Kassidy VanGundy is an author who predominantly writes pink horror and dark fantasy stories that are sprinkled with just the right amount of childhood longing. Whether it’s wishing for supernatural powers or chasing down a parent that was never there, Kassidy VanGundy puts all of her youthful dreams into her first series, Descendants of the Damned which includes both Cursed Fate and Wicked Breed.
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Website: https://kassidyvangundy.com/home
Instagram: @writingwithkass
YouTube: Kutiefly
TikTok: @writingwithkass
Questions:
- Tell our readers a little about yourself and your writing (including publications).
Hi there! My name is Kassidy VanGundy and I’m an author. I write dark fantasy books and short stories that can be classified as “pink horror”. My latest publication is called Wicked Breed, and is the sequel to my first dark fantasy novel, Cursed Fate, both of which are heavily inspired by the flora and fauna of Madagascar. I also have a short story collection called Cursed Images: Scary Stories from a Child of the Internet that feels like a cross between a nostalgic Y2K slumber party and episodes of the Twilight Zone. It’s all about toys and technology of the early 2000s. You can also find my short stories in various anthologies such as HorrorScope volumes 1 and 4, That Old House: The Bathroom Part 2, Dark Decades: Lurk, and Stories from the Crypt: A Horror Collection. - What writing projects are you currently working on?
My latest project is a dark sci-fi/mystery revolving around a Midwestern grandmother named Maude. Even though it’s still in the very early stages, I’m hoping to capture the existential dread that comes with aging along with the role of memories in shaping and forming identities. I’m also inspired by Lovecraftian beings/ interdimensional space aliens, so we’ll see how they manifest themselves in this story. - Are you a daytime writer, a mid-day writer, a nighttime writer, or just someone who writes when the mood hits you?
Currently, I try my best to give myself allotted time in the afternoons to write everyday. Sometimes I follow through, sometimes I don’t, but I find that having a schedule helps me make writing a daily habit. - Do you have a writing “Bucket List” (goals you want to accomplish as a writer)?
One of my biggest goals right now is to sell my books at booths in different conventions. I’ve never done this before, but one of my dreams is to have someone come up to me and say hi, cosplaying as one of my characters. That’s how I’ll know that I’ve really made it as an author. - Who is your favorite author and why?
Toni Morrison is my favorite author of all time. She is essential to understanding American literature and culture, in my opinion. Her writing focuses on the Black experience in America and sounds like poetry spitting in your face. I finished Sula last month and I’m looking forward to starting Jazz next month. - How many books do you read in a month? What are your favorite genres?
It depends on the month, but I try to read 2-3 books a month. Of course, life gets in the way sometimes and that’s okay. My favorite genres to read are non-fiction, horror and mysteries. - When did you know you wanted to be a writer?
I’ve known that I wanted to be a writer from a very young age. I was a very quiet child who had to take speech classes just to overcome their shyness. So naturally, I gravitated towards books and escapism instead of more social forms of play. I wanted to write books for other kids like myself, who felt lonely, different, or sort of out of place. Glad to say I’m much better at talking to people now, but my desire remains the same. - HORROR FANS (pick 1-3): What was the first horror movie you ever saw? What is your favorite horror movie? What is the worst horror movie you have ever seen?
My favorite horror movie is Jennifer’s Body, hands down. It was way ahead of its time. - Do you have any “rules” when you write? (EX for me: the dog never dies!)
I guess my only rule is no gratuitous violence, especially sexual violence or violence against women and minorities. I know this is a controversial take, especially for a horror author, but if it doesn’t serve the plot in any way, just get rid of it. I want to tell a good scary story. I don’t want to cater to weird fetishes.
- Speaking of animals, do you have any pets?
Not yet! I am a plant parent to a wonderful money tree named Mikey, though. - What advice would you give to someone who wants to be a writer?
Practice, practice, practice! Try your best to write as often as you can. Also, read as much as you can, even if it’s outside of the genre you like to write. Listening and observing the world around you can also lead to plenty of unexpected inspiration.
Eric Woods, Author 