1). Tell us a bit about yourself.
I’m a huge fan of creating and being creative. The stories I’m interested in telling include things like horror, adventure, monsters as well as a strong push for character diversity. In addition to novels, short stories and comics, I have have also sang lead vocals on 2 albums with the band Enchanted Exile and co-host a fun nostalgia podcast on The Darkening Network, called Retro Ridoctopus!
2). Who is your favorite vampire author?
Going to have to go with Sheridan Le Fanu for his marvelous vampire novella "Carmilla". Not only did Le Fanu's story inspire Stoker to write "Dracula", it also handles homosexuality rather well. Despite the story being published in 1872, Carmilla's sexuality is worked rather integrally into the plot.
3). If you had the choice, would you be a vampire?
Sexy forever, romantic, secret society type? Sure. Problem is, as I writer, I'm much more interested in the monstrous depictions of the blood sucker. That sort gets a hard no from me.
4). Who is your favorite vampire?
Since I desperately love horror heroes, I’ll say either Vampire Hunter D or Alucard from Castlevania.
5). What do you like the most about Slay?
Not only is SLAY pushing diversity in spec fiction, but it happens to be in the same sort of vein as my first two novels. Vampires like we don't usually get to see them. Something familiar with an original twist. And with 29 talented authors, the stories get to run the gamut from romantic to truly terrifying, all while focusing on black characters. It’s awesome.
6). What inspired you to write No God But Hunger?
I first heard about SLAY when an author friend (who is familiar with my books) forwarded a link, declaring that I “had to submit something”. After gasping audibly, I knew my submission could had to be the first Predator World tie-in. I've always wanted to expand my existing post-apocalyptic vampire universe in the form of short stories. By design, "The Bone Eater King" and "Marrow Dust" are both narrow in scope, but the world they inhabit has plenty of corners to explore.
7). Tell us a bit about your story.
My story “No God But Hunger” is a direct prequel to "The Bone Eater King". The main character here is an Ugandan woman called Rè—one of my main characters from both books. The story chronicles a hunt. Showing us what sort of prey is left in a post-apocalyptic Tanzania, and why hunting at night is a very bad idea.
8). What do you hope accomplish with your story?
I always endeavor to show people something they haven't already read or seen a million times before. Horror, yes, but also pulpy adventure where the stakes are high and the reader's heart is free to race with the characters. Also, I really enjoy dissecting some of the most cliche'd vampire lore!
9). Will there be more stories of Re'?
After writing five novels (2 of with are still on the shelf) Rè is the character of mine that I am most proud of. As far as the novels go, I feel her story concluded in “Marrow Dust” but I would love to explore her life with more short stories.
10). How do we keep up with all things Steve Van Samson?
Find me on Facebook @SVanSamson, on Twitter @SteveVansamson and throw me some horns \,,/! My stuff is available on Amazon and www.roughhousepublishing.com!
11). What advice would you give to Slay readers about this anthology?
Buy a copy! Heck, buy ten of ‘em and gift nine away! Every horror fan should be aware of this awesomely progressive book that I still can't believe I got to be a part of!
To read No God But Hunger by Steve Van Samson and the other amazing stories in this fantastic anthology, preorder your e-book today!
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