Author Interview: Sarah Derosa

Hello everyone and welcome back as we continue our spotlight on indie authors. Each week we seek out and find an independent author and ask them a few questions. This week, we have an author known for her splatterpunk splash into the horror genre. That’s right, I give you none other than Sarah DeRosa.

So, Sarah why don’t we start off with a little background. Could you tell us a little about yourself?

Derosa: I am a Michigan-based Extreme Horror and Splatterpunk author currently with six published works. My favorite part of writing a book is getting into my main character’s mind and developing them with a level of depth that will be both relatable and evoke emotion from my readers. I also strive to explore themes through a unique vantage point and produce thought provoking concepts in my work.

When I am not writing, I am exploring and trying new things. By nature, I am a seeker of one-of-a-kind experiences with both foods and destinations. My favorite activities include sitting on my porch, playing in the rain, off-grid camping, reading, and hiking in the woods.

That all does sound fun. I’m surprised with writing horror that you find yourself able to go off grid camping. That’s amazing.

So, what inspired you to start writing?

DeRosa: Even as a kid, I was always writing something. I used to fill journals with fictional stories and wrote my first official book when I was in high school. Throughout my 20’s I was off and on, dabbling in poetry – of which I have one published work – and erotica.

As an avid reader and lover of all things horror, I have spent a large portion of my life craving beyond what even the most gruesome side of mainstream horror and psychological thrillers could provide. It never went “there”.

When I stumbled upon the Splatterpunk and Extreme Horror community, I was instantly hooked. The literature and raw talent of these indie authors served as a massive push for me to reopen my brain, allowing it to think limitlessly. The support of the community ultimately served as my inspiration to write again.

That is amazing to hear. It is a great community.

Now, do you go through an indie publisher or do you do it yourself?

DeRosa: I have a collaborative piece with Carietta Dorsch through an indie publisher. Aside from that work, I prefer to do everything myself.

That’s amazing. So, you have six books published. Do you have a favorite?

The book sounds amazing, and I will need to check it out. There is just something fun about a psychotic clown that really gets under people’s skin.

You’ve said that you were pulled into the genre because of your love of reading other authors. Can you tell us some of your favorites?

DeRosa: My favorite authors are Wrath James White, Lucas Mangum, and Kristopher Triana. All three have phenomenal story telling abilities and possess a tactful approach with taboo concepts unapologetically. They also share a knack for immersing their readers in the story alongside their main characters.

What is your favorite book?

DeRosa: That is almost impossible to answer. Almost. However, I have to say that Cupid in Bondage by Wrath James White is the one that automatically comes to mind. Others include Suffer the Flesh by Monica J. O’Rourke and Broken Dolls: Deliverance by Mique Watson.

I know that at least two of those are already on my TBR. I’ll have to add Broken Dolls to the list as well and check it out.

Now do you feel those are your biggest influences in your writing or would you credit something or someone else?

DeRosa: Generally, a major influence in my writing career has been my mom, who always encouraged free thought and imagination in my youth. She is extremely talented with her words but has remained unpublished, which in return, gave me the drive to achieve this not only for myself, but for her as well.

In the horror community specifically, I have to credit R.J. Daly and Sidney Shiv for encouraging me to start. I was terrified I would massively fail and land flat on my face. At first, I didn’t have the confidence to put my work out there because I was reading books from authors that I felt were miles ahead of me in their careers – which they were and are – and it intimidated me.

After submitting my first short story to the Shocking Sojourns anthology by Sidney Shiv, I understood a valuable lesson. This is a community full of the most genuine and supportive people I have ever known. There is room for all of us here. Generally, readers and fellow authors are enthusiastic about witnessing the growth and success of one another.

I’m so glad that you took that step and started that journey.

So, let’s talk a little about your writing. You have published six works now. Do you find that you prefer to write longer or shorter fiction?

DeRosa: I find that there are positives and negatives to both. Shorter fiction is fun because it happens often as a burst of creativity that I’m not anchored to for an extended period of time. The challenge comes with enticing the reader and capturing their attention while simultaneously storytelling, plot building, and character developing. It takes skill to establish all of that with a smaller word count.

Longer fiction, on the other hand, can be drawn out. One can take their time with sensory elements, back stories, and settings. For me, it is sticking to it consistently that often becomes a challenge because I work on multiple projects at a time.

Multiple projects at once. That must really take its toll, keeping everything straight as to what is going on with each project.

So then, let me ask you this, and I know this can sometimes lead to some interesting answers.

So Sarah, are you a Pantser or Planner? (Now, for those of you that are not familiar, when it comes to writing you are usually either a Panster, Planner, or a hybrid of the two. A pantser is normally someone who rights without anything other than a vague plan of where the story is going to go. A planner on the other hand, outlines the story before they begin writing.)

DeRosa: I am a full on Pantser. It is very seldom that I outline anything. I write what I feel the story needs and allow the inspiration from each chapter to guide me. Sometimes I have a general idea of where I want it to land or what theme I am trying to focus on as to not stray too far off track. It is pertinent to me that as creatives, we listen to what our minds are telling us regardless of rules and boundaries when it comes to our actual creations. In my personal opinion, it flows better when it is not strictly structured.

So, how do you know when the book is done?

DeRosa: Going back to the last question, I organically allow my creativity to flow and see where I land. The great thing about it is that it truly frees one of invisible fences that they may already have up in their mind. I have found that allowing it to happen naturally makes my writing process exciting and I become more passionate about my projects. It can be utter chaos at times but usually comes together in a concise way.

How do you come up with your characters?

DeRosa: My characters are an extension of myself in a lot of my work. I enjoy regularly putting Easter Eggs in my work that link back to something personal. When I am writing outside of that range, I often use the other people in my life to draw inspiration from. If those processes don’t fit the story I am writing, I will question what I want out of this character. How are they related to the work that I am writing? What do I want from them? After I answer those questions, I build them.

So, when you come up with these extensions of yourself, or when create your main characters, do you prefer them to be likable?

DeRosa: I believe it is easier for me personally to write likeable main characters. However, mine often take on an anti-hero type of role. Mort the Clown is loveable, relatable to an extent, and makes my readers smile, but he is also a psychotic clown that kills people. The main character in “Daddy is the Word” rides the line in likeability for many based on his inner monologue and background but also proves as one to cheer on in his quest for vengeance.
I would love to write a despicable character at a future time that can rival those in some of my favorite works though.

So, what’s next? Do you have any upcoming releases?

DeRosa: Yes, I have an entire lineup for 2025 including several anthologies that I have been featured in to launch the year. In late Spring I will release both Mortifier 2 and a paperback copy of my short gross-out story titled “Me-Shrooms”. There are also top-secret collaborative pieces in the works that I cannot wait to announce.

Ooh, exciting. Nothing like having those top secret projects. I can’t wait to find out what those are.

Now where can people find you?

Derosa: I am on TikTok and Instagram with the handle @sarahderosahorror. I also have a Facebook profile under the name Sarah DeRosa.

Thank you, Sarah, for taking the time with me, and for everyone out there, make sure to check out Sarah’s latest book. I know I will.

And to everyone out there, remember – stay spooky everyone!