Guest Interview - Alex Davis - How To Write Ghost Stories

We have a guest in The Writers’ Room this week - Alex Davis. Alex is an author and literature professional based in Derby. Today he joins Pete and Laura to talk about How To Write A Ghost Story.

As a writer, Alex has published a novel - THE LAST WAR - a science-fiction novel and a non-fiction book along with 50+ short stories and poems. Among them four short stories called - FIGHTING CATS AND DOGS.

Alex currently works as an Associate Lecturer in Creative and Professional Writing for the University of Derby, and is a freelance copy-editor, proofreader, and events organiser. 

Alex also works as Literature Officer for Derby's QUAD venue, where he organises a host of year-round writing activities.

Pete and Laura ask Alex:-

1. Where did your interest in reading and writing ghost stories start?

2. What are the key elements to writing ghost stories?

3. How can we create the tension and suspense that's needed in our writing?

4. How do you decide on a 'scare' level for the story?

5. Are there any specific books you'd recommend to listeners as 'classic' or must-read ghost stories? And how can reading these help to write ghost stories?

6. Setting is so important for these types of stories. Can you tell us more about how to choose a setting? And is it true that Derbyshire has an affinity for ghost stories?

7. We heard a rumour that you are hosting a UK-wide ghost story festival. Can you tell us more about this?

For information on the Ghost Story Festival 2021 - 

Read about the most recent festival.

Follow the Ghost Story Festival on Twitter

Contact Alex Davis

You can find more about Alex and the services he offers also at his website - Alex Davis Writing.

You can find Alex on Twitter at @AlexDavis1981 where you can find the details of his online courses.

If you enjoyed this episode with Alex, you’ll enjoy Episode 12 - Hot Seat Interview - Alex Davis - How To Self Edit Your Writing.