Todd Keisling Author Interview: Horror, Stephen King, Twin Peaks and More - Jon Colt

From cosmic dread to deeply human grief, Todd Keisling writes horror that lingers long after the final page. Known for blending emotional realism with unsettling imagery, his work explores trauma, memory, and the darker corners of the human condition. In this interview, Todd talks about his creative process, the stories that shaped him, and why horror remains such a powerful tool for understanding ourselves.

What’s a typical weekend like for you when you’re not writing?

It usually involves sleeping late, spending time with my wife, reading or playing games, and cuddling with my cats.

What book (by another author) has stayed with you the longest, and why do you think it stuck?

There are many, but the first that comes to mind is REVIVAL by Stephen King. Easily one of his darkest endings. Years later, I still think about the imagery from its final scenes. Absolutely chilling.

What’s a comfort TV show or film you always find yourself returning to?

Twin Peaks.

What attracts you to the horror genre?

For me, it’s the way horror is often a reflection of the human condition, and how it can be used to help us process trauma.

When did you start writing, and when did you first publish?

I’ve been writing for most of my life but didn’t start taking it seriously until high school. Technically, I was first published in my local newspaper at the age of 5, circa 1988. My first novel, however, released in 2007.

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What music are you into? Any particular artists or bands?

Nine Inch Nails, TOOL, Massive Attack, HEALTH, Gunship, Ethel Cain, Royal Thunder… I could go on for hours.

Do you have any pets?

I have four cats: Balthasar, Oberon, Ophelia, and Nym.

Where do your story ideas usually come from? Can you give a couple of examples of where certain works came from?

Anywhere, really. Dreams, current events, personal experience, and so on. DEVIL’S CREEK came from an urban legend in my hometown and a recurring dream about my great-grandmother. SCANLINES was derived from a real-life experience and my personal struggles with depression.

What does a typical writing day look like for you?

It varies as I get older, but generally, I have a goal of a thousand words, and I write until I meet that goal or get as close as I can to it. To start, I’ll review what I wrote the day before, make any adjustments as necessary, and then continue from there. Rinse and repeat.

What’s your absolute favourite meal?

I’m pretty boring when it comes to food. Give me a good cheeseburger with crispy fries and I’m happy.

Are you more of a planner, or a ‘see where it goes’ kind of writer?

I’m a bit of both. I like to have a beginning and ending in mind, with a tentative title that ties it all together thematically. Everything else is discovery.

For readers discovering your work for the first time, which book would you recommend starting with?

My work spans a wide range but usually involves cosmic horror in some aspect. Either of my collections, UGLY LITTLE THINGS and COLD, BLACK & INFINITE, would be good samplers for newcomers. For those craving a big novel they can get lost in, DEVIL’S CREEK is the way to go. If you like horror that makes your heart hurt, check out THE SUNDOWNER’S DANCE or SCANLINES.

Todd Keisling’s answers reveal a writer unafraid to sit with discomfort and use it to tell meaningful stories. Whether he’s drawing from personal experience, dreams, or long-standing fears, his work consistently finds humanity within the horror. For readers new to his writing, there’s no shortage of ways to step into his worlds—but one thing is certain: these are stories that stay with you.