How do you define “transgressive fiction” and why do you gravitate towards the genre?
I think of it as research and an outlet. A cool way to get to know ourselves and each other better. People are gross, beautiful, and complicated. Transgressive fiction usually involves stories that are ugly, raw, and unapologetic—which I think is a fun way to be transparent. Because even though it's fiction, it feels “real.”
For me, writing transgressive horror isn’t just about shock—it’s deeper. Like therapy. Plus, I think indulging in what might scare us or disgust us improves empathy and understanding. We're all weird and in this together. Transgressive fiction is a fun reminder.
What is your writing process? How do you balance family, cats, and other responsibilities with writing?
I'm big on exercise and taking my meds. It makes me nicer and way more tolerable. Just ask the Missus. Working from home is convenient. I've got a very flexible schedule. I do my personal writing throughout the day. And since thoughts just pop in and out 24/7, I always have my phone or a pen to make sure I don't forget something worth writing about.
I use lots of my schooling for inspiration. Having access to an archive of abnormal psychology case studies gets the juice flowing. Oh, I listen to old jazz music—stuff you'd hear in haunted hotels from the ’40s. That’s my favorite when it’s nighttime and the teakwood candle has just been lit.
You say that “two of the best movies are The Sound of Music and Nightcrawler.” Some would say that The Big Lebowski is in the top two. Thoughts?
I deserve to be challenged on that (Shoutout to the Dude) When I say best, I guess I mean most impactful for me. I'm obsessed with contrast. My mom introduced me to musicals really young. I was a sweet kid who cried a lot. And as my thoughts got weirder growing up, that whimsical nature of sing-songy happiness mixed with dark topics.
Hearing Julie Andrews sing, then seeing Jake Gyllenhaal’s sociopathic, handsome eyes—those are just two of my favorite things. It's that kind of stuff that makes me feel at home.
Emeric Miles in Tearjerk gets his fix by watching people cry. Cameron Rose dies with a dildo in Hi, My Name Was. What experiences have led you to write about characters that fall outside of social norms?
I once died using my sister's dildo.
So that inspired that. Just kidding.
I didn't die. (More kidding.)
As someone with pure OCD, I’m assaulted by absurd thoughts on the daily. And writing is the only way to make me feel less of a gross person.
Discomfort comes naturally for me, so using the ideas and real feelings I've felt helps mitigate the guilt and shame. Sounds crazy, but OCD sucks.
Furthermore, what draws you to the weird and uncomfortable? To delusion, psychosis, and mental breaks?
I'm adopted.
I have bipolar 2 disorder.
I have obsessive compulsive disorder.
I'm an Aquarius.
I'm an ENTP.
Believing in half of those things might explain it.
I was also raised Mormon, sheltered for a good while until my first R-rated movie was A Clockwork Orange (that I snuck to watch on IFC at midnight) I've always felt different. I've always felt weird and uncomfortable. Embracing it has its drawbacks, but I'm allergic to boring stuff. I'm even finishing up a graduate degree in clinical psych because I love learning about what makes me weird.
Only a few authors enough from writing to do it full-time. What is your career outside of writing and does that influence your work?
I work for a nonprofit. I'm kinda like a mini grant writer for a charitable organization that works with schools, churches, and foster programs. I write stories to help incentivize donations—like food, clothes, school, or medical supplies—to the less fortunate. This is a very feel-good job. Obviously, it's a world away from my transgressive, weird writing, so it's fun to jump back and forth between both areas. It's very stimulating. But I've used experiences from old jobs for sure. Like being overnight security at Motel 6. I got punched in the face once. Cool story.
What do you want readers to take away after reading your novels?
I want my novels to help readers discover a positive trait about themselves. A trait they’d be excited to use.
What’s next for you?
More writing, more books, more fans, and hopefully more inspiration. But also, I want to start a horror group for Ventura County. It's in its early stages, but I want it to be a forum dedicated to everything scary around the 805 area—history, facts, haunted places, meetups for horror book clubs, etc.