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 Sophie Ingley!
Sophie Ingley writes horror and scribbles spooky stuff.
She is the author of Eeriella:Super Fiend!, and Lost Lyrics for Ominous Music, a collection of dark poetry and art.
Three of Sophie’s favourite things are coffee, the smell of books, and the sound of rain against her window on a day off.
Follow her online. It could be fun.
@SophieIngley (Twitter)
@sophieingley (Instagram)
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 an avid reader at school, and enjoyed creative writing in my English classes. My English teacher encouraged me to write in my spare time, so I’d often jot down story ideas. Most of my notes were for horror stories. No surprise there!
But, it was after reading a few Shaun Hutson books when I thought I’d really like to give horror writing a shot. It took me a few years and many false starts, but I eventually found my style and managed to write a complete story! After that, I just kept on trying until I’d finished something I thought was worthy of publishing!
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?
I think my writing strength is how I mash genres together to create something fresh and exciting, I hope! I’d probably describe my writing as LGBTQ Horror/Bizarro/Dark Comedy/Sci-Fi. Quite a mix, right? But I feel it really works!
I definitely like my stories to be horrific, scary, and gory, but I also like to inject them with humour. To have a reader laughing one moment and be grossed-out the next is my aim, and readers have told me I’ve been successful with that!
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?
I think it’s easier to publish your own work these days, and there are many cool indie publishers doing some really fab stuff.
However, I think it’s hard to get noticed, as there is a lot of talent out there, and all of these voices are reaching out to be noticed and read.
I believe perseverance and patience are two qualities all indie writers need. Plus a genuine love for writing stories. Don’t stop creating and keep on shouting! I firmly believe you’ll find your audience. It’s just a matter of time. Remember, Peeps: have patience!
Tell us about your work. What story are you most proud of?
I’m still quite a new voice in the Horror scene, so every new thing I write is the one I’m most proud of. I’d like to think that I’m improving with each story. Fingers crossed for that!
My current WIP and next release is my usual mix of strong female leads, gory violence, and some laugh-out-loud moments. It’s called 666 Zombie Apocalypses, and features some very unusual undead!
The novella is now on its third rewrite, and I reckon its shaping up to be something real fun. So yeah, that’s the one I’m currently most proud of.
What are your upcoming works and plans for the future?
I’m lucky to have stories featured in four very cool anthologies to be published in 2024. As well as that, I’m working on three novellas and two collaborations. I like to keep busy! Fingers crossed, at least two of the projects im working on will see publication this year. Wish me luck!
KANDISHA PRESS 
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