Mallory Arnold is a twenty-seven-year-old editor and writer who resides in Nashville, Tennessee with her husband and three cats. She’s part of the Women’s Fiction Writer’s Association and enjoys writing drama, thrillers, and horror. In her spare time, Mallory is tackling her goal of running a marathon in every state of the country. This is her debut.
Tell us about your book.
How to Survive a Horror Story is a tale of seven authors who traverse to the dwellings of a famous horror author for the reading of his will. Soon after they arrive, however, it’s revealed that they have been tricked and are now trapped inside of the confines of this grisly manor. The key to escaping lies in the riddles hidden among each room in the house. The clock is ticking. Secrets and blood are spilled. The manor is…hungry.
My goal for my debut was to create a story that makes the reader both feel in control and utterly whiplashed by the twists. These characters could be considered morally grey. I’ve received feedback from readers who hate every single one of them—while others are pulling for one or two, hoping they make it through the manor unscathed. Does this cast of characters deserve what’s coming to them? Or are they simply just monsters? If they are, then you have to wonder: Do monsters get second chances, too?
She’s campy. She’s fun. She’s gory. How to Survive a Horror Story is what I would want to read in front of a crackling fire late on Halloween night. So, basically, I just wrote the book I wanted to read. Call me selfish.
What drew you to the thriller genre?
The “thriller” is the peanut butter of genres. It goes well with almost everything. Thrillers can blend with horror, humor, and even some romance. I think the genre has so much room to play, which is why I had fun making my debut full of campy gore, horror, and some laughs.
What’s a recent thriller you loved?
I recently read an advanced copy of You Watched in Silence by H. Lee Justine, which comes out November 2025. I couldn’t put it down!
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Who is a fellow author you’d want with you if you were in a slasher movie?
Brian McAuley, author of Curse of the Reaper and upcoming novel Breathe In, Bleed Out (coming out 9/2/25). He’s a gem at writing slashers, and thus I have to presume that he knows the ins-and-outs of how to survive one. Though it may seem like I literally wrote the book on How to Survive a Horror Story, slashers are completely different beasts. Right, Brian?
Buy the book now: Bookshop.org | Amazon | Barnes & Noble
Buy the book now: Bookshop.org | Amazon | Barnes & Noble
What’s the thing that scares you the most?
If you led me into one of those haunted houses that are set up around Halloween and asked me which aspect I’m going to break down in TEARS over, it would be the guy running around with the chainsaw—very indicative of Jason from Friday the 13th. I can handle everything else, but don’t you dare wave a chainsaw in my face, sir!
What’s your favorite slasher movie of all time?
Halloween. I know it’s cliche, but that movie is just *chef’s kiss* from start to finish. During the month of October, I even play the score while on my runs. It’s epic. Additionally, I don’t know if I would call a movie that made me cry terrified tears my favorite, but I give kudos to The Strangers for doing so.
Which of your characters would you be most afraid to meet in real life?
First and foremost, the Manor, because I do consider it a character. Whenever I walk into a new house now, I hesitate in the doorway because…have I convinced myself that man-eating houses exist? Maybe.
Have you ever scared yourself writing a scene?
Oh yeah. So often I’ve been home alone, deep in a scene, when something goes bump in the house. I have three cats, though, so it’s usually them. Doesn’t make it any less terrifying. I’m convinced they do it on purpose; knocking over things, scratching on the door, and being mischievous creatures.
What’s creepier to you: an anonymous note, a neighbor who knows too much, or a familiar voice on the other end of the phone?
Maybe it’s the writer in me, but when I read ‘a familiar voice on the other end of the phone’ it made my palms sweat a little bit. Because familiar can mean anything. Maybe you think it’s familiar, but it’s so vague that you’re being fooled. Is it someone you know? Is it a stranger mimicking someone else? What do they want? WHY ARE THEY CALLING?
What’s your favorite “thriller trope” to write or read?
As a call back to the previous question, I love reading a good phone call scene. A woman’s phone rings in the middle of the night. She picks it up. “Hello?” She only hears ragged breathing. Or a squeaky voice complimenting the polka dots on her pajamas.
How to Survive a Horror Story by Mallory Arnold
Seven writers gather in the manor of the recently deceased Mortimer Queen, an acclaimed horror author, for the reading of his will. But the Queen estate has other plans, and these writers must work together to solve the house’s riddles—or be devoured by the manor.
Buy the book now: Bookshop.org | Amazon | Barnes & Noble
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