The following is an interview with Cindy Kovacik regarding the recent release of the horror novel, My Daddy, The Serial Killer. In this interview, Fanbase Press Editor-in-Chief Barbra Dillon chats with Kovacik about the creative approach to bringing the story to life, what she hopes that readers will take away from the story, and more!
Barbra Dillon, Fanbase Press Editor-in-Chief: Congratulations on the recent release of My Daddy, The Serial Killer! For those who may be unfamiliar, how would you describe the book’s premise, and what inspired you to tell this story?
Cindy Kovacik: The book is about a little girl who finds out her father is a serial killer. It is unique in that is follows the story of the daughter and not the father. The reader can follow along as the little girl grows up and see how things evolve once she knows what she knows and sees what she sees.
I have always wanted to write a horror novel, and one day the title just popped into my head. Once I got the title, the words and story just kind of flowed from there.
BD: What can you share with us about your creative process in bringing the story to life, and what (or who) have been some of your creative influences?
CK: I am a sucker for structure, so I always start off with a timeline. I start off with this person does this and then this happens. It’s kind of like a script, and it’s so much easier for me to then start my writing and know which direction it’s going. I have always loved and been influenced by Edgar Allen Poe and Stephen King. The darker story, the better. That type of writing has always been of interest to me.
BD: At Fanbase Press, our #StoriesMatter initiative endeavors to highlight the impact that stories can have on audiences of various mediums. How do you feel that Katelyn’s story will connect with and impact readers?
CK: I think her story will pull at heartstrings. This poor girl is stuck in this hellish, psychologically damaging environment, and you really root for her along the way. I think readers will be shocked with some of the things she has to endure and saddened along the way, as well.
BD: Do you foresee expanding the novel into subsequent books or even into other entertainment mediums, if given the opportunity?
CK: I think for this book it completely ended, and I want it to stay that way. So, I do not believe there will be a book number two. But I am currently pursuing ways to adapt this from book to screen. I would love for this to become a movie one day. I think it’s a great story that would play out well on that platform.
BD: Are there any upcoming projects on which you are currently working that you would like to share with our readers?
CK: Well, in a totally different direction, I just had a children’s book published titled, Chicken in the City. It an easy reader chapter book for young children, and it’s the first in a series. I am also working on a second horror novel and hoping to have that complete sometime next year.
BD: Lastly, what is the best way for our readers to find more information about My Daddy, The Serial Killer and your other work?
CK: You can purchase My Daddy, the Serial Killer and Chicken in the City on the Amazon and Barnes & Noble website.
