By Jim Mcleod 
Embarking on a new story is a journey into the unknown, both for the characters and the author behind them. For Kody Boye, the acclaimed author known for tales of young people confronting unimaginable circumstances, that journey is deeply personal. In this candid interview, Boye pulls back the curtain on his creative process, revealing the sparks that ignite his stories and the profound self-discovery that now fuels them.
Fresh off the release of his chilling new novel, What We Left Behind, Boye delves into the difficult puzzle of crafting his three protagonists—girls haunted by a shared childhood trauma. He opens up with remarkable honesty about how a recent autism diagnosis at age 32 reshaped his understanding of himself and, in turn, his mission as a writer. From the profound influence of Tamora Pierce to a powerful, favourite passage from his novel Angel Hour, this conversation is a must-read for anyone interested in the heart and mind behind modern dark fiction. Join us as we delve into the truths that drive one of horror’s most compelling voices.
Inside the Mind of Kody Boye: Autism, Horror, and “What We Left Behind”
Let’s start at the very beginning. For our readers, please introduce yourself. Beyond the author bio, tell us a little about who you are when you’re not writing, what you love doing, what fascinates you, and what fuels your creativity.
My name is Kody Boye. When I’m not writing stories about young people changing their worlds, I am working as a feature writer for a marketing company. I am also currently enrolled in a Master of Fine Arts program at Southern New Hampshire University, where I am working toward a degree that will allow me to teach. Beyond that, I enjoy reading, video games (I have a particular love for strategy and role-playing games), and playing with my cats.
In the early stages of a new project, what tends to come to you first: a compelling character voice, a central thematic question, or a vivid image/scenario? How does that initial spark then guide you in building the rest of the story?
Concepts are what normally come to me, and afterward, first lines. I feel that the first line in any work of my fictio is usually my initial “spark.”
Every book has its own unique set of problems to solve. What was the most difficult ‘puzzle’ you had to crack while writing this book? Was it a plot hole, a character’s motivation, the structure, or something else entirely?
The most difficult puzzle I had to crack while writing my newest novel, What We Left Behind, was the internal driving force of each character. The novel tells the story of three very different girls—Harlow Meadows, Sarah Matthews, and Cara Alexander. While each are haunted by the fact that they went missing as children, only to emerge with no memory of what happened to them during those three days, they are inadvertently drawn into a sometimes beautiful, but often hellish landscape of a land called Wraithworld, which preys on hopes, belittles dreams, and uses personal fears to attempt to drag people under.
While writing What We Left Behind, I had to uncover what was each girl’s personal fear. While one girl’s terror was obvious, another’s was more difficult to uncover. A third’s surprised me completely during the writing process.
Writing is a demanding, often solitary pursuit. Beyond the apparent goal of ‘telling a story,’ what is the specific, personal fuel that keeps you going through the difficult stretches? Is it the joy of discovery, the need to understand something yourself, the connection with a future reader, or something else?
Writing has always been in my blood. When I learned I could write, and tell stories, I quickly learned that telling tales of people who face unpredictable and unfathomable circumstances was something I longed to do. As I grew older, I learned that writing about young people coming into their own was a reflection of my own troubled circumstances I faced as a teenager, and even as a young adult. I often considered myself an outcast, and sometimes, even felt alienated from people around me. This feeling would follow me all the way up until a year ago, not long after I turned 32, when I was diagnosed as being on the autism spectrum.
The diagnosis would change the way I understood myself, in part because I realized that certain feelings, particular behaviors, and atypical thought processes weren’t a result of me being broken from the myriad of mental health challenges I experience, but from my brain being wired differently. It has further reinforced my desire to tell stories that feature characters finding themselves, because sometimes.
Is there an author, living or dead, whom you consider a ‘silent mentor’? Not necessarily someone you try to imitate, but whose approach to the craft made you feel permission to write in your own way?
Tamora Pierce, the author of the Tortal universe of young adult high fantasy works, was a huge influence on me when I was a preteen and teenager, in part because she wrote in a way that I felt was authentic. She chose to tackle issues in ways that other writers in those genres weren’t writing about, in ways that were forthcoming and honest. Her willingness to infuse her fantasy worlds with aspects that young people go through as they grow older—such as ever-changing bodies, the internal struggles they have with a sense of purpose, and even as they find and explore relationships with others—has shaped the way I tackle my own writing.
Do you have a favourite line or passage from your work, and would you like to share it with us?
One of my favorite scenes I’ve ever written comes from my novel Angel Hour, which tells the story of life after the main character’s father tragically passes away. While the novel isn’t horror in the sense that it deals with a monster, it deals with the horrifying circumstance when one loses their life to the internal battle that often comes from mental illness, and how the people around them deal with the repercussions of that loss.
The setting was inspired by a single visit I took to Hill Country during one summer while I lived in Texas, and details the ceremonious scattering of one’s parent’s ashes.
It is an unspoken language, this agony, this grief. Like an illness plaguing a person’s body, it can be seen in almost every part of someone—from their watering eyes, to their trembling lips, their reddened cheekbones, even more. When tasted, it reminds one of salt on a godforsaken beach. Because why, one might wonder, would a benevolent creator ever allow us to feel such sorrow?
I struggle with this thought as we continue to drive into hill country—as the flatlands give way to rolling hills, as bluebonnets rise from short grasses.
Beneath a velvet sky, this land is beautiful.
I can see why my father would want his ashes scattered here.
What is the specific, core truth you are trying to expose or explore through your horror?
A core truth I try to explore through the works that I write, whether they be in horror, fantasy, or science fiction, is that ordinary people can do extraordinary things. While this seems like an obvious part of life, it is often ordinary people who you see defying the odds that exist both in fiction and in our everyday world. If anyone takes anything away from my writing, I want it to be that.
What We Left Behind by Kody Boye
Thirteen years ago, Harlow Meadows and her two best friends went missing in the woods in their East Texas hometown, and emerged three days later with no memory of what happened.
Now, something is calling them back.
On the anniversary of their disappearance, Harlow and her friends inadvertently return to those same woods where they vanished as children. This time, however, they discover there is no simple way to escape.
The truth, when discovered, reveals the trio has stumbled into a world which not only feeds on human suffering, but where hope is seldom found, and nightmarish beings are truly real. Their only chance at escape lies beyond the treacherous landscapes, and facing the many trials within them, to reach a mirror bridging the two worlds. There, they must either confront or outwit the mirror’s guardian—a cruel being known only as the Snake.
In a world that belittles your hopes, destroys your dreams, and feeds off your deepest fears, Harlow will have to face the things she left behind, all while trying to keep her friends alive.
Interviews on Ginger Nuts of Horror
If you’re a fan of horror literature and cinema, then you absolutely need to check out the horror interview section of Ginger Nuts of Horror.
Firstly, the interviews feature a diverse range of authors, filmmakers, and horror enthusiasts, allowing readers to gain a multifaceted understanding of the genre. Each interview is an opportunity to explore the creative processes, inspirations, and personal stories behind the minds that produce some of the most chilling and thought-provoking works in horror today. From seasoned veterans to up-and-coming talents, the variety of voices ensures that readers can find something that resonates with them.
Moreover, these interviews often delve into the nuances of what makes horror such a compelling genre. Contributors share their thoughts on the psychological aspects of fear, the societal influences on horror trends, and the ways in which horror reflects cultural anxieties. This deeper exploration not only enriches one’s appreciation for horror stories but also fosters discussions about broader themes, such as identity, morality, and existential dread.
The interviews frequently touch on practical advice and industry insights. Writers and creators often share the hurdles they faced in their careers, tips for aspiring horror writers, and the realities of getting published or produced. This wealth of knowledge is invaluable for anyone looking to navigate the sometimes challenging waters of the horror genre. Readers interested in breaking into horror writing or filmmaking will find a treasure trove of wisdom that could pave their path toward success.
Lastly, the community aspect of Ginger Nuts of Horror cannot be overlooked. Engaging with these interviews allows readers to feel connected to a larger community of horror enthusiasts. Comment sections and social media interactions often follow, enabling fans to discuss their thoughts and engage with both the interviewees and fellow readers.
In conclusion, the horror interview section of Ginger Nuts of Horror is an essential resource for anyone interested in the genre. It provides rich insights, guidance, and inspiration that can deepen one’s appreciation for horror while fostering a vibrant community among fans and creators alike. Don’t miss out on the chance to delve into the minds of your favorite horror creators!
