Women in Horror: Interview with Marge Simon
Marge Simon lives in Ocala, FL, City of Trees with her husband, poet/writer Bruce Boston and the ghosts of two cats. She edits a column for the HWA Newsletter, Blood & Spades: Poets of the Dark Side. Marge’s works have appeared in Pedestal Magazine, Asimov’s, Crannog, Silver Blade. New Myths, Daily Science Fiction, more. She attends the ICFA annually as a guest poet/writer and is a founding member of the Speculative Literary Foundation. A multiple Bram Stoker award winner, Marge is the second woman to be acknowledged by the SF &F Poetry Association with a Grand Master Award. She received the HWA Lifetime Achievement award in 2021.
What inspired you to start writing?
I was born with a pencil in my mouth but traded it for a word processor. Seriously, I was inclined early on to make up stories and enact them, either with friends or imaginary creatures. My first written story, age 11, was an illustrated narrative, “A Bug Bit Me!” and scary monsters and icky stuff. I pretty much got it out of my system. That may be why I don’t write or create icky stuff anymore! But I have a wide range of interest when it comes to reading, always have.
What was it about the horror genre that drew you to it?
It’s multi-faceted. Eventually, when I started attending con’s, it was the horror writers I met at conventions or via mail, as this was before the internet. There’s horror AND horror. Meaning I prefer well-written stories (short ones, usually) with dark elements. I don’t care for violence, gore for gore’s sake, etc. I’ve made many lifelong friends, kindred spirits.
Do you make a conscious effort to include female characters and themes in your writing and if so, what do you want to portray?
No, not unless it fits my initial perspective in a story or poem.
What has writing horror taught you about the world and yourself?
Horrid things happen to everyone. Don’t take yourself too seriously. Do learn the art of listening and making conversation. It should be a give-and-take kind of thing.
How have you seen the horror genre change over the years? And how do you think it will continue to evolve?
The field has become more inclusive and diverse, with stories from translations, folklore. I sense this is broadening the scope and horizons of the. LGBTQ, etc.as individuals.
How do you feel women have been represented thus far in the genre and what hopes do you have for representation in the genre going forward?
Frankly, I think in recent years, women have managed to prove themselves times over. In fact, if you look at major awards in the field, there are now a majority of females among the winners, or in the table of contents, or on podcasts, zoom panels, etc. I’m pretty certain this trend will continue.
Who are some women who write horror you recommend our audience check out?
Angela Carter, Flannery O’Conner, Sandy DeLuca, Erin Kemper, Carina Bissett, Octavia Butler, Donna Munroe, Anne Rice, Angela Y Smith, Elizabeth Massie + too many to mention, I don’t want to leave anyone out!
What is one piece of advice you would give horror authors today?
Read, read, read. Just as an artist is recommended to “draw every day”, try to read something well done every day –several pages, a chapter, a poem, etc. until inspirations begin to flow. Of course, you need to write every day. Take a break from Facebook, Just Do It!
And to the women who write horror out there who are just getting started, what advice would you give them?
Get copies of the “Writing in the Dark” series, attend Horror University sessions and Stokercon’s. Readercon and NeCon. You will find all kinds of friendly folks, helpful and encouraging advice for writing in our field. Be a good listener!
