If your ideal story includes creeping dread, dark twists, sinister secrets, and a touch of heart, then it's time to meet AudraKate Gonzalez, an author whose love for horror has been shaping her stories since childhood.

For AudraKate, writing began when she ran out of Goosebumps books to read. Rather than wait for her next spooky fix, she started creating her own horror stories, filling notebooks with the kinds of chills and thrills she loved most. That early fascination with all things creepy never faded. Today, she holds a BA in Creative Writing and is currently working toward her MFA, continuing to hone the craft she's been passionate about for most of her life.

AudraKate's path to publication took shape in college when she realized her heart belonged to storytelling. After beginning her studies as a Political Science major, she made the switch to Creative Writing and never looked back. One of her early stories, Tomato Juice, caught the attention of a professor who encouraged her to expand it into a full-length novel. That encouragement ultimately led to the creation of her This is Noir series and the start of her professional writing journey.

When she's not writing, AudraKate can usually be found with a book in hand, curled up watching scary movies, or catching up on much-needed sleep. She lives in Ohio with her handsome husband and her two furry troublemakers, who continue to inspire both her stories and her daily adventures.

Whether she's crafting nightmare-fueled horror, exploring noir-inspired mysteries, or bringing her beloved pups to life on the page, AudraKate's stories are fueled by imagination, heart, and a lifelong passion for storytelling.

Get to know AudraKate Gonzalez as we dive into a Q&A and explore the horror-loving mind behind the stories that continue to delight readers of all ages.

Q&A

Tell me a little bit about your writing inspirations and/or how you got started.
I started writing when I was 12. I made knock-off Goosebumps books with pen and paper because I loved R.L. Stines' stories so much. In college, I started as a Poli-Sci major, but quickly realized that government and law was not my true passion, and I made the switch to Creative Writing. Tomato Juice was the first story I ever wrote that a professor encouraged me to make a full-length novel and publish. Thus, the This is Noir series was born. I focused on Horror for a while, but then we adopted our two boys, Zero and Scrappy Doo. They were the perfect pair for a children's story. The Adventures of Howard and Flop is all about them, a deaf dog and his service dog who get into a lot of trouble together. I always say I write about the things I love most; Horror and my dogs.
Can you explain your journey of being a self-published author? Are there any tips you would give an aspiring writer you wants to self-publish?
At first, I sought traditional and even small press for publication. But that is a long journey, and I wanted my story to get into the hands of readers. With my education background, I learned a lot about the self-publishing path and decided that's what I was going to do. Since then, I've earned some street cred by writing short stories for various anthologies, and I'm also published through two different indie publishers (shout out to Mad Axe Media and Twenty Hills Publishing). My biggest advice, make connections! Network as much as possible. The people I've met in the writing community have been so amazing. This isn't a journey I'd want to do alone, and I'm so thankful for all the support I've been able to surround myself with by meeting fellow authors, publishers, and agents.
How do you handle writer’s block or periods of low creativity? Are there any specific strategies you use to get back on track?
Trash TV. I don't know why but the worst reality shows can give me my spark. Writing takes a lot of energy and brain power. Sometimes I just need to be able to watch something so mind-numbingly dumb because then I don't have to think. I can just watch people acting ridiculous. A personal favorite of mine is 90-Day Fiance. Also, it helps to have a deadline, whether it be from a publisher or one you've created for yourself. Nothing gets you back on track quicker than a looming deadline.
Could you share some insights into your writing process? Do you have any rituals or habits that help you stay productive and creative?
I wish I could tell you I had some elaborate thought process or outlining technique, but I am a pantser. Me and outlines don't get along. I like to have a general idea of what I want to write, but then I let my characters take it from there.
How do you create complex and relatable characters in your novels? Are there any specific techniques or inspirations you draw from when developing their personalities, motivations, and arcs?
I love coming-of-age stories, so I definitely write those a lot, but I also like writing revenge stories that feature women as the main protagonist. There's a lot of past experiences that I personally went through that I draw from. Things that I wish I could have changed. Monsters I wish I could have stood up to. Decisions I regret. All of those are things that I pass on to my characters, and for the most part, my characters come out on top. They do the things I wish I could have done. And then there are other times where my characters don't get to win. The darkness takes them. They make the wrong choice. They become exactly who they didn't want to become. Those are the endings that I think we sometimes need because not everything in life can be puppies and sunshine.
What have been the most rewarding moments in your writing journey? Conversely, what challenges have you faced, and how did you overcome them?
The most rewarding is meeting my readers. It's so wild to me that I have people running up to me at events to tell me how much they loved my book, or how excited they are to meet me. I'm just Audra. Nothing special. I just put some words on paper. But my readers make me feel like I could do anything.
The biggest challenge has been imposter syndrome. Thinking I'm not good enough. It gets to me a lot. In those times, where it starts to lead me down a depressing path, I like to remind myself of all the small wins. The glimmers of light that have made being a writer so special. I love writing and it's never been about how successful or unsuccessful I've been. I write for myself because I don't know what I'd do if I couldn't write. Those thoughts help.
How do you connect with your readers? Do you have any memorable interactions or experiences with fans that stand out to you?
Instagram has been a great way for me to connect with my readers from all over the world. Another great way to connect with my readers is attending events. I try to attend as many events as possible in Ohio.
What advice would you give to new writers?
As I said before, if you're writing to become rich and famous, to be a bestselling author from the jump, step away from the keyboard. My advice is to write for yourself. Write because you love it. Because if you write for any other reason than that, you're going to find yourself disappointed at some point.
What are some of your all-time favorite books, and why do they resonate with you? Are there any lesser-known gems you'd recommend to fellow readers?
I love anything Grady Hendrix writes. Also, The Mary Shelley Club by Goldy Moldavsky is a personal favorite. Fun fact: Goldy endorsed my book Omega Beta Monster and I'll forever be living off the high from that.
My favorite book of 2026 so far has been Guillotine by Delilah S. Dawson and I've been telling everyone to read it if they haven't yet.