Oliver C. Seneca

My older brother, Rich, is an avid reader and a huge Stephen King fan. At a time when I wasn't much of a reader myself, he suggested I pick up one of his favorite novels, The Long Walk by Richard Bachman, Stephen King's early pen name. I was immediately captivated by the story and its characters. It left such an impression on me that I began outlining my own novel shortly afterward, which eventually became my first published book, When the Sky Goes Dark. Around that same time, I was also heavily inspired by horror films and video games, especially Resident Evil and Silent Hill.

Of course, I love horror authors such as Stephen King, Dean Koontz, Dathan Auerbach, Jerry Roth, and R.L. Stine, but I draw just as much inspiration from writers outside the genre, including Cormac McCarthy, J.D. Salinger, Steven Grier Williams, and John Steinbeck. As for favorite books, I'd have to say The Shining, Of Mice and Men, Leaving Las Vegas, and Interview with the Vampire.

I'd like readers to know that my stories are deeply character-driven. While there are certainly frightening and horrific things lurking in the worlds I create, my focus is always on the people at the center of them. I'm interested in their lives, their histories, their relationships, and how they endure the darkness surrounding them.

Great question! I'd have to say my favorite characters are the sisters Megan and Dianne Willis from my third novel, Shaded Grove. Their relationship was heavily inspired by the one I share with my older brother. We've always had very different personalities, and while we don't always see eye to eye, we've always been able to come together when it matters most. I think Megan and Dianne are the most authentic relationship I've written.

I plan to continue writing the stories I want to write and creating characters that feel compelling and real. I hope to stay consistent, continue improving my craft, and make each book better than the last in some way.