If your TBR could use a little more weird, emotional, and wildly unhinged, it’s time to meet Damien Casey—a comedy horror author serving up what he calls “bubblegum bizarro,” where heartfelt storytelling collides with B-movie madness, monsters, mayhem, and whatever else his brain decides to throw into the mix.

Damien’s books aren’t exactly interested in behaving themselves. From werewolves and zombies to bizarre creatures and blood-soaked romance, his stories embrace the strange with open arms. Titles like Bride of the Living Chad, Summer Camp for Werewolves, Bitin’ List, 28 Days Sassier, and Red Ice offer a pretty good warning of what you’re getting into: horror that’s colorful, funny, offbeat, and completely committed to the bit. Beneath all that glorious weirdness, though, there’s plenty of heart.

Damien describes his work in three words: weird, emotional, and ranty—a combination that feels perfectly fitting for an author who proudly declares, “I write books and overshare.” His particular brand of horror comedy pulls from a love of the wonderfully low-budget and unapologetically ridiculous, resulting in stories that feel like they wandered out of a late-night B-movie marathon and somehow developed feelings along the way.

As for the man behind the madness? According to Damien, he was created when someone threw a bunch of B-movie and wrestling VHS tapes into a bonfire. Honestly, after looking at his books, we’re not entirely convinced he’s joking. He loves movies that cost approximately $500 to make, professional “speedo fighting,” and talking enough to occasionally earn the dreaded “wow, that’s crazy” from whoever happens to be listening.

Damien lives in Mason, West Virginia, where he continues to write books, overshare, and turn his wonderfully bizarre interests into stories unlike pretty much anything else sitting on your bookshelf.

Get to know Damien Casey as we dive into a quick Q&A and explore the monsters, mayhem, emotions, and delightfully strange brain behind his bubblegum bizarro stories.

Q&A

Could you share some insights into your writing process? Do you have any rituals or habits that help you stay productive and creative?
Honestly, I don’t have a process. I’m usually just sort of kicking around until something pisses me off enough to write about it. But then I turn it into something else so that it isn’t obvious I’m just essentially writing a 20-40k subtweet.
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 genuinely base a lot of my characters on people I know, or I have an actor in mind. I always make my characters have really loud personalities; I think that’s like a trademark or something?
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 seeing people actually enjoy my work. I think it’s pretty common for writers to say “I didn’t think anyone would like my books” but I really did not. That’s also been the hardest thing to overcome; the imposter syndrome. I constantly struggle with feeling like I’m not a writer at all much less a good one; so anytime I have a convo with someone who enjoys my stuff, it makes all of the negative worth it.
How do you connect with your readers? Do you have any memorable interactions or experiences with fans that stand out to you?
I just try to be a normal human being who treats others with kindness. My readers are my friends, I will chat with them however long they want to chat. If they want to talk to me it’s because we’ve made a connection over whatever weirdo story I put together so they have to be my people.
What advice would you give to new writers?
Don’t EVER start writing to make money as your first priority. It’s a slippery slope that leads to using others for whatever they can do for you. Be genuine, be authentic, make sure you are always as much you as you can possibly be.
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?
The Great and Secret Show by Clive Barker is my all time favorite book. Barker has a fantastic ability to make fantastical stories about real world things. I also love anything by Seanan McGuire and Goldy Moldavsky; both have unique voices and write books with so much heart they feel alive.
What do you wish people/readers knew about you?
That I like to yap. Please yap with me I am begging you.
What future projects or ideas are you excited about? Can you give us a sneak peek into what you’re working on next?
I’m working on a bleak book, called Spur. A new YA horror comedy, and a couple other things that aren’t close enough to mention.