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Thrilling Scares
Chimaera and Other Stories is a collection of Flash Fiction for fans of psychological horror with a sharp, bloody edge. What was the inspiration for this collection of stories?
The inspiration for Chimaera and Other Stories came from growing up immersed in horror. As a child, I watched a lot of horror films. The first one I remember seeing was A Nightmare on Elm Street. But it wasn’t only films. I also read R.L. Stine’s Goosebumps series in primary school and the darker, more gothic tales of Edgar Allan Poe like “The Tell-Tale Heart.” I’ve always been captivated by how horror lingers in the mind and leaves a lasting impact long after the lights go out.
What intrigues you about the horror genre that led you to write this book?
As H.P. Lovecraft said, “The oldest and strongest emotion of mankind is fear, and the oldest and strongest kind of fear is fear of the unknown.” Writing this book allowed me to tap into that primal instinct, crafting narratives that explore the unsettling, the gruesome, and the terrors lurking in the unknown.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
I explored many themes in this collection in order to give it a “pick and mix” feel. But my main focus was more on form than themes. I wanted to craft something for people who crave that sense of fear but don’t have the time or patience for a full-length novel. Life is busy, and I understand how difficult it is to find time to read between responsibilities. I wanted to write stories under fifteen hundred words that deliver thrilling scares without the need for hours of commitment.
What is the next book that you are working on and when will it be available?
I’ve almost finished writing another collection of flash horror stories. While I don’t have a specific release date yet, I’m eager to create new narratives that will continue to unsettle and engage readers. I’ll be sharing updates with members of my mailing list, which you can join through my website, as the book progresses.
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Winner of the 2024 Literary Titan Gold Book Award
Chimaera and Other Stories
Horror can come in many forms; sometimes, it’s visceral and gory, and other times, it digs deep into the mind. Chimaera and Other Stories by Steven Bruce gives readers a mix of both. In the titular story “Chimaera,” a woman trapped in a crumbling relationship is haunted by terrifying hallucinations. Elsewhere, a teenager’s life unravels after encountering a mysterious creature, while a pair of kidnappers find themselves battling a monstrous force in a secluded cabin. In another unsettling tale, a restaurant owner prepares a meal for an engaged couple who aren’t at all what they seem. Each story is a doorway to sleepless nights, and Bruce doesn’t hold back in making sure you regret opening them.
This collection of Flash Fiction reminds me of the dark genius of Stephen King or Clive Barker, particularly the latter’s Books of Blood series. Bruce has a sharp eye for detail and doesn’t shy away from taking his readers to some truly gruesome places. If you’re easily disturbed, be warned—stories like “Voila” and “Gristle,” both centering on the horrors of food gone wrong, will churn your stomach in the best possible way. Just when you think you know where a tale might lead, Bruce twists it, often to the grisliest extremes, relishing the macabre journey. But it’s not all blood and guts. The title story, “Chimaera,” stands out for its psychological horror, which makes it even more unnerving. Unlike some of the other entries, this one sneaks up on you with its subtler approach. Anyone who’s been in a doomed relationship will recognize the protagonist’s growing paranoia and doubt, making it a truly relatable nightmare. It’s this slow descent into madness, rather than overt terror, that leaves the most lasting impression.
This collection offers plenty to devour for readers who enjoy exploring the darkest corners of the mind and are unfazed by a bit of bloodshed. Steven Bruce dives fearlessly into horror’s most unsettling depths, and the results are nothing short of chilling. Chimera and Other Stories should be at the top of your reading list if you’re a fan of psychological horror with a sharp, bloody edge.
Pages: 40
LITERARY TITAN 