Latinx Heritage in Horror Month 2024: An Interview with Celso Hurtado

What inspired you to start writing?

I read a lot growing up, becoming particularly obsessed with Encyclopedia Brown. As I grew older and moved on to King and others, I’d sometimes wonder if I had it in me to write a book. I eventually gave it a try and came to understand just how hard it really was! I gave up many times but my thoughts always returned to finishing the book, which eventually became The Ghost Tracks.

Tell us about your work in 25 words or less.

There are a lot of surprises and twists and reversals in what I write, along with a heavy dose of mystery.

What was it about the horror genre that drew you to it?

Its ability to elicit such strong emotions and reactions. From making readers squirm with body horror, to the creation of nightmarish monsters, to confronting loss with grief horror, the genre packs a punch that is hard to match.

Do you make a conscious effort to include LatinX characters and/or themes in your writing and if so, what do you want to portray?

I do make it a priority to include LatinX characters. My portrayals are usually a function of what I require the characters to do story-wise — whether that means behaving well or abhorrently — while still striving to make them feel authentic. I also try to weave in as many cultural details and locales as possible.

What has writing horror taught you about the world and yourself?

Writing horror has taught me the level of grind it takes to finish a book and get it out into the world. It has also taught me that if you take risks and put yourself out there, good things can happen.

How have you seen the horror genre change over the years? And how do you think it will continue to evolve?

There is still so much progress that needs to be made, but horror is more diverse than it used to be. Hopefully, all genres will continue with this trend, so stories that once would’ve never seen the light of day can shine in all of their glory.

Time to daydream: what are some aspects of LatinX history or culture – stories from your childhood, historical events, etc — that you really want our genre to tackle? (Whether or not you’re the one to tackle them!)

I’d love to see a story about a tamalada gone horribly wrong. Or perhaps a story about a piñata who becomes sentient and goes on a bloody rampage, punishing everyone who stuffed it and tried to break it open.

Who are some of your favorite LatinX characters in horror?

I’m currently reading House of Bone and Rain by Gabino Iglesias. The group of friends the book centers on, Gabe, Xavier, Tavo, Paul, and Bimbo, are all rendered beautifully, with nuance and complexity.

Who are some LatinX horror authors you recommend our audience check out?

L.P. Hernandez is an author everyone should be reading. His collection No Gods Only Chaos is absolutely stellar. Gerardo Sámano Córdova’s Monstrilio is also an amazing read.

What is one piece of advice you would give horror authors today?

The same advice I’d give to any author is to finish what you start. Set aside any negative thoughts about the quality of what you’re writing and press forward until it is done. Then the work of figuring out what you have and how to improve it can begin.

What is one piece of craft advice you’ve gotten that has really worked for you? Alternatively, what’s one that you’ve happily rejected?

I was advised early on to end chapters with a bang if possible, and it’s a technique I use often. I was also warned to dial back the ellipses… but that habit has been hard to break.

And to the LatinX writers out there who are just getting started, what advice would you give them?

Keep going, and weave your unique life experiences into what you write. Also, the horror community is full of great people. Conventions and book events are great opportunities to meet other authors and bond over books and writing.

Celso Hurtado was born and raised in San Antonio, TX. His first book, The Ghost Tracks, was praised by NPR and won an International Latino Book Award. He is also a member of the Horror Writers Association. The Devil’s Promise is his second novel.