History and Mystery, Oh My: Greg McWhorter

Greg McWhorter is a teacher and pop-culture historian that resides in Southern California. Since the 1980s, he has worked for newspapers, radio, television, and film. He has been a guest speaker at several universities and at the San Diego Comic-Con. Today, McWhorter owns a highly acclaimed record label that specializes in vintage punk rock and hosts a music show for cable TV. Since 1985, McWhorter has been writing nonfiction music-related articles for print and recently turned to writing crime and horror fiction. He is a member of the Horror Writer’s Association. You can follow him at: http://gregmcwhorter.blogspot.com.

When did you know you wanted to become a writer?

I'm not sure. I started creating my own xerox copy magazines as a young teen as a ways to meet and communicate with others. I've always loved the craft of writing, but I believe I have only been really serious about it over the last five years or so although I have been regularly published since the 1980s.

How did you pick the genre/setting/era you (usually) write in?

I think horror/crime found me rather than me finding it. I wanted to write creatively and I feel that there is nothing more creative than a truly suspenseful story. I also enjoy unexpected twist endings and a little violence so the horror/crime market suits me better than the literary journal route.
 
You write mysteries. Does your inspiration begin with the crime, the detective, the setting, or some other place?

My inspiration usually starts with something out of my own life and also through things I am exposed to through popular culture. I bring all the elements together and melt them into a story.

How did you come up with the idea for your story, "Tell Me Where He Lies", in History and Mystery, Oh My?

Actually, the idea for my story started with a song by a rockabilly band, but my story quickly took on a life of its own and doesn't resemble their song at all now.

Do you have a favorite historical period you enjoy reading or writing about?

The 1900s through the 1950s.
 
Do you have some special education that helps you write historical fiction, or do you deal with history in your profession?

I am an English teacher, but I originally set out to be a History teacher. I love fiction and writing, but I also love history and the preservation of it. I own a small record label on the side that is purely an archival label as we put out unreleased material from long defunct bands in order to preserve their music.
 
What are you working on now?

Life...and more stories. I actually have some publishers checking out my first novel which I hope to see in print soon.

Okay, so you're an author. What do you enjoy reading?

I mostly enjoy reading crime and horror fiction by writers that wrote between the 1800s through the 1960s. If they are a dead author, I probably love them. I rarely read stuff from living authors. I also enjoy biographies and historical nonfiction of all sorts. I still have a fondness for the occasional comic book once in a while.

 

--Thanks for your time!!!

History and Mystery, Oh My! is now available in print, ebook, and Kindle formats from online retailers.

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