Disability Pride Month Interview: Meet Hannah Graves

Tell us a little bit about yourself and how you contribute to the horror genre.

My name is Hannah Graves. I am a disabled, chronically ill, nonbinary lesbian. I am married to the most wonderful woman who puts up with an awful lot of me quoting Longlegs and we have several animals, including my cockatiel, Bananakin. I’ve been into horror for as long as I can remember; my mom used to read me Clive Barker books when I was too young to read on my own.
 
As to how I contribute, there are various ways. I help run a dark fiction indie press called Dead Fox Publishing. I write, from short stories to novellas to collections. I review books and films. I try to uplift and spread the word of any indie creator that I run across. I want to get a podcast running with my wife, but we're still trying to find time for it.
 
What drew you to the horror genre?

I can’t remember life before horror, so… I’m not really sure how to answer this one. I guess perhaps because I had a horrible upbringing, which wasn’t fun at all, I found interest in horror, which was also horrible but in a fun way. Does that sound weird? It was escapism for me and that never ending quest to try to find something that genuinely scares me. (I’ve only found two things so far. You have to guess.)
 
If you could recommend one creation of horror that everyone should consume that features either disabled creators or characters, whether that be a book, podcast, movie, art, etc., what would you recommend?

For characters - Rotten Tommy by David Sodergren. The main character is a late diagnosed Autistic woman, and I have never felt more seen or heard. I know some people don’t consider Autism a disability, but it is for me, and so I count that here. Also, it has a cursed children’s program and it’s David Sodergren—what more do I need to say?
 
For authors – Kylie Lee Baker. Autistic with chronic illnesses/invisible disabilities. I have never had a miss with this author and I will literally follow Kylie to the end of the world and back.
 
What do you find scary within the horror genre?

The psychological aspect of it. The way it messes with your mind. When it’s quiet and it creeps up on you and you’re left sitting there afterward, dwelling on every moment like you’re seeing a painting for the first time. A good example of this is Penpal by Dathan Auerbach. There’s no jump scares in that and it’s slow build and unease, so I think some people don’t give it the chance it deserves. I’d rather face a killer or a supernatural creature any day of the week than that book.
 
What advice would you give to the next generation of disabled horror content creators coming into the horror genre?

Don’t let anyone stop you. That includes yourself. It doesn’t matter how slow you may have to create, how many times your brain or body may not cooperate, just… keep going. Late is better than never, right? And never, EVER feel the need to be someone else’s inspiration. Create because you want to. Create because you love it. Create because you have to. But always do it for yourself first and foremost because you’re going to get burnt out if you’re trying to live as an inspiration constantly.
 
Where can folks find you these days?
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I am spooks.hannah on Threads and Instagram and my website is http://www.hannah-graves.com !