The following is an interview with horror legend and award-winning writer Steve Niles (30 Days of Night, Creepshow: 13 Tales of Terror) regarding the launch of his first-ever Zoop crowdfunding campaign for the graphic novel, Heartbreak Manor, in collaboration with artist Damien Worm. In this interview, Fanbase Press Editor-in-Chief Barbra Dillon chats with Niles about what first intrigued him about tackling a holiday horror story, the exciting bonus material included with the campaign, and more!
Barbra Dillon, Fanbase Press Editor-in-Chief: You recently launched your first-ever Zoop crowdfunding campaign for Heartbreak Manor. What were you most excited to tackle with this holiday horror story, and what can you share with us about the genesis of the project?
SN: Hi, Barbra! I’m a big fan of the UK tradition of ghost stories for Christmas, especially the ones written by M.R. James. I wanted to capture the feel of some of my favorite stories, creepy and atmospheric. I started writing it a ways back, maybe a couple years, and finally found the tone I was looking for. Having Damien do the art was a no-brainer. He’s perfect for a ghost story.
BD: As a frequent collaborator with artist Damien Worm, how would you describe your shared creative process, and do you feel that you have developed a creative “shorthand” for bringing each new story to life on the page?
SN: Damien and I have done many projects together, including Monster & Madman and October Faction. Damien is in Spain. He doesn’t speak English and I don’t speak Spanish, so we work exclusively through email. We’ve never spoken in all these years. It just works. He’s a great guy.
BD: Why do you feel that crowdfunding has become such a vital resource for comics creators and publishers?
SN: Let’s face it. It’s tough out there. There are only a handful of publishers and even fewer where you can retain all your rights. I’ve gotten tired of the constant hustle and trying to get by the gatekeepers so I decided to try Zoop. With Zoop, I can do the book the way we want. It’s a great way to get books out.
BD: In addition to the graphic novel, the campaign will include a soundtrack created by Monica Richards (Faith and the Muse) and Anthony Roumanis. As a writer and musician, how do you feel that the soundtrack may further enhance the reader’s experience of the story?
SN: I think music can drastically change a reading experience by creating tension, excitement and overall adding to the drama. Monica and Anthony are perfect for this soundtrack. This is what they do! I’m very excited to see what people think.
BD: Are there any other projects – past or current – that you would like to highlight for our readers?
SN: I’m working on a slate of books right now aside from Heartbreak Manor. I have an autobiographical comic coming out in September called Take It Back: Life, Anxiety and Gray Matter about life and my days playing music in the DC punk scene in the ’80s and ’90s. I also have a new Cal McDonald short story collection coming from Clover Press. It will be a Kickstarter beginning in July.
BD: Lastly, what is the best way for our readers to support the Zoop campaign for Heartbreak Manor?
SN: Until the campaign launches the best way to support us is by signing up here.
