A Point of Pride: Interview with Bonnie Jo Stufflebeam
Photo by Tony Najera
Bonnie Jo Stufflebeam’s fiction has appeared in over 90 publications such as LeVar Burton Reads and Popular Science, as well as in six languages. By night, she has been a finalist for the Nebula Award. By day, she works as a Narrative Designer writing romance games. Her first horror novella and short story collection will be published in 2022.
What inspired you to start writing?
The strong emotions I got from hearing stories as a kid. I loved fairy tales, horror stories, sad endings, and awe-inspiring descriptions—and when I figured out that I could inspire emotions in other people, I started making my own picture books, then writing my own short stories, and now novels.
What was it about the horror genre that drew you to it?
I’m easy to scare, and for a long time, I couldn’t watch read or watch horror, because I’d have nightmares for months afterward. But I’ve always been drawn to it, mostly because it affects me so strongly. Leaning into fear can be a form of catharsis, and once I embraced that, I started watching and reading everything I can get my hands on.
Do you make a conscious effort to include LGBTQ material in your writing and if so, what do you want to portray?
I love writing characters who are like me, so bisexual women feature prominently in my fiction. It’s important to me to show happy queer people who are part of communities of fellow queer people, and queer relationships as part of a normal world. A lot of popular media will include one gay person in a group of straight people, but members of our community usually hang out and support one another. That’s what I want to convey.
What has writing horror taught you about the world and yourself?
I’ve been an anxious person my whole life, and there’s something powerful in seeking out fear and experiencing it willingly. It’s a form of exposure therapy, in some ways: fear can’t hurt you. But sometimes, the thing causing the fear can hurt you—and in that way, horror, like superhero stories, teaches us about fighting back, even when we know the fight will end horribly.
How have you seen the horror genre change over the years? And how do you think it will continue to evolve?
I see more queer people writing horror—and more characters as a result. I think it’s becoming more diverse in other ways, too, and I’m excited to see the wealth of horror from POC and women. I also love the way new sci-fi concepts have blended with horror in many recent releases, and the current surges in popularity of sci-fi/fantasy has added to that. I’m a huge fan of breaking down boundaries and crossing genres, so I’m here for all of it.
How do you feel the LGBTQ community has been represented thus far in the genre and what hopes do you have for representation in the genre going forward?
Queer people have been underrepresented in the past in all media, and horror is no different. A lot of queer content used to be offered under a veil, but now, we get more LGBTQ+ characters out in the open. There’s still a ways to go—we still die first a lot of the time and don’t get to have those fun final girl moments—but I’m confident that it will continue to improve.
Who are some of your favorite LGBTQ characters in horror?
- Miriam and Dr. Roberts from The Hunger; I die when Susan Sarandon runs her hand through her hair
- Imp from Caitlin R. Kiernan’s Drowning Girl
- Theodora in Haunting of Hill House
- The casually bisexual vamps in What We Do in the Shadows
- Jennifer in Jennifer’s Body, obviously
- I’m a Buffy fan, so I have to say Willow
Who are some LGBTQ horror authors you recommend our audience check out?
Sarah Waters writes some rad understated horror. Poppy Z. Brite. Caitlin R. Kiernan. Carmen Maria Machado. Some of Sarah Gailey’s books could be considered horror.
What is one piece of advice you would give horror authors today?
The same advice I give all writers: persistence is key. Rejection is inevitable. It’s imperative to take breaks.
And to the LGBTQ writers out there who are just getting started, what advice would you give them?
Find a queer community of fellow writers for support, encouragement, and goofy hijinks.
