Nick Clausen Author Interview: Horror Writing, Stephen King, Alien Invasions and More
© Louise Bering
In this interview, horror author Nick talks about his daily writing routine, the books and stories that have stayed with him over the years, and why horror continues to feel like his natural home as a writer. He also shares insights into where his ideas come from, how he approaches storytelling, and what he’s working on next.
What’s a typical weekend like for you when you’re not writing?
I have two small kids (5 and 3) so we’re basically just trying to get through the weekends, lol. No, I do enjoy spending time with them, although it can be exhausting. We’re going through a lot of viruses brought home from school and kindergarten, so we’re more or less sick most of the time. When we feel up to it, we go to the public pool, amusement parks, regular parks, playgrounds or whatever we feel like. Nothing fancy, just spending time together as a family.
What book (by another author) has stayed with you the longest, and why?
Oh, there are a few. The Stand by Stephen King is probably the first that comes to mind. The atmosphere in that book is just crazy. Those characters really came to life and they’ve stayed with me for over twenty years now.
I should also mention Replay by Ken Grimwood. That’s a story I still think about now and then. It’s a science fiction book with lots of heart and nostalgia and mystery.
Are you a tea or coffee person, and do you have a favourite mug?
I hardly ever drink tea—I much prefer coffee. I’m not a huge coffee drinker. One big cup a day usually does it for me. But I very much enjoy it and couldn’t imagine starting my day without it. I do have a favorite cup—it’s one that my daughter Penny made for me in daycare. It’s sitting in front of me right now as I write this 🙂
What’s a favourite or comfort TV show or film you always go back to?
Sopranos, hands-down. That show is just awesome in so many ways.
I’ve also watched a lot of 24, Scrubs and House.
Do you collect anything / have any collections?
Do embarrassing memories count? If not, then no.
How long have you been writing, and what attracts you to horror?
I started when I was 15, began to take it seriously when I was 18, had my first book published (in Danish) at 21, and I switched to English and self-publishing at 30.
I’m not sure what it is about horror. It just comes naturally to me. Maybe because it’s what I’ve read the most. King and Koontz were my go-to authors growing up. There’s also something very cool about that initial spark when you get an idea for a horror story. Something crazy like, “what if a person started seeing a shadow that followed them everywhere?” There are so many questions there. Those ideas are very intriguing to me.
Read the rest of the interview
Where do you get your ideas from?
No idea—pun intended. They just show up. You know how you sometimes get a great idea seemingly out of nowhere? That’s how it works for me. Suddenly, I’m just struck by an image or scene that would make a great story, and my imagination kicks off.
What does a typical writing day look like for you? Are you a planner or a ‘see where it goes’ kind of writer?
Definitely a ‘see where it goes’ kind of writer. I usually write first thing in the morning. Sometimes before the kids wake up, other times I wait until they’re off to school and kindergarten. I only write 2-3 hours tops, and I’m completely drained afterwards. That’s usually enough to give me close to 2,000 words, which is what I aim for.
If one of your novels or stories were to be adapted into a TV series or film, who would you cast as the leads?
Oh, that’s a great question. And a tough one. I know some authors actually imagine certain actors when they write, but I don’t do that. So I really haven’t thought about it. Maybe for Gina in Under the Breaking Sky, I’d pick someone like a young Julianne Moore? Someone with a bit of grit. And for Dan in Dead Meat, I’d love that kid from The Sixth Sense (I know he’s too old now—I’m not very up-to-date with current actors, I just don’t watch many movies). For Aksel in Cadaver, I’d go with someone cool, like maybe Tom Holland.
Do you ever struggle with creative blocks? How do you push through them?
Not really. I can run myself dry if I push too hard for too long. But that’s just a matter of recharging for a few days or weeks, and I’m good again. I’ve never sat down and simply not had the inspiration. I’m very lucky.
Which book of yours do you think new readers should start with?
Perhaps Cadaver is a good starting place. It’s easy to get into, no filler, and it’s completed. I also have a bunch of standalones if you’re not into series. In that case I’d suggest The Girl Who Wasn’t There—that’s probably my own personal favorite. If you’re more careful and would like to try out a free book before you fork over any money to me, I offer those too when you join my newsletter at nick-clausen.com
What writing project are you currently working on?
I’m working on my newest series, Invaders. It’s an alien invasion story. I always loved those, and I’m thrilled that I finally got the chance to write one. It’s like a mixture of all my favorite alien stories—Dreamcatcher, Tommyknockers, and Independence Day. I’m on Book 4 right now, and the story is just getting more and more fun for me to write.
Nick Clausen’s approach to writing is refreshingly instinctive, guided more by imagination and curiosity than strict planning. From early influences like Stephen King to his current work on an alien invasion series, his love for the genre is evident. Whether readers are discovering his work for the first time or returning for something new, there’s plenty here to look forward to.
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If you’re an author and you’d like to be interviewed for this website, reach out to joncoltauthor@gmail.com