The dark side of fiction means different things to people.  There is shocking fiction, which may try to scare or force a reaction.  Transgressive fiction often focuses on taboo subjects and is designed to make the reader think and possible view a scenario in a new way.  For me, I often associate “dark” fiction with reality, exploring beneath the surface and taking the reader on a journey into insane (or perverse) thoughts, a lack of emotion, and of course, all of those bad habits we try to hide in our daily life.

 

Humor is a great compliment to dark undertones.  Adding funny dialogue allows the reader to focus on the overall situation, and not just focus on the depressing reality.  In my latest novel, BLOOD: The New Red, the main character, Mickey, is an ex-adult film star attempting to regain his fame as a model.  The real story isn’t about modeling, Mickey’s Vicodin habit, or his past life of porn.  The story is about decisions.  Mickey is forced to take responsibility for his choices.  Often, as in the case of real life we make choices and after the fact, there may be opinions, changes, or even regret based on those choices; however, in the moment there is no judgment, only choice, and hopefully a few laughs along the way.