Willie is a writer of poetry, fiction, and song lyrics. He is from Southern California. His horror fiction can be found in his debut collection: Nightmares from a Desk; HorrorScope Volume 2 (Anthology edited by Harriet Everend); Gridiron Gates of Hell (Anthology edited by Loki Dewitt); and his most recent short story, Crusty’s Penny Arcade. He’s easy to reach on Instagram so send him a message, tag him on a post, share gifs from The Office, chat about Hip-Hop music, anything!
Follow Willie Heredia!
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/willie.writes.words/
QUESTIONS:
- Tell our readers a little about yourself and your writing (including publications).
I consider myself a “late” reader/writer in terms of the fiction genre. Prior to 2021, I strictly wrote song lyrics and poetry. I picked up reading as a hobby sometime in 2020 and it quickly sparked my interest in writing fiction. I published a short story, “The Crossing Guard,” and people seemed to have enjoyed it. So I decided to compile a number of short stories and eventually my debut collection, Nightmares from a Desk, was brought to life! Since being introduced to many indie authors on Instagram, I’ve fallen in love with the fiction writing process and hope to one day release a full-length novel! - What writing projects are you currently working on?
I currently have three novellas in the works, and my debut novel has a skeleton. You’ll see a couple of novellas next year (2025) for sure! The debut novel will be a long process. - Are you a daytime writer, a mid-day writer, a nighttime writer, or just someone who writes when the mood hits you?
I really wish I could write when the mood hits me, but I often find the writing mood to clash when I’m busy with work, parenting, or life in general. So, writing at night has been by go-to time of day. However, I hope one day I can write early mornings, because I’ll be honest, my brain is often fried by the end of the day. - Do you have a writing “Bucket List” (goals you want to accomplish as a writer)?
A short one. I want to publish a full length novel. - Who is your favorite author and why?
I have to go with Stephen King. I absolutely love his writing style and his overall outlook on the craft. His book, On Writing, has been a major inspiration for me to continue writing for myself, and the readers who give my stories a chance. Also, Fredrik Backman would be on the same tier for me, though his style varies extensively (I’m sure partially because it’s translated to English) but the way he writes about everyday life is so moving. - How many books do you read in a month? What are your favorite genres?
This varies nearly every month. If I had to average it, though, I’d say anywhere around 4-5 books a month happens a lot. Based on the books that are resting on my shelves, I’d say my favorite genre is Horror. But I love exploring different genres such as Contemporary Literature, Classic Literature, Science Fiction, and I’ve even grown an interest in reading some Fantasy. - When did you know you wanted to be a writer?
I never did! Writing was always something I was good at but never paid attention to, if that makes sense? I always respected it, though. I always found what authors were capable of doing—lighting up someone’s imagination through words—to be a sort of magic. I wrote songs and poems because the inspiration was there. But sometime in 2016, I found a passion in Literature as a whole. These days, writing is a part of me that I wish I paid more attention to sooner. - 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 definitely Nightmare on Elm Street (1984), and it’s mainly because when I first watched it, I was terrified of going to sleep. No other movie has had the same effect. Plus, Robert Englund as Freddy Krueger was a match made in heaven…or hell, I should say. - Do you have any “rules” when you write? (EX for me: the dog never dies!)
I don’t think I have any rules when I write, but I do my best to keep the ‘fluff’ at a minimum, so I guess, “don’t get lost in the fluff” would be a rule? - Speaking of animals, do you have any pets?
Yes! We currently have two cats (Jeff and Leia) and two dogs (Max and Otis) in our home. They’re personalities have nearly no overlaps! Ha! - What advice would you give to someone who wants to be a writer?
Write it. Whatever idea you may have brewing in the creative space of your mind, let it spill and live on a blank page! Someone out there is waiting to read your story, they just don’t know it yet.
Eric Woods, Author 