Sue Rovens

Could you tell the readers a little bit about yourself?

I currently live in central Illinois with my husband, Charlie, and two cats, Monkey (the diva), and Noodle (the scared big boy who weighs 18 lbs.) When I’m not writing or editing, I spend my time running, lifting weights, watching movies, reading, and scuttling around estate sales in search of antique radios, signs, and clocks.

Other than the horror genre, what else has been a major influence on your writing?

This may sound “eye roll-ish” but it’s true – living life. Certain events, people, jobs, and situations I’ve experienced have presented themselves to me in such a way that I felt the need to write about it/them.

The term horror, especially when applied to fiction, always carries such heavy connotations.  What’s your feeling on the term “horror” and what do you think we can do to break past these assumptions?

I wish that people wouldn’t necessarily equate horror with only slashers/gore. Yes, those are a portion of the genre, but certainly not the only (or majority). I’ve tended to list my books as suspense/thrillers because of these conflicting opinions. The novels I’ve written do have some horrific elements, but they are story and character driven as opposed to pages of mounting kills or chapters of random murders.

I appreciate that some people WANT just that – the gorier, the better for them. It’s simply not my bag – to write OR to read.

Given the dark, violent and at times grotesque nature of the horror genre why do you think so many people enjoy reading it? 

I imagine that some people “use” it as an outlet (it’s legal to READ about stuff – you just can’t do it yourself). Also, there might be something about “how much can I handle” – kind of like going on scary rides at a carnival. Another reason could be the taboo subject matter. I’m aware of some nasty, violent writings (Peter Sotos comes to mind, although this is just my perception of some of his offerings. I’ve admittedly not read much of his work) While some people might really dig his style (or others who write in a similar vein), I only checked it out to understand the range of what “horror” can encompass.

What, if anything, is currently missing from the horror genre?

An appreciation for the old school horror of the 60s and 70s.

What new and upcoming authors do you think we should take notice of? 

Aside from myself (wink)…Taylor Adams is a fantastic writer. Jo Nesbo is another one (more for suspense/crime thriller), and Jeremy Bates.


Are there any reviews of your work, positive or negative, that have stayed with you?

I’ve had a handful of people that I’ve met through book fairs/events that have told me that they love my work and would buy whatever I’d write. That means everything. I try to ignore the haters, but it’s really tough. Sure, my books won’t be for everyone, but there are decent and kind ways to say that instead of just typing “this sucked”.

What aspects of writing do you find the most difficult?

Editing the manuscript for the 6^th, 7^th, and 8^th time.

Is there one subject you would never write about as an author?

More than one! Romance. Politics. Sports. Math. Physics.

What is the best piece of advice you ever received with regards to your writing?

Don’t rush through. If it takes a year (or more), so be it.

Can you tell us about your last book, and can you tell us about what you are working on next?

My newest book, Sanctum, just came out on May 24, 2023. So, it’s REALLY new!! Here’s the blurb from the back cover:

The floating dog. The scrawled messages. The corpse-like hands reaching into the world of the living.

When minor issues for homeowners Ronnie and Emily take a sudden left turn into the world of the weird, they look first to their handyman and then to their real estate agent for answers. Ed Thackery, newly appointed agent representing Cain Mill Homes, attempts to help but it soon becomes apparent that neither Ed nor his clients are aware of the horrors that have already infiltrated their small town.

Ed’s boss, Ellie, provides only convoluted and mysterious answers, while his wife’s growing resentment regarding his clients’ sexual orientation adds to his list of uphill battles. With time running out, Ed finds himself scrambling in desperation as he fights for his clients’ lives as well as his own.

Winning will prove costly, but if he loses, the fate of humanity could be at stake. 

I’m not working on anything else right now. Promoting Sanctum takes enough time!

If you could erase one horror cliché what would be your choice?

Jump scares (from movies/tv).


What’s the one question you wish you would get asked but never do?  And what would be the answer?

“Would you be willing to give us permission to make your book into a movie?”

My answer: Where do I sign?

Sanctum by Sue Rovens

The floating dog. The scrawled messages. The corpse-like hands reaching into the world of the living.

When minor issues for homeowners Ronnie and Emily take a sudden left turn into the world of the weird, they look first to their handyman and then to their real estate agent for answers. Ed Thackery, newly appointed agent representing Cain Mill Homes, attempts to help but it soon becomes apparent that neither Ed nor his clients are aware of the horrors that have already infiltrated their small town.

Ed’s boss, Ellie, provides only convoluted and mysterious answers, while his wife’s growing resentment regarding his clients’ sexual orientation adds to his list of uphill battles. With time running out, Ed finds himself scrambling in desperation as he fights for his clients’ lives as well as his own.

Winning will prove costly, but if he loses,the fate of humanity could be at stake.

BIO – 

Sue Rovens is an indie suspense/horror author who lives in Normal, Illinois. She has written five suspense novels and two books of short horror stories. Her fifth novel, Sanctum, came out in late May 2023.

Track 9, her second novel, received a starred review in Publisher’s Weekly (May 2018), her short story, “Coming Over”, from her book, In a Corner, Darkly (Volume 1) was turned into a screenplay and short student indie film by the theater department of Southern Illinois University, Carbondale, and another short story, “When the Earth Bled”, won 2^nd place in the Support Indie Authors short story contest in 2021. Her three most recent books (Buried, Rage, and Sanctum) are under Plump Toad Press.

Sue owns a blog (suerovens.com) which includes interviews with authors, musicians, podcasters, and artists. 

Sue is a member of The Chicago Writers Association and the Alliance for Independent Authors (ALLi). 

WEBSITE LINKS 

suerovens.com (blog)

The Heart and Soul of Horror Promotion Websites