It’s been a while since I did one of these, but since this is a new year of starting awesome things (and following through with them) I present to you the second edition of “They Write the Books.”

Today we’re talking with Samantha Gregory, fantasy & horror author.

Tell us a little about yourself.

I am an author, journalist and a blogger. I’ve been writing since I was about seven and I love horror and fantasy books. I love reading and always try to help other authors when I can. I was first published in 2012 when I was 26. I now have 8 books available and several more due out this year.

How did you get into writing?

I loved making up stories in my head as a kid. I would watch TV shows and if I didn’t like how they ended, I would make up an ending in my head. I started writing ideas down in notebooks after that.

How did you come up with the idea for your story?

I knew that I wanted to write a zombie novel, but I couldn’t decide if I wanted to write about the start of an outbreak or the aftermath. I started two stories and labelled them After and Before on the computer. Eventually I decided to make them bookends of the same story. How the outbreak began and what life was like after. My main character in After is called Jenna and she is trying to take care of her mother and herself. The country is ruled by the Alliance, soldiers who ‘keep the peace.’ Jenna finds herself pulled into a decades old conspiracy about the zombies and who created them.

Who are your favorite authors?

Kelley Armstrong and Stephen King. I love Kelley’s world of supernatural creatures and I’ve always been a huge fan of King.

If you could only recommend one book, which would it be?

Probably Bitten by Kelley Armstrong. It’s the beginning of a great series and a TV show too.

*Bonus * What one person (living or dead) would you share a meal with? And why?

I would have to say – someone who has lived a really exciting and interesting life because I love hearing stories. They don’t have to be famous, I like hearing about people’s adventures.

Sloan Street’s Samantha Gregory with her debut novel launch in the Island Arts Centre US0913-401PM Pic by Paul Murphy

S.K. Gregory was born in Lisburn, northern Ireland, in 1985. She studied Media Studies in college and worked for a local magazine after leaving school. Her debut novel Daemon Persuasion was published by Mockingbird Lane Press, January 3rd 2013. She has been writing since she was a child and loves the horror/fantasy genre. Her favourite authors are Kelley Armstrong and Stephen King. Her latest novel Queen of Hell: Hell Hath No Fury is available now.

Connect with S.K Gregory!

www.storyteller-skgregory.weebly.com

www.twitter.com/sam_skgregory

****** Be sure to visit Samantha’s blog for a chance to win a digital copy of Before, After and to have YOUR name featured in the final book Viral!!!