We chat with author Abe Moss about Morsels, which is a fast-paced psychological horror, with elements of body horror, following the unflappable Connie as she fights to survive the monsters posing as her boyfriend’s family.
Hi, Abe! Can you tell our readers a bit about yourself?
I’m 35 years old and I’ve been writing scary stories since I was about six! Horror and storytelling have been my passions for as long as I can remember. I’ve written close to thirty novels now, and the ideas for new stories haven’t stopped coming yet, so I’ll probably write at least thirty more, give or take.
When did you first discover your love for writing and stories?
In the first grade. I still remember my teacher, Mrs. Dole, reading us The Teacher from the Black Lagoon and its sequels, and how much those books sparked my love for spooky stories. We’d have “writing time” at the end of class every day, wherein most students wrote about their day. Meanwhile, I used the time to write my own scary knock-offs of those Black Lagoon books, where I incorporated my own classmates into the stories. My teacher let me read the stories aloud in front of the class, and my classmates couldn’t wait for each new story. I was addicted from then on.
Quick lightning round! Tell us:
- The first book you ever remember reading: Before I graduated to Goosebumps, I remember reading Garfield’s Scary Tales.
- The one that made you want to become an author: All the Goosebumps books, for sure.
- The one that you can’t stop thinking about: Lately I can’t stop thinking about Old Soul by Susan Barker!
Your latest novel, Morsels, is out now! If you could only describe it in five words, what would they be?
Meeting the family is scary.
What can readers expect?
Readers can expect the unexpected. Truly, this book goes off the rails. Expect weird, bloody, supernatural shenanigans.
Where did the inspiration for Morsels come from?
A few inspirations. You’re Next was a huge inspiration, especially for Connie’s character. Throw in a little bit of Invasion of the Body Snatchers and Hocus Pocus. And yes, it’s as weird a mix as it sounds.
Were there any moments or characters you really enjoyed writing or exploring?
Riley’s character became much more integral to the story than I first expected, and her experiences largely reshaped what I first imagined the story would be into something much different, for the better. She’s the true heart of the book.
Did you face any challenges whilst writing? How did you overcome them?
I remember really drilling down on how I wanted the story to end, and being undecided on what felt the most natural or made the most sense. In the end, it’s just about considering your characters’ wants and needs, and envisioning how their actions would play out accordingly. They carry their own story.
What’s next for you?
Currently in the editing process for my next book. It’s got haunted, demonic, creaky floorboard vibes, with some seriously dysfunctional family themes layered in there, because of course there are.
Lastly, what books are you looking forward to picking up? Any you’ve read so far this year that you’ve enjoyed?
So many books! My TBR pile is ridiculous. This year my highlights have been Sarafina by Philip Fracassi, You Weren’t Meant to be Human by Andrew Joseph White, and Bone of My Bone by Johanna Van Veen.
