About Vanessa
Vanessa Haney grew up in rural Arizona with, tragically, no access to the Other Side. Had there been a portal, she would have gone through it a long time ago. Instead, she now makes a happy life in less rural Arizona with her son Connor, her partner Mike, and three cats named Felix, Dusty, and Daisy. There she writes, hikes, and watches way too many horror movies.
Q & A
The Heaven’s Watch series is in the religious horror genre. What were your influences?
After growing up in the church I have a lot of my own experience to draw from, and I’ve always enjoyed books and movies in the horror genre that deal with religious themes like angels, demons and the power of the church itself.
Are your books autobiographical?
Yes and no. My relationship with my parents was quite complicated and there are a few scenes in the books taken directly from my own childhood, but for the most part this series is complete fiction.
Which Deane sister are you most like?
We share eldest daughter characteristics and had similar upbringings, so I’d like to say that I’m most like Laura, but I’m not that cool.
Why did you self publish?
I was forty-nine when I finished my first book and I’d already battled my first cancer by then. I didn’t think I had time left in me to go the traditional route! In all seriousness, I’m truly grateful that self-publishing is an option and that, for better or worse, I maintain control over my work.
Who are your favorite horror authors?
Oh, there are so many, but at the top of my list are: Stephen King, Stephen Graham Jones, Tananarive Due, Grady Hendrix, Shirley Jackson, Anne Rice, and Isabel Cañas.
What are some of your comfort horror books?
Salem’s Lot, Jane Eyre (fight me), Rebecca, and The Fall of the House of Usher.
What are some of your comfort horror movies?
Rosemary’s Baby, anything from the Conjuring universe, Legion, Stigmata, The Prophecy, Hell House, LLC, and The House on Haunted Hill.
Your favorite and least favorite horror tropes?
My favorites are found footage, gothic themes, and anything haunted (dolls, houses, etc.). Even better if the item is demon possessed. I don’t like rape or torture.
Do you enjoy other genres?
I will shamelessly read just about anything. I particularly love dark romance, biographies, westerns and historical fiction.
