For this first column, I interviewed L. Marie Wood, psychological horror author and screenwriter extraordinaire. She brings a wealth of knowledge, experience and creativity to the industry. Renowned and well-versed in the field, her dedication to helping others grow on the path is remarkable. She does so much, all while keeping her own creative pursuits active. Let’s dive into the world that is L. Marie Wood, shall we? 

An Eerie Peek Her Way 

L. Marie Wood is a powerhouse in the field of horror writing, for both on and off the screen. Her education recounts the story of her continued dedication to her love for the craft, flourishing with her through the years. 

From a Bachelor of Arts in Communications (major in Film Production, minor in Sociology) to a Ph.D. In Creative Writing (Dissertation title: Diversity in Genre Fiction: The Agency of Black Authors in Contemporary Horror Fiction), L. Marie Wood has proven she holds a high regard for her educational pursuits. Her academic accomplishments remarkably also include three masters, including Business Administration, English and Creative Writing and finally, one in Fine Arts in Creative Writing. It’s no wonder her knowledge is so vast and all-encompassing!

Her impressive resume does not stop there, though. She serves as the President and Founder of the Speculative Fiction Academy. At the time of this publication, she is Vice President of the Horror Writers Association, a two-time Bram Stoker Award® Finalistand a two-time Bookfest Award Winner.

A Visit with the Spooky Wood

Question 1: Recently, you were awarded mentor of the year at HWA’s awards ceremony. Tell us what inspires you to mentor and help others?

LMW: I have always been interested in sharing with others.  Learning was never anything I felt was mine alone to do.  So, I have always discussed concepts and topics I’ve learned along the way with anyone who expressed an interest. In that way, mentoring feels natural.  

Question 2: As a horror screenwriter, what would you say has influenced your writing? How has this changed or morphed over the years?

LMW: I have always been interested in the quieter side of the genre, in both movies and literature.  Wanting to create movies that have the same undertone of terror as religious horror films from the 70s have always been a motivation.  I like the slow reveal, the stretch as the movie brings viewers to a conclusion they hadn’t anticipated, the discussion that can occur when a movie leaves the reader with “homework”, so to speak.  That has not and, I hope, will never change.

Question 3: Who would you be if you weren’t a writer? What would have been another direction of study or work that you would have followed if writing wasn’t possible?

LMW: I don’t know – I have always been an author.  I have been writing since I was 5 years old.  It is who I am, through and through.  I wear a lot of other hats as well, and I suppose I would still wear those, but that is an impossible question for me to answer because I have always been this way.

Question 4: As a horror aficionado, what horror movie or tv series has stayed with you? Either for its writing or memorable scenes? Or, if for other reasons, please explain.  

LMW: Angel Heart.  It is magnificent.  Every single time I watch it, I see something new.  It is haunting, it is quiet.  The use of shadows is masterful, and the way that you fall into the main character, donning his persona like a suit, is something that authors should aspire to create.  Falling Angel by William Hjortsberg, which is what the movie is based on, is a masterpiece.

Question 5: What scares you?

LMW: Hahaha… I’ll never tell!

Question 6: What led you towards the horror genre over others?  

LMW: Psychological horror straddles the line between suspense, mystery, thriller, and horror.  I can’t say why I lean more towards horror, but I definitely include elements of all of these genres in my work.

Question 7: Is there anything you could say to someone new to screenwriting to help them as they begin their own journey?  

LMW: Watch a lot of movies.  A lot.  Then read the screenplays for those movies.  Then watch the movie with the screenplay in hand and follow along.  Studying the craft is imperative – you have to know how it’s been done so you can chart your own course.

Question 8: Where do you see yourself in five years, specifically relating to the horror film industry? 

LMW: Hard to say.  I hope I am doing what I love.

Question 9:  What is your life motto? If you don’t have one, can you use one word to describe your outlook on life? 

LMW: Every day is a good day.

Question 10: Do you have any upcoming projects that you would like to announce or share? Or, is there anything else you would like to share with us? 

LMW: Stay tuned! The fourth installment of The Open Book Universe is coming out in July!  It is called The Lost Stories.  I have a nonfiction book about the horror genre coming out in Oct 2024 called The Horror Aesthetic: Essay from the Dark Corners of the Genre.  Keep an eye on House of Gamut and Magazine of Science Fiction and Fantasy – new work from me there soon!  Beyond the Bounds of Infinity by Raw Dog Screaming Press contains my short story, “Beggars Can’t Be Choosers”.  It will be released in July 24.

Question 11: Where can we find more info about your work? 

LMW:

Web: ​​www.lmariewood.com

Twitter: ​@LMarieWood1 

Facebook: ​www.facebook.com/LMarieWood