Interview with D. M. Million and R. M. Carpus, Authors of Through the Woods (Volume 2)

What’s the story behind the story? What inspired you to write Through the Woods (Volume 2)?

For me, it started as a short story for a workshop class in my undergrad program. The story, Loomies, was the one. I sat on it for years until R. M. Carpus and I decided to write a horror anthology, and I dusted it off. I was in a really dark place at the time I wrote it. I had been watching a ton of horror, and I was surprised at myself for how disturbing my imagination could become. I don’t think I could write another like it.

If you had to pick theme songs for the main characters of Through the Woods (Volume 2), what would they be?

For all of my stories, I’d say Rockwell’s “Somebody’s Watching Me.”
Cole from Glitch 24: Billie Eilish’s “Bury a Friend.”
Billy from Loomies: Talking Heads’ “Psycho Killer.”
The kids from The Gravedigger: Bobby Pickett’s “Monster Mash.”

What’s your favorite genre to read? Is it the same as your favorite genre to write?

My favorite genre to read is contemporary fantasy, though it’s not my favorite to write. My favorite genre to write is Gothic literature.

What books are on your TBR pile right now?

Dark Matter by Blake Shelton, Dracula by Bram Stoker, Wuthering Heights by Emily Brontë, and A Deadly Education by Naomi Novik.

What scene in your book was your favorite to write?

My favorite scene to write was the first scene of Glitch 24, when Cole is driving into Thorn Valley. I enjoyed exploring the visceral sensation of anxiety, and I feel it comes across exactly how I wanted it to.

Do you have any quirky writing habits? (lucky mugs, cats on laps, etc.)

One must-do in every writing session is putting on instrumental music that matches the mood of my story. It’s like giving the scene its own soundtrack.

Do you have a motto, quote, or philosophy you live by?

A motto I live by is: “My success is inevitable, and I’m always on the right path.” Those two reminders carry me through even the most difficult times.

If you could choose one thing for readers to remember after reading your book, what would it be?

There’s something for every horror fan in this collection. I recommend giving yourself a palette cleanse with something funny or light between stories—horror can be intense, and you don’t want to slip into a negative headspace from consuming too much at once. Personally, I only dive into horror during spooky season because it helps keep my mind and spirit balanced. So enjoy—but also be careful and kind to yourself.

D. M. Million and R. M. Carpus are the authors of the new book Through the Woods (Volume 2)

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