April 2020 4th Circle Interview with Sean Murphy

DESI D: Name one horror author you admire and explain how they helped you become a better writer.

SEAN MURPHY: I admire Stephen King. I read On Writing and that seemed to speak to me. I found inspiration in it and in his story.

DESI D: As a writer, what would you choose as your mascot and why?

SEAN MURPHY: I like writing horror based in medicine and science, so I’m going with a plague doctor (current situation notwithstanding). I like the gothic look of a traditional doctor. Plus, they are wicked creepy!

DESI D: Name six of your favorite horror movies or books. Elaborate on any of them.

SEAN MURPHY:

Books: It – Scared the crap out of me and I read it as an adult. Dracula – Classic story and character. Love it! Illustrated Man – Not traditional horror, but still a great and creepy story.

Movies: The Thing – Best. Movie. Ever. Salem’s Lot – First horror movie I watched. It holds a special place in my heart. Paranormal Activity – The movie I used to introduce horror to my boys, who were 9 and 7 at the time. We watched it as a family, and they still remember it and the nightmares.

DESI D: What is it about writing that excites you? And of course, what’s the next story we can look forward to reading from you?What is it about writing that excites you? And of course, what’s the next story we can look forward to reading from you?

SEAN MURPHY: I get excited by new ideas and new spins on current stories. I love trying new things and bringing horror elements to genres that may not be typical horror setting; they don’t always work, but it’s worth a shot! I have two more short stories I’m working on, a WWII story and another short. I’m trying to get a novel idea to form, but it’s a slow road.