Kristina Gallo, author of The Random Patient, agreed to let us take a quick peek inside her box of creative tricks and get some answers on who she is and why she writes what she does. She is the latest author to go Beneath The Macabre.

What drew you to the horror genre?

I have faced some trauma in my life, and writing horror is a way of healing. Also, horror stories are full of adrenaline, and I like that style.

What does your writing process look like?

I am a spontaneous person. There is no plan to write a particular story. When I feel inspired, I will write. Something can inspire me in the moment, and I will ask for a place to note it. My story will have changes if I add something different. Also, I can delete some ideas that were good at the start, but later I can change my mind. When the story is over, I will read it again before the editing process. It happens that I can additionally remember something that could fit in the story.

For your book The Random Patient, we get a look into some sinister behaviors displayed by the usual suspects, but also a pretty vulnerable person as well. What inspired you to write this book?

I am familiar with working in the field of law documentation that is connected to health (welfare). Some people and events inspired me to write my story, especially after the COVID-19 pandemic. The aim was to express a rebellion against any kind of dictatorship and control of the human mind. 

The “miracle” medication is supposed to filter out bad memories, leaving only the good. If you could take a medication like that, would you and why?

I had some bad memories, but I don’t think taking medicine is a good idea. Erasing bad memories could also infect good memories, so the person will forget who she was. I think everyone should face a bad memory and forget it, and forgive. 

Which character would you be in your book and why?

Lisa is the closest character in my book. Her experience with ex ex-boyfriend who stalked her is inspired by my experience. 

This story is kind of campy, which is pretty fun. Was this on purpose?

All my stories are like that, written in a satirical, humorous way. It is my style.

If you could be any monster, what monster would you be?

I would be Freddy Krueger to scare people in their dreams. Especially one who treated me badly. 

Do you have any horror writers who inspired you to write?

Edgar Allan Poe was a role model to me.