Interview: Jim X Dodge (Hardcore Horror, Pig Iron, Theta House, The Bite)

We caught up with author Jim X Dodge, contributor to Earth Island Books’ Hardcore Horror anthology and creator of titles like Pig Iron, Theta House, and The Bite. In this interview, we dive into all things dark fiction, exploring his core inspirations, recurring themes, writing process, and the raw punk edge that runs through his horror writing.

Order Hardcore Horror HERE
Order Jim X Dodge’s books HERE

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How did you first get into horror? Do you remember the very first horror book or movie that truly terrified you?

I remember watching horror movies as a kid, too young for sure. Unless there was nudity we were usually allowed to watch anything our parents watched. Just about anything scary freaked me out but I could never get enough. My first horror book was almost certainly Stephen King though I don’t remember which one.

Over the years, which horror authors, directors, or artists have had the most tremendous impact on your creative sensibilities?

Writers-Stephen, Dean Koontz, Clive Bsrker, Raymond Feist, Graham Masterton, Max Brooks, Gretchel Morales, Steve Alten, David Wellington…

Filmmakers-John Carpenter, Sean Cunningham, Ari Aster, Wes Craven, The Soska Sisters, David Cronenberg, George Romero, Tobe Hooper, Mick Garris, Mike Flanagan, M. Night Shyamalan, John Landis…   so so many.

My aunt once called my writing a mix of Stephen King and The Far Side.

Hardcore Horrorbrings together voices from the punk, hardcore, and alt-rock communities. What do you think is the connective tissue between the underground music scene and the horror genre?

It all exists outside the mainstream and it’s all DIY. People like us enjoy the fringe and the things you can only find in underground counterculture.

Turning to your specific contribution to this Earth Island Books anthology, where did the initial spark or inspiration for your story come from?

Both of my stories came from dreams I had.

Without giving away any major spoilers, what are the core themes or underlying fears you wanted to explore in this piece?

Fear of the unknown, mainly.

6How did your story evolve from the first draft to the final version, and what was the experience like working on it?

Shaw’s Peak was pretty much as I dreamed it. War Hogg started as a military unit but morphed into a punk band for Hardcore Horror. 

What was the most challenging aspect of writing this particular story? Was it nailing the ending, writing a specific terrifying scene, or something else entirely?

It’s always a challenge to decide how much to develop characters to make the story interesting without adding unnecessary details. I don’t want my readers to ever get bored.

When it comes to your writing process, how do you approach crafting a short horror story? Are you a detailed outliner, or do you let the narrative unfold organically?

I have an idea. I make a few notes, and I sit in front of my computer and write. I usually turn it over to my proofreader, my wife, on the third or later draft.

Horror relies heavily on pacing and atmosphere. What techniques do you use to build tension and a sense of dread on the page?

You need the right amount of description to make the reader feel the tension the characters feel. It takes the right dose of the unexpected to make them dread the awful thing that befalls them.

How do you approach character development in a short format, ensuring that the reader cares about the protagonist before the horrific elements take over?

I try to put them in the mind of the character from the beginning. Sometimes I use narration but I also use dialogue to show who they are and how they’re likely to respond to any situation. 

Horror as a genre is incredibly vast and constantly evolving. What are your thoughts on the current state of horror literature and cinema?

There’s some great stuff out there and there’s garbage, too. It’s all about people’s tastes and every opinion is valid.

If you had to recommend one essential horror book and one essential horror movie, what would they be?

Walkers by Graham Masterton scared me shitless.

My favorite franchise is Friday the 13th so take your pick.

What is next for you? Are there any upcoming books, projects, or other creative endeavors we should keep on our radar?

I currently have 2 books in various stages of publication, a rough draft for the sequel to one of those, started a first draft for the sequel to the first book I ever wrote (third one published, Earth Island’s own Pig Iron), and some short fiction that’s coming together. 

Finally, what is the one wavering thought or feeling you hope readers take away after finishing your story in the anthology?

I just want them to enjoy it. The thrills, the chills, the jokes… I want it all to stick with them long after they’ve read it and recommend it to others. In my opinion, there’s no point in making art if you’re not going to share it.