Author Tonia Ransom spills the details on what makes her short story, Butterfly Hisses, so incredible. This story is about choices, ego, and pride. Reading this… I wanted to print out the story and post it around my neighborhood for everyone to read and hopefully learn… you need to learn as much as you can, after all, before you become dust.
Mother Mycelium reveals something different to all who meet her, but for some, they keep their eyes closed.
Butterfly Hisses by Tonia Ransom, featured in Dark Spores by Crone Girls Press.
Q (Crone Girls Press): What inspired your story in this anthology? Tell us the “story behind the story.”
A (Tonia Ransom): I have a bit of a fascination with fungi, but when I was asked to pick a mushroom to feature on the social media campaign for the fundraiser, I discovered the Texas state mushroom (the Texas Star) actually hisses. After that, I knew I needed a hissing mushroom in the story, and the rest unfolded from there.
Q: Why do you write horror? What about the genre appeals to you as an author?
A: I think horror is an excellent way to process the darkness in the world–both as readers and writers. Even the darkest of horror gives me hope that I can overcome anything, and has helped me see the world through different perspectives that have helped me cope with trauma. Writing horror is my way of giving back to the world, though it may seem unconventional. Different genres speak to different personalities, and horror has always experienced a surge during particularly trying times in the world. Without horror, a lot of people wouldn’t have a safe place to explore the darkest parts of our collective and individual psyches, and I’m grateful to have the opportunity to provide that outlet for others, and for myself.
Q: What do you love about mushrooms? What drew you to this anthology?
A: I love that mushrooms are intelligent in their own way. They’re essential to life on this planet, and their role is only recently being understood more fully…and they do all this linking together of life in the darkness. There is so much to be learned in exploring the dark, and an entire anthology devoted to something that is both essential to life and terrifying is right up my alley!
Q: When you’re not writing, what might we find you doing? (Free time or for a day job?)
A: I love to spend time outside–whether that’s doing yard work or hiking on a scenic trail, I find nature to be very healing.
Q: What’s next in your writing journey?
A: I’m (slowly) working on a book proposal about the theoretical biology of mythical creatures. It’s a dream project of mine!
About The Author
Tonia Ransom is a horror writer and World Fantasy Award-winning creator of horror podcasts NIGHTLIGHT and Afflicted. Tonia has been scaring people since the second grade, when she wrote her first story based on Michael Myers. She lives in Austin, Texas. You can follow Tonia @missdefying on all the socials. Risen is her debut book.
Be sure to check out their story in Dark Spores
Crone Girls Press 