American author (1947-2001)
In my vast experience, I've found it always wiser to go along with female advice.... First, you make them happy by doing what they tell you. That's the main thing. Let them think they're in control. They love it. Then, if it turns out they were right, everything's cool. If it turns out they were wrong ... then you have the pleasure of basking in the glow of superiority.
RICHARD LAYMON
The Stake
Bring a vampire around, people start discovering religion.
RICHARD LAYMON
The Stake
Calm down, you'll live longer.
RICHARD LAYMON
The Stake
My own experiences in dealing with "Hollywood" types is that most are pathological liars, ignorant in the ways of literature and art, lacking in common sense, and incredibly arrogant. They will make empty promises, waste a writer's time, screw in moronic ways with his material, and generally distract a writer from accomplishing anything worthwhile.
RICHARD LAYMON
"Richard Laymon: A Horror Writer with BITE", Mania, June 30, 2000
A few of my books, over the years, have been optioned for film. The subject matter of my books, however, is not exactly conducive to Hollywood film treatment. If and when a 'big-budget' film is ever made based on one of my books, my fans and I will more than likely loathe it because it won't be true to its source. That's almost a given.
RICHARD LAYMON
"Richard Laymon: A Horror Writer with BITE", Mania, June 30, 2000
No book, no matter how good, has a chance of reaching a large audience unless the publisher SEES the book's value.
RICHARD LAYMON
interview, The Mystery Scene, July/August 1995
I have a letter from a publisher which has its own horror line, and though the editor doesn't spell out exactly why she declined my work, says something to the effect, "In all good conscience it wouldn't be right for us to publish these novels." I also have a great rejection slip from a literary agent. The first time I ever sent out a novel -- one that's never been published, by the way -- I got back a letter from this old, established agency saying, "The book shows a lot of talent, and we wish you success with it elsewhere, but we found it was too sadistic in subject matter and don't think we could handle it." I framed that letter.
RICHARD LAYMON
interview, Dark Dreamers: Conversations with the Masters of Horror
My feeling about fiction, regardless of the genre, is that it is meant to be a representation of life. I want my books to give a whole spectrum of experiences to my readers. Not just fear or terror or revulsion, but excitement, laughter, pain, sorrow, desire, etc.
RICHARD LAYMON
interview, The Mystery Scene, July/August 1995
Love is always right.
RICHARD LAYMON
The Stake
I don't worry much about whether or not one of my stories contains elements of the supernatural. If I come up with what I think is a nifty concept, I'll give it a whirl.
RICHARD LAYMON
interview, The Mystery Scene, July/August 1995
In a sense, all fiction is experimental. Every new book is an adventure into unknown territory. As Hemingway told us, you (the writer) have to go out beyond where you have gone before.
RICHARD LAYMON
"Laymon on Laymon"