Interview with Writer Kasey Hill
1. How did you get started writing fiction?
When I was in elementary school, they taught kids to read differently than what they do now. Some kids who had a natural talent for picking things up were taken in kindergarten to learn to read before the other kids. I was one of the chosen kids because I would make up stories to the pictures, and my kindergarten teacher told my mom since I was doing that, I would be perfect for the reading group. The reading group got special privileges in the library during reading time, and we were taught to type on the computer. I wrote a little short story about a princess. From there on, every year for our SOL testing (Standards of Learning), we had to write a story for the test. By fourth grade, I was writing stories of my own. In fifth grade, I was writing stories to read in class to the other students. By middle school, I had started a novel (that was published in 2019). In high school, I was writing short stories for contests. My English teacher in 10th and 11th grade would compliment my stories and even told me that my writing reminded him of Toni Morrison and Stephen King.
2. What kind of fiction do you enjoy writing? (Such as fantasy, romance, horror, or unspecified)
I enjoy writing all fiction. However, I do specialize in Horror for both adults and young adults, as well as Paranormal Romance/Christian Fantasy.
3. What was it about writing short stories that just seemed to "click" with your writing career?
Writing short stories helps me get through writer’s block for my novels. When I am stuck and can’t progress any further, I write short stories to keep the momentum flowing for writing.
4. Is there a type of short story that you enjoy writing most? Please explain.
Nearly all of my short stories, minus a few, are all geared toward horror and supernatural themes. I have a collection called Tales from the Crib that is comprised of short stories and limericks for adults about creepy kids.
5. What was it like when you sold your first short story?
My first short story was submitted to a press in 2016 for an anthology called Busted Lip. The story was Gaebler’s Asylum of the Damned, and I have since turned it into a short novella. When it was accepted, I was thrilled. It was my first piece accepted after a few failed attempts and also the first piece of horror I had ever subbed to a publishing house.
6. Where do you find short story markets to submit to?
Usually word of mouth is how I find out about markets to submit to. I haven’t been in the writing game since 2021 due to health reasons so I didn’t write anything except here and there on some novels I released this year. Usually my Facebook friends share posts about open call submissions.
7. What is one lesson you have learned as a writer when it comes to writing short fiction?
That your story won’t be for everyone and that paying markets only look for the best quality story they can find. So when thousands of people submit to that sub call, your chances are very slim in getting picked. Other lessons I have learned is to not give up either. Just because your story wasn’t selected for one press doesn’t mean that another press won’t accept your story.
8. How is writing short fiction different from your work as a writer of longer fiction?
In short fiction, you have limited word count to get your story told. You have to be able to spin a piece that keeps the reader hooked and get all the information in without going over the word count limit the press has set. I recently took on two challenges for micro fiction and flash fiction. I haven’t written either since I was younger, so fitting everything into a 500 (exact) word count and a 1,500-word count setting was rather difficult. I am a very wordy person. My pieces were accepted into both of the presses I subbed to. The Red Mask of Death (500-word count) was accepted by Weird Fiction Quarterly and Amelia Reawakened (having since expanded the piece into longer short fiction) was accepted into the Shallow Waters Contest through Crystal Lake Publishing as a finalist.
9. What is some of the best advice you have received from other writers or editors when it comes to writing short fiction?
Tightening up the story in some places. As I said, I am wordy, so when editors look through my pieces, they help me bring it together in the end by helping me ditch unnecessary scenes or phrases.
10. Do you have any advice of your own to share with other writers?
Write, write, write. Even if you don’t think your work is any good, write! Don’t stop to edit. Just get the story out. Leave it to sit and come back to it. That’s when the magic happens. Your eyes will see what you couldn’t see while writing it. And don’t ever be discouraged by rejection emails. Your piece may not be for that press but it will find a home somewhere! One last thing, do not let anyone bully you out of writing either! Don’t let snarky comments from people keep you from submitting your stuff elsewhere, and don’t let it snuff out your passion for writing! One person’s laughable piece is another person's treasure!
ABOUT KASEY:
Kasey Hill has lived in Franklin County, VA, for most of her adult life and is a versatile writer known for her work in several genres, including urban fantasy, horror, thriller, paranormal romance, and metaphysical/New Age topics. She has authored both fiction and nonfiction, with a particular interest in Wicca, specializing in Trinitarian Wicca as the historical archivist with an upcoming historical account of the shift from polytheism to monotheism in Abrahamic religions, where she has published nonfiction works exploring the subject.
Her fiction often dives into the supernatural and the macabre, blending mythological elements with modern storytelling. She has published multiple novels, poetry collections, and short stories. Notable works include her Guardians of Light series in the mythology fantasy genre, and her poetry that has received recognition for its depth and emotional resonance. As she grows in the horror genre, she has a particular penchant for Southern Gothic storytelling, such as her Adult Horror novel Devil’s Claw and her Young Adult horror series, The Whispering Spirits featuring The Haunting at Foxwood Village and Dark Coven. She has several Horror short stories circulating for anthologies and Ezines featuring her unique style of worldbuilding.
In addition to her writing, Kasey Hill has also contributed to the Wiccan and occult community through her nonfiction work, making her a multi-faceted author with a broad range of interests and expertise.