Authors’ Background: Author Shaheen Kazi’s books are recommend to anyone who seeks to have a rich and unforgettable reading experience. Her literary expertise and storytelling prowess are unparalleled and she promises to transport the readers to a new world. Well, this particular book, “Dark & Disturbed — Echoes Of Horror” is published by Evincepub Publishing and is released in the month of September 2024. Also, the book is available in both paperback as well as in e-book format and the readers can find this learning worthy title on all the top online marketplaces!
Neel Preet: Congratulations on your latest book, “Dark & Disturbed — Echoes Of Horror!” What kind of responses are you getting from this book of yours? Please share your experience about this book.
Shaheen Kazi: Thank you so much for all the warm wishes! “Dark & Disturbed—Echoes of Horror” has been an exciting project for me, and I’m thrilled to see how people react to it. The response has been overwhelmingly positive so far. Readers have found the stories creepy, and the eerie atmosphere resonated with them. The plot twist at the end seems to have caught many off guard, precisely what I aimed for.
“Dark & Disturbed” was a profound emotional and creative journey for me. It intertwines my love for horror with a hint of mystery, blending supernatural elements with the fear of the unknown. Writing this book pushed me to delve deep into my imagination and explore the various levels of fear—both emotional and psychological. The most rewarding part is hearing from readers that the stories lingered with them long after reading.
Horror is not just about the scare factor but also about building tension and atmosphere, and I tried to reflect that throughout the book. The feedback so far has been incredibly encouraging, and I’m excited to see how many more readers connect with it, especially as Halloween approaches!
Overall, this book allowed me to experiment with new themes and explore deeper emotional layers within the horror genre.
Neel Preet: What inspired you to write this book? What was the impetus behind this work of yours?
Shaheen Kazi: The inspiration for ‘Dark & Disturbed — Echoes of Horror’ came from the horror books I read before becoming an author. I often experience vivid dreams, which inspired many of the scenes in ‘Dark & Disturbed.’ They’ve had a powerful influence on the stories I write. Fear has always fascinated me—how it unexpectedly sneaks up on us and lingers, leaving a lasting impression long after the initial scare. This deep curiosity about the nature of fear and its lasting effect has shaped how I approach storytelling, particularly in the horror genre. I wanted to explore that feeling and weave it into a story that would leave readers thinking about it long after they turned the last page. Blending family dynamics with horror elements gave me a lot of creative space to explore different layers of fear—emotional, psychological, and supernatural. The impetus behind this book was my desire to create something that both entertains and disturbs. I wanted to craft a story that not only scares but also makes readers question what’s real and what’s not. Halloween, with its rich history of ghost stories and eerie traditions, provided the perfect backdrop for this exploration. It’s been a journey of blending my love for storytelling with my passion for horror, and this book is the result of that. I hope it will entertain and disturb you in equal measure.
Neel Preet: You’ve given a very interesting title to your book, which is very thought provoking too so, what made you go for this title for your book?
Shaheen Kazi: The title “Dark & Disturbed — Echoes of Horror” was a natural choice as I started writing the stories. I wanted a title that captured the book’s tone and the characters’ psychological depth. The word “Dark” reflects the eerie and mysterious atmosphere in the stories, while “Disturbed” points to the characters’ internal struggles and twisted realities. Together, they hint at the unsettling nature of the book on both a physcological and emotional level. Adding “Echoes of Horror” felt right because it speaks to fear’s lingering effect—not just in the immediate moment, but as something that echoes in our minds long after the story ends. I wanted a title that intrigued readers and gave them a glimpse of what to expect: haunting stories that disturb and linger. It’s a title that aligns with the book’s themes, where each tale echoes the horrors experienced by the characters.
Neel Preet: What was your mind-set, while working on this book? What do you expect the readers to extract from this book?
Shaheen Kazi: While working on “Dark & Disturbed — Echoes of Horror,” I was intensely focused on creating an atmosphere of suspense and unease. I aimed to tap into emotions beyond fear, delving into the psychological complexity of the characters and their situations. Throughout the process, I constantly considered how to balance terror with intrigue, ensuring that the stories were not only scary but also thought-provoking. My goal was to immerse readers in a world where they could feel the tension and discomfort as if living through the characters’ experiences.
As for what I hope readers take away from the book, I want them to experience a lingering unease, with the stories staying with them long after they finish reading. I also hope they will reflect on the book’s deeper themes, particularly how fear and guilt can haunt us, not only in supernatural forms but also in our daily lives. The twist at the end of the book, where the family’s true nature is revealed, is meant to make readers question their assumptions about reality. Ultimately, I want them to relish the thrill of being scared while contemplating the emotional and psychological layers underlying each story.
Neel Preet: How is this book of yours different from the other titles of the same genre?
Shaheen Kazi: My previous horror book was “13 Nights of Tricks,” translated into Hindi as “13 Raaton Ki Chaal.” It was a collection of 13 eerie and unsettling real stories from my friends, relatives, and a few of my own experiences. Each story was designed to build suspense and surprise the reader. The book was well-received for its unique storytelling and ability to keep readers on edge.
The title “Dark & Disturbed — Echoes of Horror” encapsulates the essence of the stories within. The word “Dark” signifies the ominous and mysterious atmosphere that permeates the narratives, inviting readers into a world where shadows conceal unsettling truths. Meanwhile, “Disturbed” emphasizes the characters’ psychological turmoil, revealing how their deeply rooted fears and past traumas shape their lives. These elements create a chilling portrayal of horror that resonates on multiple levels.
Neel Preet: Next, I would want you to tell us about some of those writers, who had inspired you and whom you follow!
Shaheen Kazi: Many authors have inspired me throughout my writing journey with their unique storytelling abilities. Here are a few who have profoundly influenced my writing:
Stephen King: His mastery of horror and suspense is unmatched. I admire how he blends relatable characters with chilling scenarios, creating a deep emotional connection that enhances the fear factor.
Shirley Jackson: Known for her ability to create unsettling atmospheres, Jackson’s works like “The Haunting of Hill House” showcase how psychological tension can be just as horrifying as the supernatural.
Ruskin Bond: While he may not be strictly a horror writer, Bond’s ability to evoke a strong sense of place and emotion in his stories has influenced my writing style. His storytelling captures the beauty and eeriness of nature, which I aim to reflect in my narratives. These authors, among others, have shaped my understanding of horror and the importance of creating emotional depth within stories. Their influence can be seen in my desire to blend suspense, psychological exploration, and vivid imagery in “Dark & Disturbed.”
Neel Preet: Which segment of readers is your primary target through this book of yours? And, how is your book relevant in the present day scenario?
Shaheen Kazi: My primary target audience for ‘Dark & Disturbed—Echoes of Horror’ includes avid horror readers, particularly those who appreciate psychological thrillers and supernatural elements. I aim to attract readers who enjoy stories that scare but provoke thought and introspection. ‘Dark & Disturbed’ is not just a horror book; it’s a journey that challenges perceptions and stimulates intellect. Personally, I believe the horror genre is the most underrated genre of all time. There are readers who love to read horror books, whether an anthology or a novel.
In the present-day scenario, the relevance of ‘Dark & Disturbed’ is a matter of its themes and its place in the current literary landscape. It explores universal themes of fear, guilt, and the human psyche, and with the rise of psychological thrillers in popular culture, ‘Dark & Disturbed’ is a book that fits perfectly within this trend. It caters to the growing interest in narratives that blend horror with emotional depth. As readers seek more complex stories that resonate with their experiences, ‘Dark & Disturbed’ offers entertainment and introspection, making it a significant part of today’s evolving literary landscape.
Neel Preet: Is there any message that you would like to convey to your readers? Or any piece of advice, which you would like to give to the readers out there!
Shaheen Kazi: Absolutely! In “Dark & Disturbed—Echoes of Horror,” I share that we all experience fear, which can help us better understand ourselves. It’s important to face our fears, not just for fun but to learn more about who we are.
My advice is to embrace the power of storytelling. Whether reading or writing, stories can bring comfort, reflection, and a deeper understanding of life. Don’t be afraid to explore darker themes; sometimes, the scariest stories teach us the most about life, love, and loss.
I also encourage you to be creative. We all have a story to tell, and sharing our experiences—through writing, art, or conversation—can connect us through our fears and triumphs. Let your imagination run wild, explore your thoughts, and remember that even in the darkest moments, there is always a light to be found.
Neel Preet: Are there any other books being worked by you? Please let us know about your future projects.
Shaheen Kazi: Being a versatile author, I am currently working on some cool projects. While I can’t reveal the titles yet, one of these projects draws inspiration from my childhood and transports readers to a magical place full of adventure and enchantment. I’m also working on another novel. I can’t wait to share these upcoming works with you when the time is right. I’d love for you to stay tuned as these stories eagerly await their time in the spotlight!
Neel Preet: Thank you so much for answering all my questions. All the very best to you for future and your book too!
Shaheen Kazi: You’re absolutely welcome! I’m genuinely grateful for the chance to chat about my work and share my journey with you. Thank you for your kind wishes – Take care!
