This author describes his ideal readers as those who love chills and thrills. Having read this novella, I guarantee it’s filled with both, along with scary escapades and vivid imagery. And it features a basement. Tell me that doesn’t scream horror. The second book in this series released in February of this year, and it’s waiting (still – so many books!) on my Kindle. Maybe he’s inspired by the shadow figures he’s met face to face. Welcome Jonathan Pongratz!
Which urban legend scares you most?
Lately it’s been Cryptids (aka Bigfoot). There’s something terrifying about the urban legends that something unknown has been sharing this world with us the entire time, waiting in the hidden pockets we typically ignore. My reading of Harlan Graves’s short stories on them probably doesn’t help!
My mother recently told me of a time where she saw a cryptid a couple years back and it just made the fear all the more real.
What’s your favorite season of American Horror Story?
Either Coven or Apocalypse. I can’t resist the mystifying allure of witches since the days of Charmed, and I love all the great characters and their amazing powers! Can I join the coven? Please? I promise I won’t try to end the world. *fingers crossed behind back*
Do you ever see figures in your peripheral vision?
All the time. The hardest thing to figure out is if it’s actually shadow people or just a trick of the light. I’ve seen them face to face a number of times and it’s terrifying. Maybe they’re just passing through and don’t want to mess with me … yet.
How do you celebrate when you finish writing a book?
A huge party with all of my supportive friends and copious amounts of alcohol. Maybe not so much on the alcohol these days, but life’s too short to not share your successes with those you care about.
How would you describe your book’s ideal reader?
Anyone who loves chills and thrills. Regardless of what genre I experiment with, my novels will always have a dark edge to them. It’s something I feel is necessary and is a trademark of mine.
What are you working on now?
I’m currently working on an LGBT Horror novel called The Ruins. In a nutshell, a travelling video blogger and his boyfriend get more than they bargained for when they unwittingly unearth an ancient malicious evil on a trip to Peru. Expect plenty of suspense and paranormal mayhem!
How do you fight a monster?
Halloween night, 1992. Promised the allowance he’s always dreamed of, Gregory has to babysit his little sister Imogen and hand out candy.
That was before the basement door opened on its own. Before the strange door appeared in the basement. Before Imogen was taken from him by that terrifying monster.
Now, Gregory has to scramble to put the pieces together before it’s too late. Where did the door come from? What was that creature? Can he save his sister, or is she already gone forever?
Apple Books https://books.apple.com/us/book/id1550231114
Author Bio and Social Media
Jonathan Pongratz is a writer and author of captivating horror, fantasy, and other speculative fiction stories. When he’s not writing, he’s busy being a bookworm, video game junkie, and karaoke vocalist. A former resident of Dallas, he currently resides in Kansas City with his Halloween cat Ajax. By day he works magic in finance, by night he creates dark and mesmerizing worlds.