#385 Inside the Emotion of Fiction A BOOK OF CREEPY TALES FOR THE SINISTER AND SWEET by D.N. Biehl and Illustrated by Crystal Meridian Dahm, published on April 3, 2025.

Can you describe the step-by-step process of writing A BOOK OF CREEPY TALES FOR THE SINISTER AND SWEET? I started gaining an interest in writing when I was in grade school, where I was first introduced to R.L. Stine’s Goodbumps series. I absolutely fell in love with the books and knew that one day I wanted to create my own.

Around Spring of 2023, I began brainstorming what I was going to write next. As much as I enjoyed writing my first two books, I was ready to create something for adolescent readers.

Originally, I wanted to write one scary story, however, I had several ones in mind and it was difficult for me to choose. Then I thought, “What if this book had a variety of creepy stories?” Then I decided to take that idea a step further by adding illustrations for each story, and immediately I knew who to ask to help accomplish that. I called my very talented and artistic niece, told her about my idea, and together we began working on A Book of Creepy Tales: For the Sinister and Sweet.

Throughout this process, after I finish with one story I’d send over a copy to Crystal to read so she could get a feel of what direction she should go with her drawing. I remember telling her to keep the drawings simple but creepy, much like the ones from Scary Stories To Tell In The Dark series (by Alvin Schwartz), but to make it her own style. While she worked on one drawing, I would continue on to the next story.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alvin_Schwartz_(children%27s_author)

I was writing day and night, whenever I had the time available. The mood to create was always there, especially since I was working on creepy stories for adolescent readers. I absolutely LOVED writing these types of stories and was extremely excited, and eager to finish. While much of it was done on my laptop, the last story I wrote on paper first. That particular story was my favorite, and I have to say I had the most fun writing that one. I decided to make it a poem, something I’ve never done before. I wanted to be sure it flowed well and to be able to envision myself as the runner to see if I could gain that sense of fear I wanted the reader to feel. Writing it on paper really helped me achieve that.

CMD When my aunt asked if I wanted to illustrate a book for her I was really excited. I had never drawn for a project like this before. Her writing inspired me to draw out what I felt best fit her vision. She said to make it “simple and spooky”. She is really good at giving the feel of how I think the characters are portrayed.

I started drawing at a young age with my mom doing art projects with me. I also saw my aunt drawing and my uncle was creative as well. Art had always been a fun hobby for me, and I used to stay up til 3 an to finish a picture. I was drawn towards spooky and scary things even as a kid. I definitely watched horror movies too young, one being my aunt and I watching children of the corn. I loved R.L. Stine and anything paranormal

Where did you do most of your writing for this fiction work? And please describe in detail. Much of my writing was done on my laptop as I sat at my kitchen table, or in my oversized chair in my bedroom, and a few occasions in my boys’ playroom, depending on what my youngest was doing. Honestly, it was beneficial having my son play near me while I wrote, it was a reminder for me to keep the story simple but entertaining.

Please include just one excerpt and illustration and include Oh man, it’s tough to choose one excerpt, but I have to say the part I loved the most AND could relate to the most was in the beginning of the second story, “Stepmother From The Crypt.” You have twin siblings, Jenna and James, in Jenna’s car traveling to visit their father and meet their new stepmother. On pages 37-42, they’re pretty much doing what I think any siblings would do in that situation: arguing about the visit, annoyed with each other‘s comments, discussing their parents’ divorce, wondering what the new stepmother would be like.

CMD Each story was so fun to draw for. My favorite is the second story (“Stepmother From the Crypt), however I loved each one for how unique they are. I drew the first two with traditional media, pencil and pen. Which is my preference. I decided to do the last one with my tablet, which I am still learning. It was a bit of a challenge but I was really proud of how it turned out, and happy to have my first digital drawing published.

Why is this excerpt so emotional for you as a writer to write? And can you describe your own emotional experience of writing this specific excerpt? My younger brother, David, and I are not twins, but we’re one year apart and always had a close bond. Much of Jenna and James’ sibling dynamic was based on David and myself, so writing about them was definitely enjoyable. Like the twins, we each have our own strengths, including being knowledgeable in different areas. In the story, Jenna and James have to use their bond and strengths in order to save their father and get out of the scary and dangerous situation with her stepmother. The outcome of their story is much of what I envisioned if it were my brother and I.

Anything you would like to add? In the future, I can definitely see myself turning A Book Of Creepy Tales into a series. I love creating stories like this, and I am very fortunate to have a very artistic niece who is incredible at what she does.

CDM It was really fun to read and to work on this book with my aunt, who I have always looked up to and was a big part of my love for art and spooky things growing up. I hope to work on more projects with her in the future.