Welcome to the Siren Books Author Interview Series where we chat with authors we love. Due to the incredible newness of Siren Books, I don’t yet have a cadence determined for release, so be sure to sign up for the newsletter or follow on Instagram for author interview drops. I can’t wait to announce who’s coming soon.
While I was formerly a journalist, (and there are notes of journalism) these are transparently celebratory. Many of these authors' works have been read and re-read endlessly, gifted to unsuspecting friends and family, and praised on social media.
Siren Books is the celebration of literature. These gorgeous works don’t exist without the hard work and incredible imagination of these authors.
Without further ado, the Siren Books Author Series.
Rachel Harrison is the national bestselling author of Black Sheep, Such Sharp Teeth, Cackle, and The Return, which was nominated for a Bram Stoker Award for Superior Achievement in a First Novel. Her short fiction has appeared in Guernica, Electric Literature’s Recommended Reading, as an Audible Original, and in her debut story collection Bad Dolls. Her next novel, SO THIRSTY, is out September 10 from Berkley. (You can pre-order HERE).
Spooky Fun
Cackle is a book that literally stopped me in my tracks. The incredible cover spoke to me and the synopsis grabbed me. Annie, a freshly uncoupled young professional decides to stop frequently over-apologizing and take control of her life and desires. Along her journey, she discovers magic and power within herself and a mysteriously gorgeous new friend.
Interestingly enough, Annie’s journey inspired the very same in me. Ms. Harrison invites readers to indulge in her work, not just read it. The characters are complex with introspective feelings and processing their lives in the face of inhuman or paranormal instances. Her most recent novel, Black Sheep has been on repeat in my mind since reading it. The only thing stopping me from a re-read has been the launch of Siren Books. This book is for anyone who’s traveled through Penn Station or loves delicious family drama, you will not be able to put it down.
Ms. Harrison kindly answered some of The Siren’s most pressing questions, enjoy!
What were your favorite books growing up?
One of my early favorites was The Stinky Cheese Man And Other Fairly Stupid Tales by Jon Scieszka. As an angsty teenager, I was really into J.D. Salinger and Sylvia Plath.
Was there a particular author you idolized, loved, or wanted to be?
I always wanted to be Rod Serling. Still do!
What’s your most asked question (and answer) about being an author, and what do you think people should understand about being an author?
I get asked a lot about how I come up with ideas, and I never have a good answer. They sort of just come to me. They’re not always good, but they are always there. I hope people understand that being an author is still work. A lot of it is just playing in our imagination, but there’s more to it than that. It’s a hustle!
What about being an author has surprised you the most?
How vulnerable it is.
I loved Cackle. I even got a set of nails celebrating Ralph. All of your books contain multiple characters that have qualities that ‘normal people’ might reject but are incredibly resonate. Fan to author, do you have any favorites of your characters?
Rory Morris, the protagonist of SUCH SHARP TEETH, holds a very special place in my heart. I miss her all the time, writing that book and being inside her head was a joy.
Your description of Penn Station in Black Sheep was direct and poetic. Tell me more about how the New Jersey/New York region influences your work and everyday life.
It’s the place I’m from, so it’s part of me and seeps into my work whether I’m aware of it or not! I’m a Jersey girl through and through. I lived in New York City for a decade. These places shaped me. I’d say in particular with New Jersey, there’s a certain weirdness about the state, a feeling like there’s something around the corner, some hidden magic or monster. I’m not quite sure how to articulate it. Maybe everyone feels that way about where they’re from!
Siren’s Note: The Siren grew up in the Great Garden State and was raised on folklore, Weird NJ, and in the New Jersey, Philly, and New York punk and emo scene. The Jersey Devil is my neighbor. The ghosts that haunt the numerous historic locations are my pals. NJ is a celebrated haunted folklorian state and The Siren will take every chance to highlight it!
What’s a funny/silly experience you’ve had as an author that makes you laugh when you retell it at parties?
One time a stranger at a party asked me what kind of books I write and when I said horror he responded, “Oh, I thought you were going to say, like, children’s books.” And I find that pretty hilarious!
Do you have a favorite trope or formula you enjoy reading (or writing, or both)?
I love a romantic subplot. I’m thirsty.
Is there a book you wish you could go back and read for the first time & why?
The Bell Jar [by Sylvia Plath] because I’m an impossible sad girl!!! Over here thinking about that fig tree every day of my life.
Rapid Fire Questions, go:
What’s your reading hot take?
I stay away from hot takes. I have no hot takes. Not even tepid takes. No takes at all!
What’s one book you recommend the most?
Maybe This Thing Between Us by Gus Moreno
What’s a genre you’ve always wanted to tackle as a writer?
Science Fiction
If you were told you have 10 minutes to grab everything you can before leaving your current location forever, what three books would you grab?
The Pallbearer’s Club by Paul Tremblay, The Collected Stories by Amy Hempel, and The Haunting of Hill House by Shirley Jackson
I cannot say enough about the incredible Ms. Harrion! Run, don’t walk to order Rachel Harrison’s contemporary vampire novel SO THIRSTY out Sept. 10 from Berkley.
You can find Rachel Harrison here:
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