An Interview with Guy Raspatello
Guy Raspatello, a Philadelphia-based author, specializes in crafting gripping horror stories, alongside sci-fi and thrillers that delve into the dark corners of the human mind. His unique blend of eerie atmosphere and psychological suspense fiction pulls readers deep into the unknown and keeps them engaged long after they’ve turned the last page.
Fascinated by how fears can distort reality, Guy creates compelling characters who face terrifying choices and confront the darkness within themselves. In addition to his writing, he is also a talented songwriter and guitarist, infusing the same raw emotion and storytelling instincts into his music.
When not writing gripping horror stories, Guy enjoys spending quality time with his family, traveling, and playing with his kids. They are reminders of the light that balances his intrigue with the darker aspects of life.
What inspired you to start writing this book?
The idea for The Red Circle came to me in a flash. I had a brief, split-second dream of a lightning strike carrying something metallic and otherworldly. That image stayed with me, lingering in the back of my mind until I began to build a story around it. As the narrative took shape, I realized that pieces of myself were reflected in each of the main characters. Their fears, their obsessions, and their struggles are intertwined with mine. This is a truly personal story.
Tell us the story of your book’s current title. Was it easy to find, or did it take forever?
The Red Circle took shape around that original dream. Once I mapped it out in my head and then on paper (with the help of a few Excel spreadsheets), the story began to flow naturally. I started writing it back in 2018, and since then, it has gone through several rounds of revisions and edits. I honestly don’t remember how long the first draft took, but it never felt like it dragged on. I was fortunate enough to avoid writer’s block throughout the process and I had a lot of fun writing it.
Describe your dream book cover.
I was fortunate that my book cover turned out exactly how I imagined it. I came up with the concept myself, and my sister-in-law, who is a professional graphic designer, brought it to life beautifully. I also have two more books ready to publish once The Red Circle gains momentum, and their cover designs are already in the rough draft stage. For me, the perfect cover always depends on the story it represents, and I’m very happy with how everything has come together so far.
If your book had a soundtrack, what are some songs that would be on it?
I love this question! I’ve always imagined The Red Circle with a cinematic feel. To me, it is something closer to a film score than a typical rock playlist. I respect John Carpenter’s and Danny Elfman’s work. Their ability to blend atmosphere, tension, and melody perfectly captures the kind of mood I imagine for my story. That said, I’m also a big fan of Blink-182, Angels and Airwaves, Twenty One Pilots, and Coheed and Cambria, so if I had a say in it, songs from those bands would definitely make it in too.
What books are you reading (for research or comfort) as you continue the writing process?
I’m a huge Stephen King fan and find a lot of inspiration in his work. For The Red Circle, I also drew inspiration from books like The Cabin at the End of the World and A Head Full of Ghosts by Paul Tremblay, Annihilation by Jeff VanderMeer, Bird Box by Josh Malerman, and The Troop by Nick Cutter. These authors helped me shape my own writing style and find my voice as I developed the story.
What other professions have you worked in? What’s something about you that your readers wouldn’t know?
I’d love for writing to become my full-time career someday. Maybe that’s in the cards down the road, but for now, I’m just at the beginning of that journey. I’m lucky enough to have several projects ready to release once I build some momentum. By day, I work as an auditor in the pharmaceutical industry. The job gives me the opportunity to travel frequently, which has been invaluable for broadening my perspective and inspiring how I see people, places, and cultures across the country and the world.
Who/what made you want to write? Was there a particular person, or particular writers/works/art forms that influenced you?
When I had the dream that sparked this novel, the image stuck with me. More accurately, it ate away at me until I couldn’t think about anything else. It lasted only a split second, but it was so vivid that I knew I had to do something with it. I can’t draw, but I write music and lyrics, so it felt natural to try telling the story through words. My wife, Stephanie, was the one who really pushed me to make it happen. She encouraged me to write it down, and I never looked back. By the time I finally sat down to start typing a few months later, most of the story was already alive in my mind.
Where is your favorite place to write?
Anywhere quiet. I immerse myself so deeply in my stories and characters that it can be frustrating to step away once I’m in that creative space. I don’t have one specific spot where I always write, but the perfect environment for me is anywhere calm and uninterrupted. I need to be able to fully disappear into the world I’m creating.
What advice would you give your past self at the start of your writing journey?
Don’t be afraid to put yourself out there. Just do it! Take the leap! The story you’re holding onto deserves to be told, and you’ll never know what it can become unless you start.
What’s one thing you hope sticks with readers after they finish your book?
That the bad guy doesn’t always have to lose…
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