Katherine Silva is a Maine author of dark fiction, a connoisseur of coffee, and victim of cat shenanigans. She is a two-time Maine Literary Award finalist for speculative fiction and a member of the Horror Writers of Maine, Maine Writers and Publishers Alliance, and New England Horror Writers Association. Katherine is also the founder of Strange Wilds Press, Dark Taiga Creative Writing Consultations and The Kat at Night Blog.
We chat with author Katherine Silva about The Wild Dark, along with writing, book recommendations, and more!
You can find Katherine on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Goodreads, and Bookbub, along with at her website.
Hi, Katherine! Can you tell our readers a bit about yourself?
I’m Katherine Silva, Maine author of dark fiction, connoisseur of coffee, and victim of crazy cat shenanigans.
When did you first discover your love for writing?
I used to love drawing and making picture books as a kid before I could even write. At a young age, I developed a fascination with story-telling and loved creating characters and worlds for them to inhabit.
Quick lightning round! Tell us the first book you ever remember reading, the one that made you want to become an author, and one that you can’t stop thinking about!
The first book I remember reading on my own was Tosca’s Christmas by Matthew Sturgis. The one that made me want to become an author (especially of dark fiction) is Amelia Atwater-Rhodes’ Demon In My View. The one I can’t stop thinking about is Wilder Girls by Rory Power! I want a sequel!
Your new novel, The Wild Dark, is out October 12th 2021! If you could only describe it in five words, what would they be?
Ghosts. Forests. Apocalyptic. New England.
What can readers expect?
THE WILD DARK is about ex-cop who must survive an apocalyptic forest merging with her world while being tethered to the ghost of her dead partner.
Where did the inspiration for The Wild Dark come from?
A combination of the New England woods, art by Polish artist Zdzislaw Beksinski, Fringe, and The Walking Dead were all inspirations for the concept of this book.
Can you tell us about any challenges you faced while writing and how you were able to overcome them?
My challenge has always been time. I work a full-time job, try to manage a social life, take care of an 1890’s cape, and market my own work. I spend close to 60+ hours a week working. I also have anxiety issues, so that also adds to the daily stress when something goes awry or I don’t have time to work on things. I have a pretty amazing support system of close friends and family who know when I need to lock myself up in my office and write.
Were there any favourite moments or characters you really enjoyed writing or exploring?
Getting to explore the depths of my main characters’ friendship, its light and dark moments and delving into situations that test that relationship was the most interesting thing to write. Another favorite moment to write in the book was the characters going into “The Woods” finally and what they discover there…
What’s the best and the worst writing advice you have received?
The best writing advice I’ve gotten was to not take things personally when it comes to reviews or opinions. I’m thankful that I haven’t had a lot of bad advice in my career and if I have, I’ve not held onto the memory of it.
What’s next for you?
I’m currently at work on the sequel to The Wild Dark. I’m also working on a follow-up novel to my novella, The Collection, which is a cross between Downton Abbey and House of Leaves.
Lastly, do you have any book recommendations for our readers?
Some of the best novels I’ve read in the past year have been The Return by Rachel Harrison, The Only Good Indians by Stephen Graham Jones, Wilder Girls by Rory Power, and Dark Blood Comes From the Feet by Emma J. Gibbon. I’d also advise you to try someone you’ve never heard of before! There are some amazing works coming out from indie presses and never-before-published authors. Give them a chance. You might discover someone new to love!
Sounds like the perfect read for cool October evenings! Can’t wait!