Interview - Mark Matthews

A strong force in the scene with plenty of high-end credits to his name, Mark Matthews has crafted an impressive legacy of work through a multitude of titles in a variety of formats. Now, in honor of his upcoming release, "Kali's Web," I talk with him about his early interest in writing, working on the book, and upcoming plans.

Me: Hello and thank you for taking the time to do this. First off, when did you get into horror in general? What films specifically got you into watching horror movies?

Mark Matthews: My oldest brother, who died quite young, was a big influence. His excitement about horror films was part of the mystery and intrigue. Horror was the dark, shadowy place, where it was dangerous to go (so of course I went). I grew up on the OG Night of the Living Dead. War of the Gargantuas. House On Haunted Hill, Burnt Offerings. Trilogy of Terror (to name a few random). I always thought differently than those around me, and oddly, horror provided comfort. I was the character on the screen, and I was also the creator behind the 4th wall.

Me: When did you initially discover a passion for writing? What aspect of the creative arts appeals to you?

MM: I idolized writers growing up, those who lived big and bold and stuck the proverbial knife in their hearts, and spilled it all over the page. Writing was the way to make a statement, to have your voice heard. I've always been better with the written word than the spoken word.

Me: Who were some of your favorite writers growing up? Do you try to take influences from their style with your own voice in your work?

MM: The most influential writer was probably Jack Kerouac. I grew up wanting to be him and live like him. As for dark fiction writers, I always admire those who aren't afraid to go there, but do it with style, talent, and empathy. I hate to list them, because as soon as I do, writers I've left out stick out as much as those who I've included. I’ve had some flattering comparisons to Jack Ketchum (though I’d hardly claim his success). I firmly believe reading is a part of writing, and as Stephen King said, “If you don't have time to read, you don't have the time (or the tools) to write.”

Me: Is there any specific genre you prefer to write? Is there a style or format that you find easier to get into, even if you don't have a preference?

MM: When I start writing or even think about writing, dark fiction naturally comes out. I don’t write horror to scare others, I write it because I’m the one who is afraid. I think horror writers are at their best when they understand both human resiliency and human fragility. To quote Joe Hill, “Horror is not about extreme sadism, it’s about extreme empathy.”

Me: So that brings us to the release of your novel “Kali’s Web.” What was the initial inspiration behind writing it?

MM: Les Misérables was a big inspiration for this work, but you do not need to know the musical before reading Kali’s Web. You have likely seen the story of its characters, Jean Valjean and Javert, in The Fugitive, where Harrison Ford is pursued by Tommy Lee Jones, and more recently, Andor, which has been dubbed ‘Les Misérables in space.’

I created a supernatural, modern-day version of Les Mis, and set it all within an environment of drug addiction. The universe in Kali’s Web is meant to mimic the cold, harsh, unforgiving world of poverty. The starving poor are replaced by craving addicts. The chase to get high is just as essential to these characters’ well-being as Jean Valjean's craving a loaf of bread. It’s a world full of sad, desperate souls, aching through life and doing what they can for sustenance.

Me: Was there any special significance to making the main character Kali a heroin addict? Was there any part of your real self injected into the characters?

MM: I’ve been in recovery from addiction for over 30 years, and I tapped into that lived experience when I wrote Kali’s Web. To write many of the scenes, I summoned the ever-present craving to get high that still persists in my gut. I’ve learned to live with these cravings and keep the monster caged. When I write about addiction, I take my baton and rattle the cages to wake the beast inside (but always check the locks.)

I also share part of Kalianna Cook’s chronic nightmares. I had them as a child, and I use them for the novella. My nightmares, like hers, always started with me lying in my bed, and a dark mist came in from under the crack in the door and filled up the room. It grew darker and thicker, billowing over me as I lay powerless, and then, like the title sequence is over, the nightmare starts. The content of the nightmare varies, but it always starts the same way, with a smoky presence filling the room.

Me: With the balance of character relationship dynamics and psychological horror at play, were there any concessions to the story that allowed both factors to take place?

MM: There are some definite "monsters" in this book, but I always feel horror works best when the external monsters match the internal landscape. The monsters that must be faced are just a manifestation of the psychological war.

Me: What is your writing process? How do you stay focused on writing?

MM: I write in manic binges, and once it hits me, I have no problem staying focused; it's the rest of my obligations at risk of suffering due to neglect.

Me: Once it was finally written, what was the process for having it published?

MM: I've had a mix of publishing fiction on my own and having publishers release my works. I like them both. While I would never turn down a dream publisher like Tor or Titan Books, etc, when deciding on a smaller publisher, I ask what they can do for me that I can't do for myself. Oftentimes, it comes down to reader reach. Having a publisher also helps with the isolation. Each small publisher is its own built-in community. My first horror novel was published under a small press, Books of the Dead, and I’ve remained friends with this group for years.

Me: What do you do to keep your creative energy flowing?

MM: I’m always, always, always writing backstories in my head as I go about my day. We can be on a trip, and I’ll write folklore in the back of my head about a hiking trail, or an old broken-down motel, a strip of highway, or a quiet local I observe at a coffee shop reading a paper. Perpetual flash fiction is always flowing through my head.

Me: Lastly, what else are you working on that you'd like to share with our readers? Thank you again for your time!

MM: I have two works being published within a few months of each other. KALI'S WEB, in August, and in March, I just released my novel, To Those Willing to Drown. I'm super proud of both of these two, but I’m also certainly not done yet.

Thanks Don!