Matthew Fries - dReadCon Author Spotlight

dReadCon is just around the corner and we are thrilled to welcome this Canadian author!

Tell us a little bit about yourself, what books we can expect to see at dReadCon, and where we can find you on social media.

Matthew Fries is a graduate of the Creative Writing program at York University. He has published many short stories in Canada, the US, and the UK. Working in multiple genres, his heart always returns to horror and comedy (ofttimes the two at once). Proud husband and father, he works at his craft and tries to be the best storyteller he can be. He is the author of three books, The Sick Box, The Rabbit Hole, and Blood, Then Water. Check out his website at www.mindmush.ca for different wasy to connect.

●     Do you have a favourite character you have written? If so, what book are they in and will it be at dReadCon?

My favourite character I have written is Karen. She is a demon who escaped from hell and does not want to return home. Dripping in cynicism and sarcasm, she’s a lovable anti-hero who cares about the little girl she must possess. Yes, she will be at dReadCon appearing in The Sick Box and The Rabbit Hole.

●     What’s the biggest misconception about horror authors or dark fiction?

That horror can’t be funny. That horror authors are all about blood and guts and gore. Horror can be hilarious. Intentionally, or unintentionally, from a nervous laugh, to a full-blown belly laugh, or just breaking down at the absurdity of an 80’s film like Basketcase or Re-animator. There’s so much humour to be found in horror and I want to embrace it.

●     If readers take away one thing from your books, what do you hope it is?

I just want readers to read a well-written book with an entertaining story that has some heart to it. I want readers to think, ‘that’s a cool, original take on some well-loved tropes.’

●     What trope do you secretly love, even if it’s cliché?

The lazy security guard. It’s always the lazy, half-drunk security guard that lets the zombies out of their enclosure. In fact, all zombie tropes are my favourite.

●     How do you keep readers engaged when crafting slow-burning suspense?

I like a well-written story. Take Joyce Carol Oates, for example. I like to keep the reader engaged by shaping the words into something unsettling. Keep the language crisp and engaging, that is what I strive for. Words, to me, are the everything. I’d watch a movie if I just cared about the craft of storytelling. It’s the words that get to me that keep me reading.