EPISODE  #6 

ft. Gretchen Felker-Martin

Bestselling horror author and film critic Gretchen Felker-Martin recently joined A Writer’s Journey to discuss her work, writing process, and the evolving horror genre. Known for Manhunt and Cuckoo, she explores societal fears through horror, particularly focusing on identity and marginalized voices. Felker-Martin believes horror offers a controlled way to confront fear. She praises the increasing diversity in the genre, with unique perspectives from Asian horror cinema and literature shaping modern narratives.

Her novel Manhunt was born from personal experiences with transphobia and the broader political landscape. Drawing from literary influences like The Road by Cormac McCarthy, she blended horror with pressing social themes. As a “pantser,” she lets stories evolve naturally, gathering inspiration from history, art, and film. Discovered via Twitter, her publishing journey was unconventional but highlights the importance of self-promotion in today’s market.

Her next novel, Black Flame, follows a film restorer uncovering a lost experimental film from the Holocaust, delving into psychological horror and historical trauma. Her advice to aspiring writers? “Write exactly what you want and don’t stop until it’s finished.” Her journey underscores that horror isn’t just about fear—it’s a means of confronting deep societal truths.