We chat with author Kalynn Bayron about Tell The Ghosts I’m Gone, which is a new horror novel about a group of teens with unique-and potentially deadly-gifts. PLUS you can read an excerpt at the end of the interview!
Hi, Kalynn! Welcome back! How have you been since we spoke last September for the release of Make Me A Monster?
Things are good! Just trying to stay busy! I have lots of projects in the pipeline. I’m grateful for the work and for the readers who continue to pick up my work.
Your latest novel, Tell the Ghosts I’m Gone, is out now! If you could only describe it in five words, what would they be?
Paranormal. Mystery. Scary. Strange. Meaningful.
What can readers expect?
I’m once again leaning into the strange and unusual. This time with a group of teens who have paranormal abilities and are in the ghost hunting business. This is a mystery but with a paranormal edge and the horror vibes my readers know me for.
Where did the inspiration for Tell the Ghosts I’m Gone come from?
It sounds wild, but it was a combination of my love for the musical Annie, my guilty pleasure of watching ghost hunting shows, and my habit of always working in found family somehow! I love Annie and I thought, “What if all those kids had weird, paranormal abilities?”. It was a weird sort of thought process but that’s where my best ideas come from—a musical, a horror element, and something that touches the heart.
Were there any moments or characters you really enjoyed writing or exploring?
I loved writing Ossie’s character. He’s such a cutie. And I have a severe fear of mice and rats so giving him the ability to control those particular creatures was like me working through my own issues (I still don’t like them!).
Did you face any challenges whilst writing? How did you overcome them?
I really wanted to strike a balance between the heart of the story and the more supernatural or paranormal elements. I love a good scary story so sometimes I got a little carried away with those horror threads. I had to pull back and refocus on the characters because nothing else matters if we don’t care about them. I’m glad that I’ve come to a point in my writing career where I can recognize those things for myself and make the correction early on. I’m always learning. Always trying to be a better writer. The challenges are what allow me to grow.
As we head towards the spooky season, what are three paranormal books, movies, or shows you love?
Oh there are so many! I think the first Paranormal Activity movie stands out. It really left a mark! I also love the Blair Witch Project and the original Poltergeist. I have a laundry list of others but those are some of my faves!
What’s the best and worst writing advice you’ve received?
The best advice at this point in my career is to write the story you want to tell versus writing toward a trend. I try to write things I’d want to read no matter what’s trending. The worst advice I’ve seen is to take reviews as critique. Those are two very different things and I think it’s best to receive critique from people you trust want the best for you. Reviews are for readers. Full stop.
What’s next for you?
I have another YA slasher novel out next year alongside the second Olive Oakes book for my MG readers. My adult debut is also making its way into the world next year. It’s a horror novel too! I’m doing all the spooky things next year!
Lastly, what books are you looking forward to picking up? Any you’ve read so far this year that you’ve enjoyed?
Daggermouth by HM Wolfe was great! I’m looking forward to Strike a Chord by Bri Monet. Knave and the Moon by Rachel Gillig and Our Strange Duet by Erin A. Craig are next up on my TBR.
Will you be picking up Tell the Ghosts I’m Gone? Tell us in the comments below!
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