Interview with Mark Viveiros

Khayrun Gure: Did you have any difficulties during the writing process? And how did you overcome it?

Mark Viveiros: I've had difficulties with every writing project I’ve ever done, including this one. Every time I sit down to write something, I always second-guess what I’m going to write because I think it’s not going to sound good, or I think it’s unoriginal, or whatever. I always remind myself that writing is a process, and that—to be blunt—it’s better to write crap first and refine it into something better later than not to write at all. After all, it’s a writing process not a writing event.

KG: What authors did you dislike but grew into?

MV: That’s hard because I don’t think I really disliked an author. I think dislike is a bit of a strong word. If I had to pick one, the first that comes to mind is Stephen King. It took me awhile to read one of his books. Once I read it, I was blown away. I was blown away by all the stuff he did. Sometimes authors are popular for a reason.

KG: Where did your idea come from, and what was your inspiration while writing your piece?

MV: I’m doing my excerpt weirdly for a short film I wrote for one of Glenn’s classes. One of my inspirations comes from cartoons—which is going to sound weird because it's a horror short film, and the original submission was a bit graphic—because they have strong characters and a lot of strong narrative arcs. I grew up watching cartoons and still do at 30+, so yeah, they were a big influence. I’m also a fan of media that is darker and bloodier with some meat and mustard on it.