Chasing the Boogeyman by Richard Chizmar

 

Richard Chizmar is a New York Times, USA Today, Wall Street Journal, Washington Post, Amazon, and Publishers Weekly bestselling author. He is the co-author (with Stephen King) of the bestselling novella, Gwendy’s Button Box and the founder/publisher of Cemetery Dance magazine and the Cemetery Dance Publications book imprint. He has edited more than 35 anthologies and his short fiction has appeared in dozens of publications, including multiple editions of Ellery Queen’s Mystery Magazine and The Year’s 25 Finest Crime and Mystery Stories. He has won two World Fantasy awards, four International Horror Guild awards, and the HWA’s Board of Trustee’s award. Chizmar (in collaboration with Johnathon Schaech) has also written screenplays and teleplays for United Artists, Sony Screen Gems, Lions Gate, Showtime, NBC, and many other companies. He has adapted the works of many bestselling authors including Stephen King, Peter Straub, and Bentley Little. Chizmar is also the creator/writer of the online website, Stephen King Revisited. His fourth short story collection, THE LONG WAY HOME was published in 2019. With Brian Freeman, Chizmar is co-editor of the acclaimed Dark Screams horror anthology series published by Random House imprint, Hydra. His latest book is CHASING THE BOOGEYMAN.  THE GIRL ON THE PORCH was released in hardcover by Subterranean Press, and WIDOW’S POINT, a chilling novella about a haunted lighthouse written with his son, Billy Chizmar, was recently adapted into a feature film. Chizmar’s work has been translated into more than fifteen languages throughout the world, and he has appeared at numerous conferences as a writing instructor, guest speaker, panelist, and guest of honor. 

CHASING THE BOOGEYMAN: Richard Chizmar has written a fascinating book superbly narrated by the matter-of-fact voice of Chris Andrew Cilulla. The concept of putting himself into the narrative makes for a startlingly delicious and offbeat audiobook treat guaranteed to enthrall listeners and keep them listening. I can’t recall having heard such a unique account of a true crime as a thriller, and it’s told from the point of view of the author! The mix of fact and fiction takes the listener by surprise and makes for a jarring interpretation of events that walks us nimbly on the edge of comprehension and fascination. The book is part documentary, memoir, and serial killer tale told with bravery and market savvy. Recommended for anyone looking for something different. (INTERVIEW:)

Jonathan Lowe) What are the details of your relationship with Cemetery Dance magazine, and with Crossroad Press?

Richard Chizmar) I'm the owner of Cemetery Dance Publications, both the magazine and the book imprints. I started the business in 1988 when I was a senior in college at the University of Maryland. Crossroads Press is run by Dave Wilson, who was an early contributor to the magazine and Cemetery Dance novella series. He's a fine writer, editor, and publisher, and I'm fortunate to have a handful of titles with his press. 

Q) Was reading that you’re a screenwriter of indie films, and with at least one based on a Stephen King story about a girl who gets trapped in the woods. What’s the genesis of this, and with your collaboration on a book with King?

A) Steve had seen and enjoyed a couple of the short films my oldest son, Billy, and I had made. We talked about doing one together one day, but time is always an issue. He came up with the basic idea of TRAPPED and sent it my way. I turned it into a short treatment, and he expanded it and made it better. From that detailed outline, I wrote the script and Billy directed it. All involved were really pleased with how it turned out. As for the books, that was a happy accident. Steve and I were emailing one afternoon, and the conversation turned to collaborations. He mentioned a story he hadn't been able to finish...and the rest is history. It was a dream come true. 

Q) Do you listen to audiobooks in your car, or on an iPhone? I know some authors, like Terry Brooks, who stick with print. I assume, with all your writing, you don’t have a lot of time to read.

A) I have pretty limited experience with audiobooks. Most of my books are print copies. But I've listened to and really enjoyed a few while driving and mowing the lawn. 

Q) What does your typical day look like?

A) My days are rarely typical, which is a big plus in my eyes. It helps to keep the work fresh. Some days all I do is write. Other days I'm at the office helping out with the day-to-day publishing duties, and then back home answering emails and doing press. 

Q) What narrators impress you most, and why?

A) I miss Frank Muller. He did some wonderful work.

Lowe) Frank narrated my first novel as “Postal,” but his performance, which won an Earphones award, was lost in the Dove audio mess! What’s next for you?

Chizmar) Next for me is a double book with Stephen King and Stewart O'Nan, coming out in March 2023. Fashioned after the old Ace Double science fiction books. After that, the sequel to CHASING THE BOOGEYMAN, which will be out next October. 

(Update Dec. 2022: Chizmar is winner of an INFLUENCER AWARD given by Audiobooks Today yearly starting this year in the category of Horror, along with David N. Wilson.)

Can you guess?