Obsidius Lucas Pederson’s Monster Terror left me exhausted and with chills running down my spine. Pederson’s critically acclaimed writing style has made him the most talked-about horror writer of the decade.
(You can read my review here)
I couldn’t let a sleeping monster lie, so I interviewed Pedersen because I had a sneaking suspicion that he attended a magic writing school for horror writers.
He didn’t.
obviously.
He’s really (insanely?) talented. And he knows how to deal with monsters.
There are also texts.
“Obsidious” is a rare word, and some might argue that the word is outdated. Why did you choose it as a title?
To be honest, at first I thought I had made up the word. A few years ago I wrote a dark YA novel centered around a soul-eating spore I called “obsidious.” It wasn’t until a few months later that I decided to Google the word and discovered that it was real. It was actually an interesting discovery. A few months later, the word and its meaning fit perfectly with a new novel I was writing.
What is the main driving force behind your story?
I wanted to write a story that broke barriers. One that allowed me to take a fresh look at the military horror genre. To break away from the clichés and create something new for my readers and myself.
Why “biometrics”?
You see, I didn’t really set out to write this as a “creature story.” It just happened as I was writing (especially after I pitched the novel to Severed Press). Monsters or creatures came to life in front of me, and I used them, but not for the sake of the story. The story needed to be told, and I let it flow. The story always came first. The creatures were a delightful bonus.
How would you define your writing style?
You know that adage “less is more”? Of course. Almost every writer knows that. And it applies to my style. My style has evolved over the years, and I’ve actually added more content to it now than I did before. Years ago, I was known in our little writing circle for my machine-gun prose style. Quick. Concise. To the point. Straight to your heart. As I’ve grown as a writer, that style has remained, but more fleshed out. Honestly, I’d define my style as: lean and mean, with just enough essence to let the reader’s imagination fly. Because, as the great Stephen King once said (more or less), “It begins in the writer’s imagination, but it should end in the reader’s imagination.”
Would you give up the horror genre? If not, why not?
Oh, yeah. Of course. Horror is my first love, but I write any story that pops into my head and screams “Come here, motherfucker!” Whether it’s teen or adult. Stories from romance (suspense and paranormal) to sci-fi. From dark to mystery to noir and neo-noir. Or even go off and write something more literary. Whatever the story is, man, that’s it.
The characters in Obsidian are all feminist. Why did you choose this route?
It all comes down to me wanting something fresh. Not just to get away from the clichés, but to break the clichés. But that’s not the only reason the characters are female. Unlike most writers, I rarely make an outline. I might write a full synopsis to get a handle on the story, but rarely go all out in an outline. No, female characters come with the story. Naturally. That’s how the story wants to be told.
What are you most afraid of?
High! Falling.
Will there be a sequel to Obsidian?
Yes. Eventually. I have a really great idea for a sequel in my head, so… most likely.
Why should people read your book?
I think if you’re like me and want something original — something creepy and funny but also story-driven — this is the book for you. I also think it speaks volumes about the undeniable power of women. They’re awesome, guys.
What inspired you to create Obsidious?
Three ideas intertwined. An interdimensional being that somehow infiltrated our world. Three women out hunting with their children. A plot twist that echoes Alien and Predator. But more than that, the women in my life inspired me to write this novel. Especially my mom, who is the strongest, most loving woman I know. She would go through hell to save her children.
Who is Lucas Pedersen when he’s not writing?
A horror and action movie fan. A family man who loves his kids beyond words and enjoys going fishing as much as possible. And… he’s a terrible guitar player.
Any advice for readers who are interested in becoming horror writers?
Just write. Make sure you have the basic idea of your story firmly in your mind, and then… just write. Especially horror fiction. Horror is the most organic of all genres in my opinion. It not only taps into fear and darkness, but it should encompass the full range of human emotions. Remember, life doesn’t have a plot, and in most cases, your story shouldn’t have a plot either (if you can help it). Let your stories be what they are meant to be. Let your stories live. Now… write.
