http://www.journeytotheunknown.com/interviews.htm
Interview with P.S. Gifford – Horror Writer
P.S. Gifford is a horror writer presently residing in Lake Forest California
Visit his site at www.psgifford.com
How old were you when you first became inspired to write?
I learned to read at an unusually young age- and from the age of seven or eight was always to be found lost in a book and my glasses falling off my nose. I was about eleven when I began to write stories- and for Christmas that year I was given a typewriter; one of the best presents that I have ever received.
From the start I mainly wrote horror. I have, for as long as I can remember, been fascinated with this theme- ghosts in particular strike my fancy.
One vivid recollection was being just ten years old telling all my friends a ghastly ghost story set in a wood that we all had to pass on our journey to and fro school. I got in trouble the next day when several of the children I had told my wicked tale to refused point blank to walk past the wood…Despite being scolded by several parents-this gave me a wonderful and powerful feeling.
Any formal training?
No, to be honest other than the standard English classes I did at school. Most of my education came from devouring books. I firmly believe that unless you are an avid reader you will never become a proficient writer.
If you left the field for a while, what inspired you to continue?
In my early twenties I foolishly allowed my desire to write to be suppressed. I was far too focused on getting a “conventional” career started. I also must confess that I succumbed to all the usual delights and distractions that a male my age is exposed to!
Finally, a few years back, despite an incredibly happy marriage, a comfortable home, a healthy son and living a remarkably well existence, I realized deep down something was missing from my world-the written word. I ended up quitting my job and began to write full time. Turned out it was one of the best decisions I have ever made; as I am happier now than I ever have been.
What type of writing do you do?
I primarily write horror-both for adults and younger readers. Although, when inspiration takes, I also write auto-biographical pieces and have examples published in places like www.petwarmers.com. Their acceptance always pleasantly surprises me, and the stories are well received. I will share a secret with you if you like…Just keep it between us…Deep down I am very sentimental. I know, I know, not what you might expect from a horror writer.
Where are you from originally?
I was born and raised in Birmingham, England. And part of my heart shall always remain there.
Where are you residing now?
These days I call Lake Forest California home-
Some titles of your work?
“The Curious Accounts of the Imaginary Friend,” is a collection of almost fifty stories. They range from comic-horror, to ghost stories, to tales guaranteed to make you squirm in your seat. I like to keep my reader guessing, and never fully suspecting where I am going to take them. I am thrilled by the positive reviews and feedback that it is receiving.
My work can be discovered at such diverse places as; www.bewilderingstories.com , to www.staticmovement.com and all sorts of places in-between.“The Curious Accounts of the Imaginary Friend”, the work I am most proud off, can be found at www.virtualtales.com, naturally I am to be found under horror.
Next year it looks like I might be having not one, but two books published- (More on this to be announced later.)And my work is slated to appear in a variety of really cool publications. I suggest checking back at my website www.psgifford.com for more details, or maybe even signing up on my mailing list http://groups.yahoo.com/group/PSGifford/
Can’t you tell us a little more about what the future has in store?
Okay, okay you have managed to twist my arm- this link –
http://www.theliterarybone.blogspot.com/
Offers an exciting sneak peak into one of those future projects- and I am honored to be appearing with some famous names-including a Bram Stoker award winner.
