From Swierczynski's Q & A with Robb Cadigan:
Hey Duane, when did you know you wanted to be a writer? When did you know you were one?Visit Swierczynski's Secret Dead Blog.
Sophomore year of high school, when I would write short horror stories and pass them to my friends -- who'd laugh or be grossed out, or ideally, both. I can't remember a moment where I 'knew," but I remember obsessing over the question during my high school and college years.
Who or what inspired you as a kid?
The Splatterpunk school of horror writers -- Clive Barker, David J. Schow, Skipp and Spector -- were huge influences. For their attitude as much as the material. It was my version of punk rock.
What creative work most recently inspired you?
I learn something from everything I read or listen to; right now I'm reading BURNT OFFERINGS by Robert Marasco, and it's a great lesson in how to write a slow burn. (Seriously, no pun intended...)
The most underrated creative (writer, musician, artist) is …
Pretty much everyone I admire.
In moments of self doubt, how do you push through?
Like Mickey Spillane, I...[read on]
My Book, The Movie: The Blonde.
--Marshal Zeringue