An Interview with Tristan Zelden
Tristan Zelden is a former journalist who now focuses his time on book writing and editing. He made his debut with the urban fantasy novel The Huntress and the Trickster and is about to release his first horror novel, Unfold. This will mark the beginning of exclusively writing horror for the foreseeable future, as he sees it as the ultimate art form through which to tell stories and discuss deeper themes about humanity and society. He lives in California. When he isn’t writing, he can be found getting tattoos, watching TV and movies, or playing Dungeons and Dragons with his friends.
What inspired you to start writing this book?
I am deeply passionate about workers’ rights and have a deep hate for capitalism and C-suite executives. I also love creature features, so I decided to combine a workplace drama and a brutal creature feature.
Tell us the story of your book’s current title. Was it easy to find, or did it take forever?
It evolved over the course of several years. It simplified in some ways, changed in others. I let things bake in my head before I ever start to prep. I had major story beats in my head, too, but had to figure out the connective tissue to get from point A to point B.
If your book had a soundtrack, what are some songs that would be on it?
DEAD FRIENDS by Demi Lovato, Kill Them All by Cattle Decapitation, and Die Without Hope by Carnifex.
What books are you reading (for research or comfort) as you continue the writing process?
Right now, I am reading my friend Ed Flora’s new book, In the Shadow of a Broken Spire.
What other professions have you worked in? What’s something about you that your readers wouldn’t know?
As I said, I was a journalist for five years. I covered entertainment (movies, TV, video games). It paid terribly, and the bosses are almost always out of touch, so when I lost my last job, I dedicated myself to books.
Who/what made you want to write? Was there a particular person, or particular writers/works/art forms that influenced you?
I take a lot of inspiration from everywhere. Inspiration should be a door left open for anything to walk in. The person who inspires me the most is Mike Flanagan. I think nobody is putting that much humanity and empathy into their work, and it is really inspiring.
Where is your favorite place to write?
In my bed. I like being cozy while I write.
What’s one thing you hope sticks with readers after they finish your book?
That, despite a hopeless book, there is hope in the real world. There is hope for change and for things to be better, and not left to rot by stupid, awful rich people.
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