I love horror movies. There, I said it and now it’s out there. So people are constantly surprised when I avoid mob movies because of the violence. An ax-wielding maniac who only kills pot-smoking-sex-fiends is not a real thing. The MOB is a real thing. The violence that has been associated with the mob is a real thing.  Real things are scary, ergo, I write about make believe stuff. As a romance writer, I write about men with six packs who are young, hung and wealthy. They may come off as conceited or have a dark past, or be afraid of ghosts (ahem) or whatever, but you know that they pretty much rock.  I apply the same fantasy to my horror elements. I’m not writing about spiders or rats or zombies because that stuff is real. (I assume you are all ready for the zombie apocalypse.) I write about ghosts with a gothic vibe of pain and mystery. I will write about witches, spirits, and the fay.  I believe they all exist, I’m just not all that freaked out by them. Examples: The Ring was scary, but I saw it alone and was fine. I also enjoyed, but was not scared by, Paranormal Activity. That doesn’t mean I don’t get scared. Oh, I get lights-on-at-night afraid. I’m totally freaked out by movies and stories about Satan. (Shudder) The Exorcist freaked me out. I mean, seriously freaked me out. I read the book and saw the movie because I love to be scared, but it was really disturbing!  I’m pretty sure that devil-worshipping-baby-killing-sex-with-goats Satanists are not real. But since I was a teen in the 80s I can assure you that a lot of people thought anyone AND I MEAN ANYONE could be a nefarious Satanist.  Now we know that the recalled memories of satanic ritual abuse were a load of bunk, but in the 80s? It was the witch trails all over again. I wouldn’t have been surprised to find “Satanist” burned at the stake. A freaky time. I’m a storyteller – so it’s my nature to ask “what if satanic ritual abuse (SRA)  actually happened?” And when that occurred to me, I was so flummoxed by my fears that I knew I had to write that story.

I’m going to explore my fear of SRA  in my next book. Hopefully, it won’t make me lose my mind (I know, too late!) So prepare yourselves for Sebastian’s story. Because aside from SRA, Sebastian is going to fall in love.

Sit tight, while I do my research and decide what evil Satanists look like in my paranormal world.

I’m preparing myself with some great Satan and devil-themed books and movies. Because it’s Halloween I’m sharing my list with you. (You’re welcome.)

Movies:

Angel Heart
The Prophecy (Viggo Mortensen plays the Devil)
The Exorcist
Devil
Rosemary’s Baby
The House of the Devil
The Omen
The Exorcism of Emily Rose

Books:

Michelle Remembers
Rabbit Hole: A Satanic Ritual Abuse Survivor’s Story
THE BLACK ALBUM: A Hollywood Horror Story
Anything by Tananarive Due. She’s awesome.
Anything by Joe Hill. He’s awesome.

Grab a blanket, sit by the fire and read or watch these unsettling stories. Happy Halloween!

Cheers, KatieB