Jessica Salter is a horror writer as well as a horror fan. Those who have seen her social media can attest that she’s in 100% in everything she does.
Please introduce yourself:
Hello! I am Jessica, or JD Salt if you please, and I am a horror writer and enthusiast!
What is it that attracts you the horror genre for your chosen field of creative work?
I feel like there’s just so much that comes from the horror genre! I’ve been watching scary movies and listening to scary stories my whole life and whenever my mind wonders (which is a lot!) I find it going to creepy forests, subterranean creatures, satanic possessions, and vengeful demonic rabbits! I definitely blame my Dad for letting me watch horror movies at the age of 5!
Who inspires you in your work and in life?
Good lord where to begin! Barbie Wilde is definitely one of them! I remember reading The Venus Complex and being absolutely stunned that this came from a woman’s mind! I love her ability to take something so twisted and vile and make it somehow erotic! Definitely had me questioning my sanity! C. M. Schandreth, or Caitlin Spice if you will, now she is a woman who knows how to weave together fantastical horror fiction! Her insight on mythological lore and creatures is deep! I’m constantly going back and listening to her stories on NoSleep podcast because they are so chilling and darkly rich!
What are your passions, cinematic or otherwise?
I’m crazy about Guillermo del Toro movies! I’m a sucker for a good creature feature and he never disappoints.
Considering this is 2022, why do you think we still need a movement like Women in Horror Month?
Sadly, there are those out there who are not willing to read or watch horror by women because they say a woman cannot make something scary. Hence one of the reasons I’ve created a pen name. But ya know what? Men don’t get an entire month dedicated to them for any genre! There is Women in Horror Month because we’re so damn good, we need to be celebrated for it!
What would you tell an up-and-coming creative in the world of horror who sees that being a woman/identifying as a woman as something that makes it so much more difficult at times?
Keep going. Being a woman is not a setback, but an edge!
What are your favorite bits of helpful advice that you have received about your work or your field?
Your unique way IS the right way! Never feel you need to change your style for others to accept.
In honor of celebrating Women in Horror Month, who do you believe viewers should keep an eye on in terms of the creative ladies in horror?
Caitlin Spice definitely! Her work is hauntingly beautiful!
What do you have coming soon that you can talk to us about?
I’ll be posting my first short horror story very soon on my Instagram!
Pop them links to follow your work here:
Instagram @fiction_junkie