Welcome back, Fright Fiends!

This month, we are stepping into the imaginative world of StephRose1201, also known as Stephanie Rose, a Wattpad Creator and indie author whose stories travel across paranormal mysteries, historical fiction, fantasy, science fiction, and romance.

With 42 works and more than 7,000 followers, Stephanie has built a wonderfully diverse collection for readers who enjoy everything from supernatural encounters to stories filled with passion and intrigue. She is also a Wattpad Originals author, a 2023 Wattys Bootcamp Mentor, and a 2024 Wattys shortlisted author and winner.

When she is not creating mysterious worlds or writing complicated romances, Stephanie can often be found enjoying coffee, dreaming of living at the top of the Eiffel Tower, taking long walks, cuddling her cat, or binge-watching shows with her husband.

So, pour yourself a cup of coffee, settle into your favorite reading spot, and join us as we get to know the imagination, experiences, and creative journey behind StephRose1201's stories.

Let's get into it!

Interview:

1. What drew you to Fright? A love for thrills, or just a fascination with the macabre?

It was actually a fascination with TV shows like Supernatural and Ghost Adventures. I was obsessed with ghosts & trying to figure out what happens after death, and because I'm so terrified of it, I started imagining my own thoughts on the afterlife.

2. How would you describe your work in three words?

Surprising, mysterious, un-put-down-able

3. What does Pride Month mean to you as a writer?

As a pansexual/asexual spectrum person, it means everything. While I think LGBTQIA+ authors/folk should be highlighted every day of the year, it's a wonderful opportunity for us to shine during an entire month and share how proud we are, how much love we have to give, and how creative our imaginations are.

4. What kinds of LGBTQ+ stories would you like to see more of in horror fiction?

Just LGBTQ+ stories in general. If I had to pick I guess I'd say more sapphic/female-led stories.

5. What's your personal definition of horror - jump scares, dread, or something that stays in your bones?

I think it's such a vague word, in truth, because it can incorporate so many things. I write different types of horror personally; I have a Greek mythology series that's all about the gore, and then two supernatural/ghosty stories on Wattpad that are more about the jump scares and the slow unwinding of mysteries that you never expected.

6. Where do you get inspiration for your fright stories?

You don't want to know what it's in my head, LOL. A lot of my fright stories come from dreams/nightmares I've had, or I got the ideas from watching TV shows or movies. Sometimes even from playing video games.

7. How do you balance fear, fantasy, and feeling in your writing?

I don't know that I voluntarily do that, or do it on purpose, I just go with my gut and write what I want to write, how I want to write it, and sometimes it works out!

8. What advice would you give to new LGBTQ+ horror writers?

Take risks and raise your voice! And read as much as you can in your genre. We need more of us!!

9. What is one horror book, movie, or series you would recommend to our readers?

I'm going to recommend Supernatural, of course!!!! And for those who like a good laugh with their thrills (because of Zak Bagans, the host) but also want to come out of each episode unsure how much of it was real or not, I'd add Ghost Adventures.

10. If a reader could take only one thing away from your stories, what would you want it to be?

I want them to have lost their breath a few times from holding it in so much, unsure what kind of twist I'd prepared for them. I want them to come back for more and turn those pages until they reach the end and beg me for a new series :)

11. In your opinion, what truly creates a monster: nature, choice, loneliness, or society?

Um, all of those? There are too many types of monsters to pick one thing that creates them. Sometimes it's a combo of all of them, or three of them, or two of them.

12. Describe your writing process in one word.

Preparation.

13. How do you handle writer's block-do you fight it with caffeine, chaos, or supernatural rituals?

I'm a rare creature who actually never experiences writer's block. I always plot out my stories beforehand, so even if I'm not feeling too motivated, I at least have an outline of what to work on. If I'm not feeling in the mood, I don't force myself and do something else instead, like read or watch TV or go for a walk and listen to an audiobook.

14. You can erase one horror cliché forever. Which one disappears?

The blonde/ditzy girl dies first! No, let's get her to the end!

15. What's the most unexpected reader comment you've ever received?

I can't recall an exact comment but the praise I've received on both my supernatural stories over the years has always been heart-warming. Paranormal/spooky stories were what first drew me to writing and to see that readers still come back after all these years is great.

16. What real-life fears or themes creep into your stories - and do you ever write them out to deal with them?

Death, 100%. I'm an atheist and have trouble imagining anything coming after it, so to soothe my anxiety I often cook up ideas of what might await us afterwards. I wouldn't say I've dealt with this fear but it does help when I'm having a really bad moment, to think back and remind myself that no one really knows what happens.

17. What projects are you currently working on?

Nothing specific, though I have been cooking up another idea of what happens after death :D

18. Who are your horror influences - authors, movies, or urban legends that shaped your story style?

Again, Supernatural and Ghost Adventures. Strangely enough, I don't read that much horror, at least not frequently enough to share any authors (a lot of them are people I've read one book of). I'm mostly a horror/scary TV show type of girl. Believe it or not, I can't handle too much gore in a movie!

19. Is there anything else you'd love to share with readers or fellow writers?

I want to thank anyone who comes to/has come to my page and binge-read my stories. It still means so much to me. My Wattpad readers are so important to me because you're the ones who tell me straight-up if I'm writing what you like or not, and it's super helpful.

20. Finish the sentence: "The real monster isn't always the creature in the ark; sometimes it's..."

the creature in your head.

And with that, we have reached the final page of another Author Insights Interview.

A heartfelt thank you to StephRose1201 for taking the time to share her experiences, creative process, and the inspiration behind her wonderfully diverse stories. It has been a pleasure learning more about the author behind the romance, mystery, fantasy, and supernatural worlds that have captivated thousands of readers.

If this interview has sparked your curiosity, be sure to visit StephRose1201's profile and explore her collection of stories. With so many genres waiting on her shelves, you may just discover your next unforgettable read.

We'll be back next month with another author, another creative journey, and another glimpse into the minds behind the stories we love.