[WiHM] Interview with Founder of the Horror Writers Support Group, Writer, and Editor, Mae Murray

Tell us a little bit about yourself! What is your role in the horror community?

I’m a writer and editor most known for nonfiction and analysis of horror through a trauma-informed lens. My pieces often combine journalism and personal essay to illustrate how media shapes our understanding of an unpredictable and often violent world. I am also a Certified Peer Specialist, a trained mental health professional who uses their lived experience as a therapeutic tool for others. I am the founder of the Horror Writers Support Group, a free biweekly virtual group for writers of all levels, and also write the accompanying newsletter. I’m currently finding my voice in fiction and have also written a few screenplays. Oh! And then there’s my upcoming anthology The Book of Queer Saints. I guess you could say I do a little bit of everything! 

What was the first thing you encountered that made you fall in love with horror?
My grandma is a rabid horror lover. She got me interested by showing me movies like Interview with the Vampire, Silence of the Lambs, and Blade at far too young an age. We talk on the phone every week, and our conversations always turn to what new cool horror thing we’ve watched recently. 

What does the horror community mean to you? 

It’s hard to put into words. I have never felt so held, so appreciated, as I do in the horror community. I’ve been writing a long time and have attended a good handful of literary workshops. I never felt seen or understood in those spaces. The critiques always felt quite personal; my work was too weird or too dark or too [insert banal blather here]. Perhaps they thought that because the genre was akin to horror, that the story wasn’t rooted in my own experience. My writing very much draws on my lived experience, and the concepts are rooted in real horrors, many which I witnessed or experienced firsthand. This community understands that unlike any other. 

What has been some of your most cherished moments from your journey with The Book of Queer Saints?

The best moments came with the writers’ excitement at being accepted into the anthology. Rejecting folks is the worst! But being the person to be the first to publish a promising writer… There is no feeling like that. I live for it. I’ve also received many, many kind messages and emails about the mission of the project. I hold those words very close to my heart on tough days. 

Who are your favourite women in horror?

I’m a huge fan of Brea Grant. I always have been. I first encountered her as a viewer in the TV show Heroes, and have followed her career closely since. I try to watch and read everything she does, and I have tremendous respect for her hustle. I’ve been lucky enough to establish a relationship with her over the years and am always grateful for how generous she’s been with her time and feedback. 

As far as others, I have to say, I’m a huge fan of you [Cat Benstead]! What you’ve been doing with Hear Us Scream is extraordinary. I’m always happy to be invited to do things like this or join you on your podcast(s). Killing the game, truly!

If you could invite one woman from horror to dinner who would you invite and why?

Brea Grant, for sure. She’s kind of my hero. I would love to talk to her about screenwriting; her process, what inspires her, and what keeps her going in a tough-as-shit industry. I could use that advice most of all! 

Women in horror have been making progress, but it’s clear that a lot of work is still needed to ensure that representation is correct and widespread. What is the importance of Women in Horror Month?

I agree that representation can and should be better, but when I think about Women in Horror Month, I frame it in my mind as a time to celebrate. It’s like a little party in my brain for a month, in which I get to mindfully, intentionally celebrate and uplift all of these incredible creators I love so much. Of course, I try to do that every day of the year, but this month I can be especially obnoxious about it and no one can hold it against me. 

In honour of celebrating Women in Horror, who do you believe readers should keep an eye on in terms of women in horror?

Author Hailey Piper, jack-of-all-trades Cat Benstead, EIC of Dread Central Mary Beth McAndrews, columnist Jenn Adams, writer Sharai Bohannon, author Cynthia Pelayo, writer Jamie Alvey, author Sofia Ajram… That’s just to name a few I’m watching now. There’s not enough time in my day to name everyone! 

What do you have coming in 2022 that you can talk to us about?

The Book of Queer Saints releases on March 29. And this is the first time I’m saying so (a Hear Us Scream exclusive!) but Penny Dreadful #1: Scales Fell From Her Eyes (an illustrated short story project I’ve been working on for some time) will also be released on March 29 for folks who missed the Queer Saints Kickstarter campaign. After that, I’ll be working on my first horror novel, which will be released in 2023.