But You're Too Cute to Write Horror

 There's a funky misconception that horror writers look weird, creepy and/or sinister.  While it's true that many writers of horror will never make People Magazine's "Sexiest Man/Woman Alive" list, most writers of horror and paranormal look no different than your sweet grandmother or your fun-loving Uncle Joe or your nice-looking co-worker who loves romantic comedies and fluffy kittens.

"But you're too (cute, sweet, normal) to write horror," people will tell me.  

This comment used to make me go hmm, but my standard response now is to make a little joke referencing the Mel Brooks' movie Young Frankenstein, "Hey, normal on the outside, Abby Normal on the inside."

And speaking of normal on the outside, by all appearances I am the All-American Girl Next Door.  In high school, I was a blonde, straight-A Honor Roll student, majorette captain, and member of the Honor Society. In college, I was in a sorority, the marching band, dance team and dance theater.  I'm still blonde, teach Zumba Fitness, and love kittens.  

Two weeks ago, I attended the 2nd Annual Gulf Breeze High School (Florida) Alumni Band reunion where I had the opportunity to twirl my batons again with the current high school band during their Homecoming game.  (The video clip above is from the game.)

Abby Normal, indeed. (Heh!)