I spoke with acclaimed writer and cultural historian Michael Sims for the latest issue of REZOOM magazine, in feature story called “Oh, The Horror: It’s Good For You”:
Arnzen credits Mad magazine and the self-referential world of horror film with helping inspire his own ironic worldview. “Everything’s a parody to me — especially other texts. Sometimes I’ll recast the characters by putting pop celebrities in the roles. What if Britney Spears were Rebecca in this novel?” He narrates his short-short fiction and poetry with a dry, ironic tone, leaving the reader to decide whether to laugh at the horrific (but often farcical) events occurring on the page.
I highly recommend Michael Sims’ writing. I’m currently reading his book, Apollo’s Fire, which would thrill any science fiction fan; his book Adam’s Navel is a wonderfully playful and informative and discussion of body parts, which I know horror lovers everywhere will enjoy.