The Dead Parade" is getting wicked reviews and is now available everywhere. If you're interested, here's a link to its page on Amazon.com. You can find this exact interview on the 'N 2 Horror' Myspace page, which you can find here. They've actually got some pretty cool pics and links to upcoming horror films, you should go check them out and befriend them, if you're on Myspace.

Anyhow, here's the interview with James Roy Daley, courtesy of 'N 2 Horror'...

First off, I would like to say thank you for your time. I’m excited to purchase your new book as well read your other work. I just want shoot a few questions your way.

What got you into writing horror?

I’ve always loved horror. At some point, after doing the musician thing for a long while, I decided to go to film school. I wanted to direct horror movies. Soon enough I realized that before a movie is directed it must be written. I figured I needed to start writing or I’d be condemned to tell other peoples stories, simple as that. So… I started writing scripts. Scripts turned to short stories. Short stories turned to novels. Novels turned into book deals. I think one of the reasons people are connecting with my work is the fact that I learned how to write a story in school. I know all about plot points, story arcs, Syd Field and all the other stuff they teach you in film school.

Do you have any inspirations? If so, who are they?

At this point, I’ve written three novels. The first one, The Dead Parade, was released a few months ago. The next two are coming. The stories so far seem to be getting crazier as time goes on, and I don’t know any other writer that’s writing the way I do. The stories––not the writing style, but the actual stories––seem to be inspired by insane films. Think: The Evil Dead, Slither, The Thing, Haute Tension and Dagon––and you’ll be getting close.

As far as the writing style goes, aside from Sarah Langan, none of the new guys inspire me. I’m inspired by the modern day Masters––Stephen King, Robert McCammon, F. Paul Wilson, Peter Straub, Richard Laymon… guys like that. I write simple, mean, violent, horrific poetry.

Have you ever considered shooting a film based off any of your books?

James Gunn should make my stories into movies and hire me to be his first AD. If he’s busy, I’ll consider it.

Who is your favorite author?

Stephen King.

If you could say anything to your fans, what would it be?

My third book is called The Roadside Diner. It’s so good I’m freaked out. I don’t know if I’ll ever write anything that good again.

This may sound weird, but we would like to know. What is a fear you have?

I saw a ghost at my parents place once, inside my old room. My mom believes I saw it; my dad only laughed at me, said I was a fool. I want side with my dad but I don’t think I can. Every time I sleep in that room I sleep with the lights on.

Once again, I would like to thank you for your time to answer these questions. It sure means a lot to all of us horror fans. We all for sure will be on the look out for your new book.

No Problem, take care.