New York Times bestselling author Ryan Douglass will have readers (and characters) fighting for their life in his latest release. I recently spoke with him about Night of Madness.
Tell me about your latest book.
Night of Madness is a locked room horror novel about a teenage girl who thinks she’s competing in a horror movie survival show but once inside, finds the stakes are real, and that her life is in danger. At its heart it’s about an 18-year-old horror obsessive who puts the rules of the genre to the test in real life to see if that knowledge is enough to save her.
Why did you decide to write it?
I love that this collaboration came with the opportunity to pay homage to ‘80s horror cinema and the drama of survival shows. I love the theatrical and campy quality of horror from that era. I also loved merging those tropes into the present day and looking at the attention economy in a hyperbolic way, how ridiculous it can feel.
What’s your favorite place to write?
Anywhere I can hear nature or look out and see it. I think writing is very stationary and even claustrophobic at times so just having movement, like wind, leaves rustling, water running helps activate the brain for me.
What’s the nicest thing a reader has ever said to you?
I’m always flattered when I see marked pages because I love knowing readers stopped somewhere because they read something worth remembering. I’m moved by small things like when readers say, “Thank you for writing this.” Knowing it made a difference in whatever way means a lot.
When did you realize you wanted to be a writer?
When I first started reading and hearing stories I knew I wanted to tell them, so probably around five years old. I was a very imaginative kid, so I knew I wanted to be a storyteller. I’ve also tried acting and screenwriting, which I like, but novels are the form I’ve taken easiest to overall.
What author would you love to meet?
I would be honored to meet Alice Walker. She’s a huge inspiration of mine.
What books have you read lately and loved?
I am currently reading Lapvona by Otessa Mosfegh, which I’m enjoying. It’s very brutal but grounded in authenticity. I recently read and enjoyed Sky Full of Elephants by Cebo Campbell. The concept drew me right in, and the prose is so lyrical.
What books are at the top of your to-be-read pile?
Honey by Imani Thompson, Chain-Gang All Stars by Nana Kwame Adjei-Brenyah. Both have been on my radar for a while so I’m excited to finally get to them.
What’s next for you?
I’m working on an adult gothic horror novel and a sci-fi project. The gothic horror is coming along faster, so that’s probably what I will go out with next.
Do you have anything you would like to add?
Thanks for featuring me! Always grateful for opportunities to connect with bloggers and readers.
Use the Black Fiction Addiction affiliate link to purchase your copy of Ryan Douglass’ Night of Madness.