What was it that attracted you to the Slice Girls anthology?
I was intrigued to participate because Slice Girls is a charity anthology to benefit a worthy cause, a shelter for women who have survived domestic violence. Also, the subject matter appealed to me. I like to write and read stories about women who avenge injustices.
How did you feel writing a story about a violent woman?
Writing “Monkey See, Monkey Do” was empowering. In many horror stories, women are portrayed as victims who lack agency. My protagonist transforms from prey to predator—she is a survivor who punishes and kills her abuser.
Please give the readers a brief summary of the story you wrote for the collection?
“Monkey See, Monkey Do” started as a writing exercise. I was inspired to craft a tale about survivors of abuse and laboratory experimentation and wanted the story to feature unlikely alliances between different species who have a common enemy. Given adequate motivation, everyone has the capacity for violence. Cruelty and love can take many forms.
How do you feel about the way women are usually portrayed in horror?
I don’t like the stereotypes. In many horror stories and films, women are portrayed as stupid, slutty, and/or bitchy. More often than not, they are portrayed as victims—preyed upon because they are foolish and/or reckless.
Have any of your other stories been published? If so tell us about them and where readers can find them.
Yes, my stories have been published in books and magazines. I write horror, fantasy, crime fiction, science fiction, weird fiction, and literary fiction. I also write poetry. For information about my recent publications and ordering information, please visit my website https://aliciahilton.com/writing/.
What are you writing at the moment?
I am writing a novel, Twisted Helix.
Do you prefer short stories or novels? Which form is more challenging to write?
Short stories provide more immediate gratification because they take less time to write and tend to be published faster. Novels tend to be more challenging to write because they are longer, usually involve more characters, and more detailed story arcs.
BIO: Alicia Hilton is an author, law professor, arbitrator, actor, and former FBI Special Agent. She believes in angels and demons, magic and monsters. Alicia’s recent work has appeared or is forthcoming in Akashic Books, Brick Moon Fiction, Bronzeville Books, Daily Science Fiction, Demain Publishing UK, Dreams & Nightmares, Storgy, Tales from OmniPark, Vastarien, Year’s Best Hardcore Horror Volumes 4 & 5, and elsewhere.
WEBSITE: https://www.aliciahilton.com
TWITTER: https://twitter.com/aliciahilton01