Interview: Horror Author Yvonne Mason
If you’re into true crime, Yvonne Mason’s work shouldn’t be missed. Her ability to translate a story the world thought was over is both necessary and honorable. Mason pulls from strenuous research and intuition. Read on to learn more about who this talented indie author is, and what makes her tick.
With various creative outlets available to you, why write?
I write because I have to. I’ve been writing since I was in first grade. There have always been stories in my head. I see a story in every one and everything. Writing is a way to connect to the past – the present and the future.
There have been those who did not understand my writing- who were critical of my style of writing. However, that never stopped me. There were teachers in school who wanted me to write their way, that did not go well at all. So I use all of that to draw on as I put pen to paper. Life is an outlet for writing. My background in criminal justice is an outlet, my children are an outlet. And then there are the voices in my head which create their own stories and drive me up a wall until I write their story.
Why Horror?
Why Horror you ask. That is a great question. One I have never been asked. First, most of us are afraid of those things we do not understand. We are afraid of evil, we are afraid of things that go bump in the night. We are sometimes afraid of life.
Life is filled with horror. Domestic violence, murders, serial killers, you name it, for example. When we face those horrors and stare them down it makes our life less horrific. When I wrote Silent Scream, which is classified as a true crime, I wrote it with all it’s horror. One of the nasty reviews noted it was too graphic. I laughed. What did the reader want? A dumbed down version because it might offend their delicate senses? But yet, that same person might read one of my fiction horror stories and jump for joy. To the reader it is not real, therefore it does not offend their delicate senses.
Horror is meant to make one stop and think- it reaches to the inner most parts of our psychic- those closed doors that we never want opened. That is why I write horror.
Tell us about your creative process.
My creative process is as eclectic as I am, I may work on a book for a year or more before it is finished. I find a subject that grabs me and I research it to death. I want to make it as real as possible, especially the true crimes.
When the voices start I know better than not to write it like they want it written. If I try to write it like I want to write it, chaos ensues. Over the years I have learned to listen to those characters, they know how they want to be heard. When I do that the story flows faster than I can type. I also do photography and paint, and sometimes my stories come from that avenue.
Sadly, after my husband died in 2018, they went silent. I guess they thought I needed the rest. However, they are slowly returning and wanting to be heard.
Which piece are you most proud of, and why?
There are two pieces I am most proud of. The first one is the reason I am successful, the first work I published. It was over 40 years in the making. It is not horror in the sense one thinks of horror, however, had my mother not been the mother she was with a faith bigger than life, it could have turned out so wrong.
The book is Dream Catcher, Failure Was Never an Option, and it is about my younger brother who is challenged mentally and physically. Had mother believed the doctors, he would not be the successful man he is today. He is my inspiration and my mentor.
My second book is Silent Scream. That was my first true crime and it kept me up at night. The victims are now a part of me. They live in my soul. I have been on TV four times because of their story. I have always said they drive that train.
The story is raw, blunt, and human horror. But it had to be told that way in order for the reader to understand what evil is like. To understand some of what the victims suffered at the hands of a serial killer. That book tore at my soul because it opened up the wounds my husband suffered as the lead investigator on the case. He was the reason for the book. He told me the story and the girls told me to write it. That book became real.
I was on the ID Channel twice, I was on a show in France and one in England, New Zealand and Australia. That book has gotten many mixed reviews because most folks when they read a true crime want a watered down version. It is written from a criminal justice perspective in the order of the crimes . I have told many folks, if you can’t stand the facts, this book is not for you. This book was for the victims – it was their story, and they told it like they wanted it told.
Name some pieces or creators who influence you, and tell how.
The first true crime I ever read was in 7th grade for a book report, In Cold Blood by Truman Capote. I had to write a book report on the book and fought with the teacher all the way through the process. She wanted me to answer the questions the way she wanted them answered, and even at that young age I knew she was wrong.
I had to write it four times. We all know that piece of work. It cemented my desire for writing true crime. At the time I had no idea how to go about it, but I soaked that book in like a life source. Edgar Allen Poe turned me on to classic horror with his House of Usher. That was the first horror film I watched again and again as a teenager. His work The Raven is one of my all time favorite poems. You see I am twisted –
Where can we find your work?
I have not published anything since my late husband ended his journey here on earth. He was my sounding board. However, I am in the process of working on two new works. I am doing the research on Count Von Cosel, who kept a dead woman in his bed for seven years in Key West.
I am also researching the two brothers who were serial killers in Natchez Under the Hill – they were the Harpe Brothers and everything I have read about them would give a normal person nightmares. It just makes me want to know more. The last two books I published were The Mad Hatter and Do You Dare. The Mad Hatter is a historical horror fiction, and Do You Dare is a collection of my horror short stories.
You can find me or my work in the following places:
- Amazon
- Twitter @yvonnemason
What do you think of the interview with Yvonne Mason? Check out our interviews with Horror Author Ian Bush, or our interview with Horror Comic Creator, Jesse James Baer. Who should Haunted MTL interview next? Drop us a hint in the comments below, or reach out in one of the following ways:
- Twitter @HauntedMTL or @Parzz1V
- Facebook @Parzz1val
- Email @ parzz1val@yahoo.com
My Haunted Hometown interview – Barb Dexter
To start off check out our exclusive interview with Barb Dexter from My Haunted Hometown! Prepare for spine-tingling tales as Barb Dexter unveils her shocking personal ghost encounters on T+E Channel’s gripping paranormal series, “My Haunted Hometown”. Don’t miss exclusive behind-the-scenes insights and emotional revelations that will leave you questioning reality. Premieres Friday, September 6th at 10 PM ET/PT.
Click the trailer for My Haunted Hometown and set your clocks for the premiere 6 Sept!
Want to know more about T+E Channel’s My Haunted Hometown?? Check out the trailer below (and make sure you watch the show as it airs Friday 6 September, 10PM PT/ET only on T+E!
If you ever wondered what it was like to be in a town with a dark history–and live in a forever home that might be forever occupied by spirit energy, then you need to check this episode out!
Why T+E Channel’s My Haunted Hometown hits
The production value works. The camera. The crew. The sound. The editing. The PR team. These are all great assets–and the best asset of them all? The people in the show.
We have all seen shows where the ghost story is made up. It’s usually some quick cash grab for a celeb (although there were some great truly well done celeb ghost stories, too!) or just some channel/content filler type thing. This is not that….this is what every ghost show should be.
The crew sits down. The people are taken seriously. They are giving a channel to voice their story and by sharing their story, they get to grow and sometimes heal from the telling. We draw strength in knowing we are not alone.
When the episode starts, your emotions range from being afraid for the people to being all warm and fuzzy with knowing that these people are opening themselves up to you and you are not alone.
If you have any paranormal experience, these stories will help you feel a bit more whole.
If you are a believer, this is your show.
If you are a doubter, this is your show. You might still doubt, but you won’t doubt that these are real down to earth people giving witness to what they saw.
See why we call the T+E Channel the Blumhouse of TV and catch the free preview on T+E Channel from Sept 2 to Nov 3
The Setting
I think small towns work well as a setting. If you recall most of Seth Breedlove’s movies are SMALL Town monsters. If you recall our interview with Harker Jones’s interview the scary horror wasn’t the city of LA but the SMALL Town where you are a bit more isolated.
Not only does the setting work because of the more remote feel, but it works because of the people. The people in the show make the show. They are relatable. They are down to earth. They are easily your next best friend after moving into the neighborhood.
Also, if you are a fan of cats and dogs–there are a few of the most adorable furry friends ever in this episode.
The Rating and Where to Watch
After watching the first episode, I can’t wait for the rest! I’m sure to check it out when they drop every Friday in September! Won’t you join me? 🙂
See what all the rave reviews are about (5/5 Cthulhu!) and see why we call the T+E Channel the Blumhouse of TV and catch the free preview on T+E Channel from Sept 2 to Nov 3 – your gateway to the supernatural! Tune in and share the thrills with #MyHauntedHometown and #TEonTV. Are you brave enough to watch?
(5 / 5)
Step into the mind-bending world of Eldritch Automata as we sit down with Game Designer Nick Francia at GenCon 2024!
Uncover the secrets behind this Lovecraftian mecha-masterpiece and get a glimpse of what’s to come.
In this exclusive interview, Nick Francia shares:
• The intricate game development process • Inspirations behind the eerie Lovecraftian elements
• Unique mecha-infused gameplay mechanics Calling all Lovecraft fans! Dive into a world where eldritch horrors meet steam-powered marvels.
Eldritch Automata promises an unforgettable gaming experience that will keep you on the edge of your seat.
👉 Ready to embrace the madness? Check out our playable demo at a con near you! #EldritchAutomata #GenCon2024 #LovecraftianGaming #IndieGameDev
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VoodooPriestess
March 19, 2020 at 2:40 am
I hate when the brutality of the facts are all prettified for general audience appreciation. She sounds like a wonderful author.