We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Meg Hafdahl . We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Meg below.

Meg , looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Can you tell us about a time that your work has been misunderstood? Why do you think it happened and did any interesting insights emerge from the experience?

It’s funny, I have had many people surprised that I’m a horror writer once they’ve met me. There’s this idea that people who like dark and spooky things are maybe difficult, unhappy people. Which is so untrue! Overall, people in the horror community are delightful. And I happen to be a pretty smiley, enthusiastic person which can throw off those who think horror equals horrible. Horror in general is a very misunderstood genre. Some people think it’s a narrow window where only slashers and ditzy victims live but it is SO much more than that; it’s empathetic, tragic, funny, human. I see it as my mission to change minds about the power of horror.

Meg , before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

I’m an author of horror fiction, both short stories and novels, as well as a screenwriter and audio play writer. And I’ve written six non-fiction books on the subject of horror, so, yeah that’s my “niche.” I’m also passionate about how women are portrayed in my favorite genre, and make a point to include complicated, authentic females in all that I do, whether they be fictional portrayals or real women who I interview for our non-fiction work. I work on not only expanding my oeuvre in books, but am also in the process of developing television shows, and have been known to put on presentations on the subject of horror, and am learning how to take over the world through media one day at a time!

What can society do to ensure an environment that’s helpful to artists and creatives?

Recently I was moderating a panel populated by horror authors, film directors, actors, and producers. A question from the audience brought forth the notion of AI, and how as creatives we feel about this oncoming technology. Every creative on the panel expressed that, yes, AI can write stories, but it lacks humanity, which is something we provide. And I really, truly, believe in the end (I’m a half-glass full type of person) that humans want art from other humans. AI art is fun, AI stories are passable, but from the first moment of human expression we have been drawn to express ourselves. People thought bookstores were no longer going to exist, and at least here in my state they are thriving, especially the independent variety. Keep supporting the creatives you love. Shop local, attend art shows, and if you don’t have money to spend, re-tweet or share a Facebook post for others.

Are there any books, videos or other content that you feel have meaningfully impacted your thinking?

I’m a big fan of Gretchen Rubin. Her books, particularly her book The Four Tendencies, have taught me a lot. In Four Tendencies, she breaks down the four types of people in this world (obviously this is oversimplification) but what I took from it was to actually lean into who I am. I tend to be someone who needs a different schedule every day, while some need rigid routine. Both are valid, I just need to work to make my natural tendencies work for me, rather than try to force myself to become a rigid, super organized person. I also recommend her newest book Life in Five Senses. It’s a really great look into slowing down and metaphorically smelling the roses (and literally, too!)

Contact Info:

• Website: Meghafdahl.com
• Instagram: @MegHafdahl
• Facebook: Meg Hafdahl; Horror Author
• Twitter: @MegHafdahl

Image Credits
Katrina Hanneman