Pride in Horror Month Profile: Karen Lucia
Karen Lucia
Writer & DHR Contributor
Social Media:
Website / TikTok / Instagram / Goodreads Author Profile
Bio
Karen is a Minneapolis author. The long Minnesota winters taught her the value of a good story. Growing up on authors like Piers Anthony and Ursula K LeGuin, she developed an interest in Science Fiction and Fantasy that has shaped her writing today. Throughout her life, Karen has had a small handful of adventures that help her craft the stories she writes, ranging from her time abroad, to becoming a mother, or her years spent as an Army Officer, working on a mass casualty response force, and her time in cybersecurity. Always on the hunt for strong female leads, Karen decided to write some of her own leading to the Warriors of Helsvern series. THE GOLDEN VALIA is her debut novel and the first book in the Warriors of Helsvern.
What drew you to horror?
It is not so much horror that I am drawn to as it is to speculative fiction with darker themes. I like that stories with a little darkness in them tend to feel more realistic. They don’t shy away from what is happening in the world or try to sweep the darker aspects of life under the rug. It allows for a medium to explore some of these darker areas outside of the context of real life.
I feel like most authors would agree that writing is a means of processing and coping, and dark speculative fiction is such a great place to do the work. My latest novella, A Second Life Worth Living, is very driven by a darker dread fuelled by the current situation in our world. Funeral Singer is all about finding purpose and moving forward in your life. I tend to be drawn to novellas, both in my reading and writing, thanks to their ability to offer a focused medium to explore a specific theme or thought.
All that said, I do love a good zombie movie or vampire book. All the better if there is a little comedy mixed in to help even out my rocketing pulse.
What are your biggest inspirations?
I think Mass Effect. The game just came in at the right time in my life and had a lasting hold for me. I love RPGs and being able to explore the story through my decisions. They help keep my creativity alive.
What’s one piece of advice you wish you’d known when starting?
For my writing, I wish I had adhered better to the advice to just write and keep the editing for the editing phase. At the beginning I had the tendency to write a bit, then edit, then write, then edit. It slowed down the drafting process significantly.
What is your favourite queer book/film/podcast etc?
For a novella, I have to shout out We’re All Monsters Here by Amy Marsden, a fun fast paced sapphic vampire novella where you are rooting for the vampire to win. I really enjoy Ashley Gavin, so her podcast We’re Having Gay Sex is one of my go to podcasts for a laugh.
Pride in Horror is all about celebrating our queer community! So is there anyone you want to shout out to who has helped along your own journey?
E. Wambheim is not only a great friend, they are also an amazing author. They tend to write cozy ace romance, which isn’t my usual read, but they do it so darn well I just can’t help but enjoy their work.
