Paws and Tales, Episode 2: Edgar Thorne, Horror Novelist

Betsy and the feline familiars

Welcome to 'Paws and Tales', where we explore the heartwarming and sometimes mysterious connections between our favorite fictional characters and their beloved pets. Each edition brings you delightful, quirky, and unexpected stories that will make you smile and perhaps see your own pets in a new light.

Introducing Edgar Thorne

Today, we're thrilled to introduce Edgar Thorne, a bestselling horror novelist known for his spine-chilling tales and dark, atmospheric storytelling. Despite his eerie narratives, Edgar is a thoughtful and contemplative person with a deep love for animals, which often find their way into his stories in surprising ways.

Interview with Edgar Thorne

Edgar: "Hello, and thank you for having me. It's a pleasure to be here and talk about my furry companions and how they influence my work.

"Tell me about your earliest memory involving animals or pets?"

Edgar: "Ah, my earliest memory with animals was quite peculiar, really. I remember as a child stumbling upon a stray black cat lurking in the shadows of an old abandoned house near our neighborhood. It was a rather eerie encounter, but something about the mysterious feline fascinated me, drew me into its enigmatic aura. Its name, if it had one, remains lost to the mists of time, a fleeting presence in a distant memory."

Inspiration: Gothic macabre novels

"That's a wonderfully eerie yet fascinating memory. It sounds like it set the stage for your love of the mysterious. Moving on to your professional life... How have animals influenced your life or work?"

Edgar: "Animals have always held a special place in my heart, you see. Their enigmatic nature, their silent observations of the world around them—they inspire a sense of curiosity and wonder within me. In fact, many of my stories are infused with elements of the animal kingdom, weaving their essence into the fabric of my dark narratives. Take for example, in 'Touch and Touch Tale', a cat named Shadow in Chapter 3 wanders through a scene, adding an eerie atmosphere to the setting. They serve as symbols of both fear and resilience, adding layers of depth to my tales of terror."

"It's incredible how deeply animals can inspire and shape our creative work. Your pets must bring a unique dynamic to your writing process. Speaking of which... What role do pets play in your daily routine or creative process?"

Inspiration: Victorian crosshatch illustration

Edgar: "Ah, my faithful companions, my feline familiars, they are my silent confidants, my muses in the darkness. Their presence, their subtle movements in the shadows, they whisper secrets to me, igniting the flames of creativity within my soul. Whether it's a midnight stroll with my mysterious companion through the dimly lit streets or a quiet moment of contemplation with my pet raven, Betsy, perched upon my shoulder, they are my companions in the realm of imagination, guiding me through the labyrinth of my mind."

Closing Thoughts

"Thank you, Edgar, for sharing your captivating stories and the unique ways your pets influence your creative journey. Your ability to blend the eerie with the heartfelt truly brings a fresh perspective to the world of horror literature."

Edgar: "Thank you for having me. It's been a delight to share how my feline and feathered companions shape my stories and keep my imagination alive."