Latinx Heritage in Horror Month 2024: An Interview with Katherine Vega

What inspired you to start writing?

I guess the same thing as every other writer: I couldn’t find what I wanted to read, so I decided to write it myself.

Tell us about your work in 25 words or less.

I’m chaotic and don’t stick to any literary genre: I write everything from horror to romance.

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

I think horror is one of the freest genres in literature for exploring themes as terrible yet as ordinary as death, fear, and pain. What’s allowed in a horror book is rarely accepted in other genres.

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?

Yes, I think literature should show variety and inclusion naturally, and in my books, you’ll usually find LGTBQ+ and racialized characters, for example. I don’t do it consciously; I just consider it a reflection of the social reality we’ve always lived in.

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

That we’ve turned death and mourning into something unnatural, something to hide, unlike centuries ago when death and everything surrounding it was more normalized and integrated into our daily lives. Writing horror is, in the end, about connecting with the darkest and most twisted side of yourself. One you don’t always show to the public but that you learn to understand deeply.

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

Over the years, horror has shifted from relying on classic monsters and gore to diving deep into psychological and social fears. It’s gone from “Let’s scare them with a creepy ghost” to “Let’s make them question their entire existence.” You see more stories today that blend horror with commentary on mental health, identity, and even political issues. It’s not just about blood and guts anymore; it’s about the horrors we face in real life.

As for the future? Horror’s gonna keep getting more diverse. We’re gonna see more voices from different cultures and backgrounds telling stories. Horror’s always been about pushing boundaries, and that’s exactly where it’s headed: straight into the unknown, dragging you along kicking and screaming.

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’m a true crime addict, so I’d love to see horror tackle some of the terrible cases that have happened in Spain or Latin American countries, but I’d also really enjoy reading about Latin folklore like El Chupacabras, La Llorona, and others. I’d love to see more stories that dive into the real horrors Latinx communities have faced—things like political repression, disappearances, and forced migrations, where the monsters aren’t some supernatural creatures but the systems of power and violence themselves.

Who are some of your favorite LatinX characters in horror?

I really enjoyed Catalina, the protagonist from Mexican Gothic. She’s a badass in her own right, battling not just the horrors of a decaying mansion but also the racist, colonialist undertones hidden within it. It’s refreshing to see a Latinx woman taking center stage in a genre that usually sidelines us, and she does it with a mix of strength, intelligence, and that sharp wit we love.

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

I’d love to recommend some fellow Spanish authors like J.V. Gachs, Marina Tena Tena, Laura Prescott, Roser Valls, and Alicia Sánchez Martínez.

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

Write what you want to write, not what you think will sell better.

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?

The best advice I was given was to trust my own instincts when tackling a story but to never stop listening to beta readers. The advice I’ve happily rejected? Taking creative writing courses.

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

The literary world is as wild and ruthless as a good horror book: it’s scary, but that doesn’t mean you won’t enjoy the ride if you decide to dive into it.

Katherine Vega is a content writer and author. She began by publishing fanfiction about her favorite fictional characters on Wattpad, and in 2021, she took the plunge into publishing her debut book: Algo malvado: los diarios secretos de Ted Bundy. That same year, her story “Hi, Winchester” was selected as a finalist for the Wattys Awards.

In 2023, her novel Canciones que te oí cantar en Helsinki won the XI International HQÑ Award from Harper Collins. Like most writers, Katherine has been crafting stories since she was a child. Her passion spans various literary genres, from thrillers to romance, a diversity reflected in her work. She has a love for books, pirates, rock music, and serial killers. Katherine resides in Sabadell, Spain, with three adopted cats and is surrounded by a stack of books waiting to be read.