GREETINGS, BOOKWORMS! I’m Aisha Kandisha, Head Librarian at Kandisha Press. Join me in the dusty stacks of the library I will never leave again as I chat with some of my favorite Women in Horror. Today we feature author V. Castro!
V.Castro is a two-time Bram Stoker Award nominated Mexican American writer from San Antonio, Texas now residing in the UK. She writes horror, erotic horror, and science fiction. Her books include The Haunting of Alejandra, Alien: Vasquez, Mestiza Blood, The Queen of the Cicadas, Out of Aztlan, Las Posadas, Rebel Moon and Goddess of Filth.
Her forthcoming novel is Immortal Pleasures from Del Rey. Connect with Violet via Instagram and Twitter @vlatinalondon or www.vcastrostories.com. She can also be found on Blue Sky, Goodreads and Amazon. TikTok@vcastrobooks
What made you want to become an author? Did you have an “Aha!” moment when you knew you were born to write? Or perhaps a beloved book inspired you?
I was a stay at home mother when I began writing. There was a gap in my life that had to be filled. Writing did that for me. Never did I think it would take off the way it has, but I had an insatiable passion for it which led me to persevere through the hard times.
What do you believe are your strengths in writing? And when you feel you need to improve on a particular writing skill, how do you go about it?
My strength in writing is my voice. I want to be my authentic self and write what I want. I can always improve my writing. Every editor makes me stronger in my craft and I greatly appreciate them. Books are evolving creatures.
What are your thoughts on the book industry today, or more importantly, about the book community? Do you feel it is getting harder or easier to make it as an independent author these days?
The horror community is very supportive place. I’ve met so great friends there. Yes, there are bad apples that are shady, but that is anywhere. Readers on social media are fantastic with their shares and creativity when it comes to posts. I appreciate them so very much.
It can be a little harder as people begin to feel social media burnout. However, you just keep consistent. People will find your work in other ways.
Tell us about your work. What story are you most proud of?
I write horror, erotic horror, and science fiction. I’m branching out into other areas so watch this space!
I’m proud of everything because they all touch on different aspects of my culture, identity, creatures, folklore and life.
What are your upcoming works and plans for the future?
Immortal Pleasures is out in April so that can be preordered now. My plan is to keep writing and venture into screenwriting with my own work.
IMMORTAL PLEASURES will be released on April 16th, 2024! CLICK HERE TO ORDER
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