A Meeting with Eric Larocca

Answer HIS Question for a Book!

Introduction to a Unicorn!

It’s always a joy to celebrate when a writer does the impossible: Not just getting a book written, but growing a readership, winning awards and getting published. As proof that the dream is still possible, here’s Eric Larocca, who’s novel, Wretch, launches today. A couple days ago I asked him:

Getting published much less making a career as a writer might seem impossible today. How did you do it, and what would be your pep talk to aspiring writers?

Eric explains:

I always viewed the art of writing (showing up at my desk, sitting down, and putting in the hard work) as a full-time job even when I was working a day job or attending school. I was always very dedicated when it came to deadlines and meeting certain expectations. Moreover, I reflect on my early years as an aspiring writer and realize I adopted this sense of delusion—this unflinching idea that I would be a successful author regardless of the number of rejection letters I received or the doors that closed in my face. I’d argue that much of writing is rooted in discipline, but also a sense of confidence and hopefulness. We create art because we desperately want to share our stories, our vision with others. Being a writer is certainly not for the fainthearted. It can be such a distressing, demoralizing industry. However, it can also be inspiring and tremendously rewarding. For anyone reading this who is struggling to get your work out there and break through, please do not give up. I know it’s so cliché, but you only need one “yes” in the world of publishing. You only need one editor to believe in you and your work to get through the door. For now, focus on creating art that is unique to you, that would be difficult for any other writer to replicate. One of my professors in undergrad told me “true talent always ends up being noticed eventually.” Do the work, remain hopeful, and be persistent.

The Tour for Wretch Will Include:

3/24/26 - Trident Booksellers with Chris Golden (Boston, MA)

3/25/26 - The Twisted Spine with Grady Hendrix (Brooklyn, NY)

3/26/26 - Thrillerdelphia with Chuck Wendig (Philadelphia, PA)

Please check the links for exact locations and times.

More Q & A With Eric

Me: Your previous hit, Things Have Gotten Worse Since We Last Spoke, was a novella at 120 pages. Do you support the idea that younger readers prefer novellas and short stories over novel-length prose?

Eric: I think short stories and novellas are attractive and compelling for readers of all ages! There’s nothing more pleasing and totally immersive than a one-sitting read. I feel horror works especially well when you’re absorbed by the atmosphere and setting without taking routine breaks throughout your reading experience. I think it was Richard Matheson who once said that “true dread/unequivocal horror is very difficult to sustain for 300 or 400 pages.” I agree with that somewhat. I think it’s very challenging to sustain dread for the entirety of a full-length novel. Of course, it’s not impossible. Many authors are very competent at crafting terror and intrigue for many pages. I think of Joe Hill, Josh Malerman, and Chuck Wendig to name a few. However, there’s something very appealing about the immersive experience of a short story or novella that takes about an hour to read. You’re engrossed in the world of the narrative and (hopefully) invested in the characters’ plight.

Me: On the “This is Horror” podcast you state your preference for short fiction. Will you give us your top five short horror stories?

Eric: Yes, absolutely! Here are my favorites:

“I Have No Mouth and I Must Scream” by Harlan Ellison (One of the most disturbing, hopeless stories I’ve ever read. I reread it often.)

“Mourning” by Maria Fernanda Ampuero (From her collection, Cockfight. This story is utterly sickening and yet so tender, so sensitively told.)

“A Collapse of Horses” by Brian Evenson (From his collection of the same title. Evenson excels at creating a suffocating sense of paranoia and dread. This is one of my favorite stories in his repertoire.)

“Where Are You, Dear Heart?” by Mariana Enriquez (From her collection, The Dangers of Smoking in Bed. A dark, unnerving tale of obsession that chills me each time I read it.)

“Jacqueline Ess: Her Will and Testament” by Clive Barker (From his collection, Books of Blood. Visceral and gorgeously written.)

Me: On “The Writers Chair” podcast you describe your preference for human monsters doing the worst things possible to other humans. That said, who’s your favorite serial killer? And you may interpret “favorite” any way you’d like.

Eric: I’ve always been fascinated by the crimes of Jeffrey Dahmer, especially since Joyce Carol Oates wrote a phenomenal (and profoundly disturbing) novel titled Zombie that was somewhat inspired by him. I appreciate any narrative that focuses on queer men or women behaving obscenely.

Now For Your Test

Eric asks:

What is the title and author of the 1992 Locus Award-winning debut novel about a pair of misfits who experiment on a mysterious black hole they uncover in their apartment building's storage room?

Please post your response in the Comments below. I’ll tag the first correct one and arrange to send you the book.

A postscript from Eric: “Also, I have a Substack I'm trying to launch. I'd be so grateful if you included a link to it: https://substack.com/@ericlarocca?utm_campaign=profile&utm_medium=profile-page ”

Done & done. Congratulations.