With dark fantasy fiction on the rise, Jefferson resident and father of two, Dennis Bagwell has harnessed his creativity through poetry.
His works have recently been published in What Fear Becomes, an anthology that features fiction, poetry and art of the horror genre.
The anthology stems from submissions to the well-awarded Horror Zine website that produces a monthly electronic magazine.
This is the third time he has appeared in the publication.
As the Editor’s Pick Poet for January, Bagwell’s poetry successfully approaches graveyard characters with humor.
In “Jason’s Lament” he creates a dialog between the actor who played Jason Voorhees, popular movie horror character, and his would-be agent, relaying his distress over being constantly type-cast in that genre.
The poem ends comically as the reader discovers that the actor has become a manifestation of his fictional character.
Bagwell’s strengths are in humor and clever imagery.
Editor Jeani Rector says, “[Bagwell] is a very talented poet and is highly prized here at the Horror Zine.”
The anthology is a must-read for chiller fans and locals alike. For more information on Dennis Bagwell and the publication visit www.thehorrorzine.com.
Dennis Bagwell responded to the following questions about his writing and other interests:
Q: Where do you find inspiration for your horror genre poetry?
A: I’ve been a fan of the horror genre for a long time. I see monsters and zombies behind every shadow and tree every where I go, day or night! Horror seems to come the most natural to me. When the inspiration hits, I just try to recognize it and grab it and start writing it down and try to make some sense out of my madness. I like to infuse humor in a lot of my writing, because horror can be very cheesy and low budget. I like to put well known horror personas into contemporary situations. Like my poem “Jason’s Lament.” It’s about Jason from the Friday the 13th series complaining to his agent. He’s hoping to star in a chick flick or land some coveted TV roles. Another is “If Frankenstein’s Monster were alive today.” He’d be a celebrity, go to rehab, and then no one would care about him.
Q: How did you find out about the Horror Zine and its publishing potential?
A: I did a random search online and stumbled on it. I felt like a freak who had found my circus. It has become my literary home. Jeani is very nurturing of unknown writers and artists and does everything she can to support them while they try to establish a name for themselves. She has never lost sight of the excitement of seeing your work in print whether it’s your first time or your 10th time. It’s been a real honor and privilege to share paper in three volumes of these anthologies with both unknown and very well known writers and artists. Volume 4 is currently in the works. All three volumes are available on Amazon in print or Kindle.
Q: What else are you currently involved in?
A: I’m currently considering trying to put together street poets collective. Going out into the world on street corners and bringing bad poetry to the masses with out the stuffy arrogance that academia has infected poetry with. It’s time to bring back easy to understand poetry to the common man, and just have fun.
Other than that, I’m very active with the Fort Yargo Living History society in Winder as well as the Crawford Long museum inJefferson. I’m a re-enactor guy, so I’m very passionate about history.Fort Yargo’s annual Colonial Market Faire starts on March 30.
Q: Do you look to different mediums (i.e. a novel) of writing in the same genre or perhaps in a different genre?
A: I write whatever inspires me when the inspiration hits. Horror is only about one-third of my writing output. My wife and daughters have inspired me to write some of my personal favorite poems. People love blood and gore, so I have found it much easier to get that published. I give the people what they want and that blood and guts seems to be it. But I don’t condemn myself to one thing.
Q: Do you have any advice for any aspiring writers or fans of the genre?
A: Regardless of what type of art you choose, don’t give up. Every artist that you love has been rejected and told their art sucks at some point. Make art for yourself first and foremost. Don’t always work within your comfort zone. Art isn’t always safe. Scare people. You might find an audience simply because your art is so off the wall. Artistic boundaries are meant to be trampled to death under the boot of non conformity. Embrace your inner freak and fly your freak flag proudly.
See more at www.dennisbagwell.weebly.com or www.thehorrorzine.com
