Joe R. Lansdale is a horror legend whose work crosses genres. His writing, which borders on the extreme side while revealing the uncomfortable truths behind humanity, history, and human emotions, set the stage for so many authors to come forward with horror works that force us to look at the dark parts of ourselves and society in the eye.
The Essential Horror of Joe R. Lansdale, with an introduction by Joe Hill, is an excellent (and brutal) introduction to his work. It came out last year, and I had the opportunity to review an early copy.
Each story is accompanied with notes from Joe, and incorporates themes of racism, misogyny, feminism, and more with weird, brutal and essential prose.
Interview with Joe R. Lansdsale
Sage Moon: Joe you are a prolific author, and your horror work is an essential facet in the history of the genre. While you have written across other genres, what drew you to write horror?
Joe: R. Lansdale: I was always attracted to the dark, scary, and the mysterious. Mystery and horror are only slight variations of the same beat. I loved science fiction as well, but when it had horror elements, I loved it more. I grew up around storytellers, and a number of the stories they told were horror. Living out in the country where the trees grew tall and the water ran wild in creeks and rivers; it was easy to imagine those stories. I like it when something makes my skin crawl, amazes me, or makes me feel like life is a mystery.
SM: Racism and the cruelty of humanity are frequent themes within your work, and you explore them in an unrelenting way. It was hard for me (in the best possible way) to read straight through your upcoming collection, The Essential Horror of Joe R. Lansdale, due to each story’s intensity. Can you speak on why horror is a great way to explore these essential topics?
JRL: Horror not only has the ability to thrill; it has the ability to explore. Sometimes you want to do more than just entertain, you want to make a point. If it’s too much for other people, that’s okay. I wanted to show what it was like then, how bad it was. If we start trying to turn everything into pleasantries and tapioca pudding, we forget.
When we forget, we end up with what is happening now in politics, where the truth is too much for people. They want the bullshit version. I don’t. Show it raw and show it was bad, not just a minor inconvenience.
SM: The stories featured in your collection; The Essential Horror of Joe R. Lansdale are varied and provide an excellent span of your horror writing career. Do you have a favorite story featured in the collection?
JRL: Probably Night They Missed the Horror Show because it does just what I was discussing really well. It touches on all manner of human emotions concerning such, including humor. When it first came out people weren’t saying they couldn’t read through it. They got it, or most did. Now it’s too strong for current readers who I think fear they might not be passing a purity test by liking it. It’s pure, and it’s against evil things, but presented in a way where it can be seen in the raw.
A note about this story: It won a Bram Stoker Award and attacks racism head on.
SM: As a writer, do you tend to prefer long form or short form writing? Do you prefer one or the other for certain subjects or genres?
JRL: I’ve always preferred the short story. You can go so many different ways with stories. And you can write a lot more stories than novel.
SM: For readers who haven’t read your horror work before, what is one thing you’d say to them before they dive in?
JRL: Brace yourself.
About Joe R. Lansdale
Joe R. Lansdale is the author of fifty novels and four hundred shorter works, including stories, essays, reviews, film and TV scripts, stage plays, introductions and magazine articles, as well as a book of poetry. His work has been made into films, animation, comics, and he has won numerous awards including the Edgar, Raymond Chandler life time award, numerous Bram Stoker Awards, Lifetime Horror Award, and the Spur Award.
He lives in Nacogdoches, Texas.
In Memory of Joe’s Wife, Karen
As of writing this, Joe’s wife Karen Landale, who played a huge part in establishing the Horror Writers Association, has just passed away.
A Message from the HWA
“It is with heavy hearts that the Horror Writers Association honors the passing of one of our founders, Karen Lansdale. Our hearts are with Joe, Keith, and Kasey Lansdale in this difficult time. Karen will always be a part of all of us who work in this community and she will always be in our thoughts. We owe so much of our progress to her vision, and we hold her memory in high honor.
Joe has asked that people honor her life by giving to a reputable animal rescue in her name. The Horror Writers Association has donated $1,000 to Nac Foster Rescue in her honor. If you are able, we strongly encourage you to celebrate Karen Lansdale’s life by donating to those who care for animals in your community.
For those of you attending StokerCon, a special event will be held where there will be further opportunities to celebrate Karen’s wonderful legacy.”
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