Using Horror to Escape Bullies and Build a Writing Career

The Horror Heals Podcast

In this episode of Horror Heals, Corey and Kendall sit down with an emerging horror author, Dacre Black, who knows all about turning real-life trauma into terrifying tales. Growing up, Dacre faced relentless bullying, but instead of letting that define him, he found healing in both martial arts and writing. His mother gave him powerful advice that would shape his future: "If the world isn’t treating you right, create your own reality." This became the foundation of his career as a horror writer.

Dacre is now the author of the Afterlife series, blending '80s nostalgia with supernatural suspense in books like The Campground, which is now available. We discuss how his experiences with bullying, the therapeutic value of martial arts, and his love for horror movies from the '80s all played a key role in crafting his unique writing style.

Join us for an inspiring conversation about the intersection of horror, healing, and the creative process.

Key Themes Discussed:

Using Horror to Heal:

• The episode starts with our guest’s backstory—how bullying throughout his childhood led him to seek escape and healing through creative outlets.
• His mother’s advice to “create your own reality” was pivotal. Writing became a way to escape the harshness of reality and to build a world where he could have control over the narrative.
• How horror became a tool not just for escape, but for processing his emotions and finding strength.

From Bullying to Martial Arts:

• Alongside writing, our guest took up martial arts, specifically Gracie Jiu-Jitsu, as a means of self-defense and building confidence.
• He discusses how martial arts helped him rebuild his self-esteem after years of bullying and gave him the tools to physically and mentally defend himself.
• Martial arts continues to play a role in his life today, influencing both his personal growth and his writing style, as his characters often display the same resilience and strength.

The Power of His Mother’s Words:

• A powerful moment of the episode highlights the advice his mother gave him during those tough years of being bullied. By encouraging him to write, she helped him find a way to channel his pain into something creative and healing.
• He shares how this advice has stayed with him throughout his life and career, becoming the foundation of his work as a horror author.

The Birth of the Afterlife Series:

• His Afterlife series was born out of his love for 80s horror movies, paranormal stories, and his personal experiences. The 80s setting, with its absence of modern technology, heightens the suspense, making his characters rely more on their instincts than on gadgets.
• He talks about the development of his latest book, The Campground, which blends haunted campgrounds with paranormal thrills, all tied together by that classic 80s vibe.
• We also get a sneak peek into his upcoming books and plans for the series, which will eventually span 13 novels.

Horror as Therapy:

• The episode touches on the Horror Heals theme as our guest reflects on how writing horror helped him process trauma from bullying. Horror became a way to confront the "real monsters" of his childhood and turn them into something empowering.
• He shares insights into how horror offers both catharsis and a sense of control—two things that are essential for healing from emotional scars.

Real-Life Influences in His Writing:

• From his experiences as a martial artist to his love for 80s pop culture, we learn how real-life events and challenges shape the characters and plots in his stories.
• He discusses the importance of creating relatable characters who, like him, face real-world struggles but find strength in unexpected places—whether through fighting off supernatural threats or their personal demons.

Takeaways for Listeners:

• Horror can be more than just entertainment—it can be a powerful tool for processing trauma and finding healing.
• Writing and other creative outlets are effective ways to confront and manage emotional scars.
• Martial arts, or any form of self-defense, can help rebuild confidence after facing adversity like bullying.
• Supporting emerging authors, especially those with meaningful backstories like this one, brings a deeper connection to the stories they write.

Where to Find the Author:

• Instagram
• The Campground on Amazon