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Creating A Meta Narrative
Broken Hearts & Other Horrors is an anthology of horror stories focused on broken hearts and showing that sometimes a lost love is the least of your worries. What was the inspiration for this collection?
The inspiration came organically. Originally, there were only 10 stories but when my editor, Kayla Randolph, suggested the title Broken Hearts & Other Horrors I realized there was this connection of unrequited love running through the stories. Which inspired me to write “Past is Prologue” and “The Conversation” as bookends to the collection, creating a meta narrative throughline.
I read an article about how Victorian era novels and anthologies had illustrations and sometimes the author would have their illustrator sneak in details that were not in the text. This inspired me to start bringing back the illustrated book for grown-ups. I contacted Corey Galal and spoke to him about the project and what I wanted to do and he eagerly joined my production team! I’m looking forward to audience feedback to see if this works!
Are you a fan of the Gothic Fiction genre? What books do you think most influenced your work?
Yes. In terms of the influences on this collection, there are many: Shirley Jackson, Joyce Carol Oates, Frank R. Stockton, and Bram Stoker. Other inspirations come from random places. “Dokkaebi” is a retelling of a traditional Korean folk tales that I found in a collection when I was stationed in South Korea. Finally, the final story and narrative capstone “The Conversation” is inspired by Edgar Allan Poe’s “The Conversation of Eiros and Charmion”.
The artwork that is incorporated adds an extra layer to the horror and really brings the reader into the stories. What was the collaboration process like working with the illustrator Corey Galal?
I would highly recommend other indie or hybrid authors work with illustrators. Not only does it add a unique visual appeal, but it is just incredible seeing another artist bring your creation to life. There were a few stories that I had something specific in mind, but for the most part I was excited to see what parts of the stories he would pull from. I was never disappointed.
We’re continuing his illustrations in my next novel, A Mother’s Torment (release date: September 1, 2023), and I don’t think our fans are going to be disappointed.
Do you have more horror story collections planned? If so, when can your fans expect your next book?
I have two in mind, but they’re only in the conception phase. My ideas are either a collection of creative nonfiction stories that explore the history of UFOs in America or really digging into my influences in a collection I’d title Echoes.
But right now I’m finishing production on my first novel A Mother’s Torment and writing the first draft of Pea Ridge. I’m writing a novel based on a story in Broken Hearts & Other Horrors that became a 3-part story on the “Fear From The Heartland” creepypasta podcast.
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Broken Hearts & Other Horrors
In Broken Hearts & Other Horrors, readers embark on an extraordinary journey that delves into the devastating aftermath of heartbreak. Through a skillful interplay of diverse timelines and universes, this book offers a profound exploration of the universal experience of having one’s heart shattered, while venturing into chilling realms where the consequences of love’s demise take an unsettling turn.
Within the pages of this captivating work, Xavier Poe Kane artfully transports us to 17th-century Hungary, where hardened mercenaries grapple with the anguish of lost love amidst a backdrop of violence and chaos. Simultaneously, in present-day Missouri, a transplant embarks on a treacherous path towards healing, only to discover that heartbreak can manifest in unimaginable and gruesome ways.
Kane’s writing style is utterly captivating, further enriched by the inclusion of eerie drawings throughout the various sections and chapters. This unconventional approach to storytelling seamlessly weaves together multiple narratives that explore personal horrors spanning years, even decades. Such a refreshing approach effectively captivated my interest, keeping me enthralled until the very last page. The array of diverse stories serves as a testament to the author’s ingenuity, continually captivating the reader’s attention and leaving them yearning for more. Kane’s vivid details expertly painted vivid pictures in my mind, reminiscent of watching a compelling and spine-chilling movie. Although the stories are concise and conclude abruptly, they are meticulously crafted, offering a terrifying glimpse into the depths of heartbreak and horror. The author’s decision to incorporate several short stories into a single volume, each brimming with heartbreak and terror, showcases an unparalleled stroke of creativity. The unpredictable nature of the stories, always taking unexpected turns, adds an element of excitement and anticipation to this thrilling read.
By spanning different eras and centuries, Broken Hearts & Other Horrors masterfully keeps the reader engrossed, eagerly yearning to uncover more spine-chilling tales. The author’s unique writing style, combined with the chilling images throughout the book, breathes life into each story, further enhancing their impact. Undoubtedly, this book is a true masterpiece that merits revisiting, and I eagerly await future works from this talented author.
Pages: 280 | ISBN : 1087963362
LITERARY TITAN 