Thank you Nathan Hatch for the tag!

Name an influential work (novel, short story, poem, show, or film) that has influenced your writing:

If I had to name one work that inspired my writing, it’s Tales from the Crypt, specifically the episode 'Split Personality.' My mom and I used to watch the show religiously, but this story hit differently. If you have read my Shelly series, it’s easy to see how the two are in the same vein.

The premise follows a con man (played by Joe Pesci) who targets wealthy twins. They agree to date him only if they can share him equally, so he pretends to be a twin himself to swindle them both. When they discover his lie, they decide to 'make things right' by cutting him down the middle with a chainsaw.

That final image of each twin in a blood-soaked bed, cuddling their respective half, is burned into my brain. Even as a kid, I was more worried about the logistics; I remember wondering why they didn't at least Saran wrap the fleshy bits so the sheets wouldn't get so dirty!

Tale From the Crypt had a wonderful mix of horror and comedy which is something I strive for. I was raised on 80’s horror so I love this campy, pulpy horror and I really try to bring that to my writing.

Sorry, this is a bit long.

I will tag: Cheap & Crass; Norm DePlume; Every Root, Every Thorn; Night Bites and S. L. Linton