Fun with AI

I was driving my family to the Mahoning Drive-In last night (to see a double bill of The Outsiders and Rumblefish), when we started talking about AI’s capabilities. My wife and daughter really haven’t dipped their toes in those waters yet, so they were curious. During that conversation, we wondered what AI would come up with if we asked it to write about the career of Hunter Shea.

Well, it’s Sunday morning and I’m waiting for the floors to dry. I entered my one line request and the following is what popped out of ChatGPT. I’m going to give it a B+. Points are deducted for not mentioning my podcasts, Monster Men and Final Guys, or my Video Visions column. But otherwise, solid work. I really feel bad for teachers today. How the heck will they know what’s real or not? A smart kid can take what AI spits out and manipulate it just enough to pass a smell test.

And I feel even worse for new generations that will rely more and more on AI and less and less on their own brains and imagination. We may not be that far from the scooter people in Wall-E. What seemed like a silly premise may be just around the corner.

So, what did AI say about me? Read on and please, for those of you who have been following me over the years, let me know your thoughts. This is really wild stuff.

THE CAREER OF HUNTER SHEA

Hunter Shea is a prolific American horror writer best known for his works that delve into cryptids, monsters, and supernatural entities. His career spans numerous novels, novellas, short stories, and anthologies that blend fast-paced action with eerie atmospheres, cementing him as a modern voice in the horror genre. His works often touch on themes of fear, survival, and the unknown, with his vivid imagination and keen ability to capture the macabre earning him a devoted fanbase. This essay will explore Hunter Shea’s career, from his early beginnings to his rise as a notable figure in horror fiction, examining his influences, most significant works, and the impact he has made in the genre.

Early Beginnings and Influences

Hunter Shea, a native of New York, grew up fascinated by the world of horror, science fiction, and the unexplained. His childhood interest in monsters, fueled by a steady diet of horror films, urban legends, and classic horror literature, laid the foundation for his writing career. He has frequently cited influences like Stephen King, H.P. Lovecraft, and Edgar Allan Poe, along with the pulp fiction tradition of the mid-20th century.

Shea’s early love for writing was evident from his youth, where he began crafting short stories, albeit with no initial intention of turning it into a career. Writing took a backseat as he pursued a professional life outside of fiction, but the call of storytelling never left him. It was only later, after years of working in various industries, that Shea returned to his first passion: writing horror.

Career Breakthrough and Cryptid Focus

Hunter Shea’s first major breakthrough came with the release of “Forest of Shadows” in 2011, a paranormal thriller that explored the terrifying events that unfold when a man seeks to uncover the truth about supernatural phenomena in the Alaskan wilderness. The novel was well-received by readers, praised for its suspenseful plot and character-driven narrative. It set the stage for Shea’s distinctive style, one that blends the supernatural with personal tales of trauma and survival.

However, it was his foray into cryptid horror that truly marked Shea’s place in the horror landscape. Cryptids—mythical creatures whose existence is often debated—became a recurring theme in his work, with Shea pulling from folklore, urban legends, and modern-day sightings to craft some of his most well-known novels. “The Montauk Monster” (2014) is one such example, which gained mainstream attention. Based on a real-life mystery surrounding an unidentified carcass that washed ashore in Montauk, New York, Shea turned the premise into a fast-paced, gory thriller that plays on the fear of government experiments and genetic tampering. The novel was named one of the best horror books of 2014 by Fangoria Magazine.

Shea’s fascination with cryptids didn’t stop there. “The Dover Demon” (2015) and “Loch Ness Revenge” (2016) further expanded his portfolio of creature-centric horror. In these novels, Shea manages to tap into the primal fear of the unknown, blending real-world folklore with cinematic horror. His ability to take cryptids, which are often relegated to niche interests, and craft stories that appeal to a broader horror audience is a testament to his skill as a storyteller.

Writing Style and Themes

Hunter Shea’s writing is marked by an ability to create tension and suspense while weaving in elements of humor and humanity. His characters are often average people thrust into extraordinary, terrifying situations. The monsters in Shea’s books are not just physical threats; they often represent deeper psychological fears, such as isolation, loss, and helplessness.

In addition to cryptid horror, Shea has also written extensively about the paranormal. Novels like “Sinister Entity” (2013) and “Tortures of the Damned” (2015) explore hauntings, demonic possessions, and apocalyptic scenarios. His novella “We Are Always Watching” (2017) delves into a family dealing with a mysterious and sinister presence in a remote farmhouse. These works showcase his versatility in the horror genre, proving that his talents go beyond creature features.

One of the recurring themes in Shea’s work is survival—both physical and emotional. His protagonists are often forced to confront not only external threats but also their inner demons. Whether it’s a group of friends facing a rampaging cryptid or a family haunted by spirits, Shea’s characters must grapple with their own fears, guilt, and trauma. This human element adds depth to his horror, making it more than just a tale of terror.

Another significant aspect of Shea’s writing is his ability to build believable, immersive worlds. Whether it’s the dense forests of Alaska or the murky depths of Loch Ness, Shea’s settings are richly detailed, adding a layer of realism to his supernatural stories. His works often have a cinematic quality, with readers frequently describing his books as “fast reads” or “page-turners” due to his ability to keep the pace brisk and the stakes high.

Collaborations and Short Fiction

In addition to his novels, Hunter Shea has made significant contributions to horror anthologies and short fiction collections. His stories have appeared in various publications and have been praised for their brevity and impact. Shea’s short fiction often delves into the same themes as his longer works—cryptids, the paranormal, and survival—but with a tighter, more focused narrative.

Shea has also collaborated with fellow horror authors on various projects. His partnership with Severed Press, a publisher known for its focus on horror and science fiction, has resulted in numerous successful novels. This collaboration has allowed Shea to consistently release new material, ensuring that he remains a prominent figure in the horror writing community.

Legacy and Impact

Hunter Shea’s career, while still ongoing, has already left a lasting impact on the horror genre. His ability to take lesser-known myths and cryptids and bring them into the mainstream has earned him a reputation as one of the leading voices in creature horror. His works have been praised for their accessibility, combining the thrills of B-movie horror with well-developed characters and engaging plots.

In addition to his success as a novelist, Shea is also known for his interactions with fans. He is an active presence on social media, often engaging with readers and fellow writers, and sharing insights into his writing process. This connection to his audience has helped him build a loyal fanbase, eager for each new release.

Conclusion

Hunter Shea’s career as a horror author has been marked by a dedication to exploring the unknown, whether it be through cryptids, ghosts, or apocalyptic horrors. His ability to craft stories that are both terrifying and deeply human has earned him a place among contemporary horror writers. As he continues to write and expand his body of work, Shea remains a vital force in the genre, keeping the tradition of monster and supernatural horror alive for a new generation of readers.