Dr. Jasmine asked Maria Alexander:

Dear Maria Alexander, Please tell me why do you enjoy writing books about the dark side of life? What feelings do you get when writing them? Many thanks, Dr Jasmine

Maria Alexander Hello, Dr. Jasmine! And thank you for your question.

Dark fiction explores what scares us. It shines a light on things that would rather moulder in the shadows. As a writer, I love the feeling of finding that dark, terrible, unspeakable thing and showing a character conquer it. Psychologically it's a wonderful thing. Emotionally, too. I think there's a misconception that horror only dwells on the negative. While there's generally a price paid when one conquers the bogeyman, horror should show how we come out of it on the other side, how facing our demons transforms us. Horror can be a meditation on faith, as well. Take Mike Flannagan's MIDNIGHT MASS. He explores various religious faiths as his characters face a deadly menace. It's absolutely beautiful.

So, I'd say the feelings I get are everything from dread, disgust, and excitement to healing, awe, and joy. You know -- all the feelings of being a human.

All the best,
Maria

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