Kelly Florence is an American author, screenwriter, and podcaster. Kelly Florence is an American author, screenwriter, and podcaster. They are best known for their books The Science of Monsters, The Science of Women in Horror, The Science of Stephen King, The Science of Serial Killers, and The Science of Witchcraft.
Q: What is The Science of Stephen King and what topics are explored in this amazing read?
A: The Science of Stephen King is part biography and part a deep dive into the science found in the master of horror’s books. It was fascinating to discover what was happening in King’s life at the time he came up with ideas for his stories. Whether it was his life altering accident or something he discovered when working as a custodian, he incorporated his experiences into the books we know and love.
Q: The Science of Monsters sounds like an interesting read for this Halloween. What inspired the idea behind this book?
A: Ever since we were young we both loved scary things. Being horror fans, we found ourselves researching the real science, history, culture, and lore behind our favorite movies, television shows, and books. The Science of Monsters explores the different movie monsters that we’ve loved since childhood, including zombies, vampires, and ghosts. We discovered that truth can be scarier than fiction!
Q: In The Science of Witchcraft, what type of research went into the making of this book and what topics in witchcraft does it explore?
A: Besides the reading, research, and film analysis we take on for every book, we were able to interview some amazing people for The Science of Witchcraft, including and Indigenous ethnobotanist, a funeral home director, writers, and directors. These insightful and inspiring talks led us down paths we didn’t even know we would explore!
Q: In the Science of Women in Horror, what other topics did you consider discussing in the book but did not get a chance to explore?
A: We could write volumes of sequels to The Science of Women in Horror and have numerous topics we’d love to write more about, including gothic literature, modern female-identifying filmmakers, and the subgenre of female revenge in horror.
Q: Will readers of your famous The Science of …series find the same topics explored in both the books and on your podcast or something different?
A: Our podcast, Horror Rewind, focuses more on our thoughts on horror movies, television shows, and books that we’re currently consuming in the genre. When it began, we focused on films from our childhood to see if they lived up to our memories of them through the lens of today. Now, it’s evolved to modern media, and we feel spoiled to have so many things to cover!
Q: Is it easier to be a co-author than to be a lone lead?
A: Many times it feels better having a co-author because there is someone else to bounce ideas off of, share discoveries with, and split the work. Because we live so far apart, we often write alone but check in with each other daily via text, FaceTime, or Zoom.
Q: How did you both get together to be co-authors?
A: We met over twenty years ago and have been best friends ever since! Writing together came naturally as we both have a move of all things horror, romance, and theatre. We also discovered that we love doing research so writing non-fiction together feels more like fun than work.
Q: With your latest upcoming release, The Science of Agatha Christie, have you both ever thought of teaching mini-courses to discuss the literature/films that are discussed in your new book?
A: We have been thrilled to teach many sessions at workshops, libraries, colleges, and conventions on topics contained in our books. Some talks have been geared specifically to a topic of the group’s choosing, while others are more general about the process of writing. Reach out if you’d like to have us come to your organization or community!
Q: What will be your next brillant title to the perfect collection in The Science of….?
A: Next up in 2025 is The Science of Alfred Hitchcock, in which we explore nineteen works of the master filmmakers. It will include a biographical component as well as interviews with a variety of experts at the top of their fields.
Find them at https://x.com/meghafdahl and https://x.com/kellyflorence and their books HERE on Amazon.
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