Interview with Ronald McGillvray By David Kempf

About Ronald McGillvray & his work.  

Ronald  is a writer of horror, the strange and the mysterious, and is from Ottawa, Canada. He’s published short stories, scripts, novellas and novels. His short horror story collection, Tales From The Parkland, his novella, James’ Journey To Dreamland, and his two novels, Cutter’s Deep and The Candy Witch have all reached #1 on Amazon and have been read in over a dozen countries.

He wrote the script for the film, The Storm, which was chosen to be screened at the World Horror Convention as well as at the Shocklines Film Festival in New York City.

His story, Head Case, was made into a film produced by Columbia College in Chicago. 

Our intreped writer and interviewed David Kempf, decided to catch up with Ronald andfind out a bit more about the man.

1. When did you first become interested in horror?

In the mid 70’s, I was on vacation with my family and an acquaintance of my parents asked if I liked scary stories. He then gave me two paperbacks he’d just finished reading. One was, Carrie by Stephen King and the other was, The Rats by James Herbert. A few years later I watched, The Night of the Living Dead by George Romero and I have been hooked on horror ever since.  

2. Did you always enjoy wring?

I’ve been writing since I was in grade school. I’ve always had story ideas in my head.

Check out Ronald on Goodreads

3. Do you prefer writing short stories or novels?

I prefer writing short stories. Mostly because I have so many ideas, I’m always in a hurry to get to my next one.

4. Is there another genre that you write in?

A lot of my stories cross genres. I’ve written humorous horror, mystery horror, fantasy horror, and even a horror/detective novel.  

5. Are there topics you would not write about in your books?

I would never write anything that had little or no interest to me. I generally write stories that amuse or engage me. Having said that, I’d never write a medical thriller because I know nothing about the medical world. I would also stay away from religion. 

6. Do you ever edit or do ghostwriting for others?

I did when I used to do scriptwriting. I haven’t since I started writing prose.

7. Do you believe readers need to hooked from the first sentence?

I wouldn’t say by the first sentence but definitely within the first chapter. I would even dare to say, by the first few paragraphs.

8. Why do you think horror books and movies remain so popular?

Today, I would say, because the world is in a scary place and horror gives us an outlet for controlled chaos and our deep-seated anxieties. Generally, though, I believe people like the thrill of the unknown and the adrenaline rush it provides. The same kind of thrill people get by riding a rollercoaster. I’d never ride a rollercoaster myself, but to each their own.

9. Why do you think that people are obsessed with being scared?

I don’t know if people are obsessed with being scared, so to speak, but I do think that many enjoy the safety of being scared on their couch or in their beds tucked under their safe, warm sheets. It’s a form of escapism. 

10. Who inspires you?

Anyone creative inspires me, especially musicians and artists, I guess because they do something creative that I’m not accomplished at. Writing wise, I would have to give the nod to Stephen King, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, Richard Matheson, Rod Serling, Robert B. Parker, Joe R Lansdale, George Romero, and last but not least Alistair MacLean who actually got me into reading in the first place.

11. What are some of your favorite horror books?

Definitely, I Am Legend by Richard Matheson.

Salem’s Lot by Stephen King

The Hound of the Baskervilles by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle

The Drive-In by Joe R. Lansdale

Ghost Story by Peter Straub

The Hellbound Heart by Clive Barker

Let the Right One In by John Ajvide Lindqvist

The Haunting of Hill House by Shirley Jackson

The Body Snatchers by Jack Finney

12. What are some of your favorite horror movies?

Night of the Living Dead

Dawn of the Dead

Jaws

The Thing

The Texas Chainsaw Massacre

Alien

An American Werewolf in London

Invasion of the Body Snatchers

13. What are your current projects?

I have three novels partially started but stopped them when I had a new idea that I was more interested in. Sadly, they may never see the light of day. We’ll see. Currently I’m trying my hand at a collection of novellas.

To learn more, check out his webpage at www.ronaldmcgillvray.com. 

He’s also on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter/X, Threads, Bluesky, as well as on Goodreads.