Blaise Langlois is a passionate author of speculative fiction and poetry who has a love for horror.
Please introduce yourself:
Hi, my name is Blaise Langlois. I am an emerging author of speculative fiction and poetry. As a teacher and mother of four fabulous kids, I make time for me and decompress through writing.
What is it that attracts you the horror genre for your chosen field of creative work?
I have always been attracted to things dark or macabre-even as a child. Some of my favourite memories are of watching Scooby Doo in the basement with the lights off. I love the horror genre because it allows us to explore the dark issues of the world under the guise of fiction. I think it is the perfect place for catharsis in a manner that is considered acceptable
Who inspires you in your work and in life?
Particularly of late I am finding myself inspired my other female writers working in the indie world of speculative fiction and poetry. I love seeing strong, female figures in the industry and can only hope to reach such a level of achievement myself. This drive to show what I’m made of (without apology) spills over into everyday life and pushes me to work harder.
What are your passions, cinematic or otherwise?
My passions are varied, and I dabble a bit in all of the arts. Anything that is expressive really helps ground me. I am passionate about writing and I am extra passionate about passing this love and joy along to my students
Considering this is 2022, why do you think we still need a movement like Women in Horror Month?
Despite it being 2022, we still need a Women in Horror Month, but not just for the reason you might think. I feel I used to view it as a time to say, “Look at me! I am not a man, but I am a writer, too!” but now I view it as a way to connect with other women in the field. I also feel that there are still so many sexist tropes —particularly in film— and I want WIHM to be a time when we really focus a lens on that
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?
I would tell someone who views being a woman in horror as something difficult to remember that nothing worth while ever comes without a fight. I would also let them know how important it is to find your tribe and support other women.
What are your favorite bits of helpful advice that you have received about your work or your field?
I have learned so much in the past few years, it is hard to narrow it down. I think there are three things that have stuck with me:
-know that it is okay to not be someone’s cup of tea because there is an audience for everything
-that you need to write a lot of crap and that crap makes great fertilizer
-and finally, that rejections are a place to grow and we should accept them with humility and grace
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?
I think a woman to keep an eye on is Lindy Ryan. She is dynamic and I think going to be doing some great things (not that she isn’t already).
What do you have coming soon that you can talk to us about?
I am part of an upcoming anthology to be released in April 2022 called, Under Her Skin. It is a poetry collection being put out by Black Spot Books and you really need to get your hands on a copy.
What do you hope to leave behind in your legacy as an artist?
The legacy I hope to leave is one of inclusivity. I feel that everyone should see themselves in the characters that I write. Diversity is what makes us interesting as people and I hope that when I am on the other side of the grass that people remember that about my and my work.
Pop them links to follow your work here:
You can learn more about me at: ravenfictionca.wordpress.com