Lucky 13 Interview With Shaun Hamill

1 – Can you start by telling us a little about your current book?

A Cosmology of Monsters is a literary horror novel about a family that runs a haunted house, and the monsters—both figurative and literal—that haunt them. Told from the perspective of the family’s youngest child, Noah, the novel charts the Turners’ fortunes across nearly fifty years. It’s a horror novel for people who don’t normally read horror, a literary novel for people who don’t read literary fiction, and a love story for people who don’t necessarily read romance.

2 – Are you a plotter or a panster?

I’ve always been a bit of a hybrid. I like to make some general notes before I start writing, ask myself questions like “what is this book about?” And “what do these characters want?” From there I try to plan a little, outlining maybe a few chapters ahead, with a general idea of where it’s all heading. That way I know what I’m writing every day when I sit down to write. I try to give myself permission to break away from my plan whenever I think of something interesting. This sometimes leads me down blind alleys, but sometimes I get something really interesting out of it. Right now I’m trying to plot an entire novel for the first time, and it’s an interesting experience. I’ll be curious to see if it speeds up the writing process for me, and if so, if I’m as happy with the end result!

3 – Savoury or sweet?

Savoury all day long.

4 – Three books to a desert Island. Go!

Jonathan Strange and Mr Norrell, The Magicians, IT

5 – Star Wars or Star Trek?

Star Wars. I like Star Trek too, but I have a deep-seated love of Star Wars that not even the prequels could destroy. It’s in my DNA.

6 – Music or silence when writing?

Music, usually film and TV scores. Stuff with lots of emotion and no words. Sometimes I also listen to rainstorm albums/apps if I need to block out noise but don’t feel like music.

7 – You’re a professional wrestler. What would your ring name be?

David Flincher

8 – If you could live anywhere in the world, and take everything that you love with you, where would you choose?

I’m basically a hobbit who’s never left the Shire, so I’m not sure. Canada seems nice (and sort of America-ish, which appeals to my homebody nature), but I’d also like to explore some of Europe. Ask me again in another few years, when hopefully the book has given me the opportunity to see more of the world!

9 - Your favourite karaoke song?

I’m terrified of singing in public, so I don’t have one! I do love watching people have fun with their favorite songs, though.

10 – One piece of advice to an aspiring writer?

Get on the reading committee of a literary magazine or literary prize. They’re always hungry for eager volunteers. You’ll read so much fiction—good and bad—that you’ll get a real feel for what to do and not do in your own work.

11 – You win £1 million, but you must give half to charity. Which charity do you chose, and what do you do with the rest of the money?

I’d probably give it to TAPS, the no-kill shelter in Pekin, Illinois where my wife and I adopted our dog. They do really good work there, and that money could probably keep them operating (or even expand their operations) for years and years. The rest of the money I’d use in a completely boring, adult way, to expunge my and my wife’s student loan debt and maybe buy a house for us. Also I’d use it to travel, since, as mentioned above, I’ve never really been anywhere!

12 – Horror films, yes or no? If so, any favourites?

Yes, absolutely. I’m pretty basic, so Halloween and Alien are my favorites. Ghostbusters as well, since it is technically a horror movie. I loved the recent IT, the found footage film Lovely Molly, both of Ari Aster’s recent films, Rosemary’s Baby, Get Out. Mandy was a revelation.

13 - What are you currently working on?

I’m outlining a new novel right now. I just finished a draft this morning. After I clean it up I’ll send it to my agent and see if he likes it or if he wants changes. Hopefully I’ll start actually writing the book before the end of the year.

I’m also toying around with a couple of screenplays, a TV pilot, and some comic book ideas, although those might not go anywhere. The novel is the main thing right now. Hopefully I’ll have more to share about the next project soon!