Ladies of the Fright: Tell us a little about yourself. Where are you in the world and what is it like?
Alexis Henderson: Right now, I live in Charleston, South Carolina. It’s a really gorgeous city, right on the water with stunning beaches and marshland. But at the same time Charleston, like much of the south, is a place that feels very haunted by its past.
LOTF: When in your life did you start to get into horror?
AH: I think I've always had a fascination with dark things, but when I was a young teenager I began to really indulge in the things that frightened me. But I think what really spurred my horror obsession was my desire to conquer my fears, or at the very least confront them through the horror media I consumed.
LOTF: What was the first thing you remember writing and how old were you?
AH: I started keeping a journal at five or six years old and I still have it to this day!
LOTF: Tell us about your book! We'd love to know your book journey.
AH: The Year of the Witching is a dark fantasy/horror novel that follows Immanuelle Moore a young shepherdess who lives in Bethel, a secluded, cult-like community that is ruled by a Holy Prophet. One day Immanuelle is lured into the forbidden Darkwood that surrounds her home. There she encounters the spirits of four dead witches, and through them, she uncovers dark secrets about the Prophet and his church. I wrote it during my senior year of college, and I'm thrilled that it's found its way into the hands of readers!
LOTF: A lot of people have been having a hard time finding their creative muse this year. How has your experience been?
AH: I, like many other authors and creators, have struggled creatively. I feel like there are so many pressing issues that actively compete for my attention, and sometimes it can be hard to hone in on my work.
LOTF: Do you have any upcoming projects you would like to discuss?
AH: I can't say too much, but right now I'm writing the (yet untitled) sequel to The Year of the Witching!
LOTF: Do you have a favorite monster? And why have they stolen your heart?
AH: I don't know that he's stolen my heart, but I'm a big fan of The Pale Man from Guillermo Del Toro's Pan's Labyrinth. I think that the way that monster embodies the depravity of our own world, and the structures that govern it, is equal parts disturbing and brilliant.
Thank you so much, Alexis! We’re looking forward to reading The Year of the Witching. Stay dark and stormy.