What was it that attracted you to the Slice Girls anthology?
I’m always interested in charity anthologies and wish there were more of them but also extreme horror featuring women who are not the victims is rare and therefore quite appealing.
How did you feel writing a story about a violent woman?
I loved it and intend to do more of it. As much as I’m allowed.
Please give the readers a brief summary of the story you wrote for the collection.
It’s basically about a woman turning the tables on a man who thinks he’s in charge.
How do you feel about the way women are usually portrayed in horror?
I’m tired of women constantly being portrayed as not particularly strong or bright, just there to be slaughtered. I think it’s changing but not quickly enough for me. We need more than just rape revenge stories, in my opinion.
Do you think the way female characters are portrayed in horror reflects the way society views women?
To some degree, yes. Certainly the way some men view women anyway. Helpless and needing to be saved. But again, I think it’s slowly changing.
Would you call yourself a feminist, if not how do you view the status of women?
I absolutely call myself a feminist and have my whole life.
Slice Girls includes the subheading Feminazi Splattergoth. What are your thoughts about the term Feminazi?
There’s an appeal to it. If a man calls you a feminazi, he may as well be wearing a sign around his neck that says you terrify him.
Have any of your other stories been published?
I have many novels and novellas available in a variety of genres, mostly horror and bizarro social commentaries.
What are you writing at the moment?
There are several works in progress. One horror novella should be released soon and a couple new novels coming in the next few months. It’s an exciting time.
Do you prefer short stories or novels? Which form is more challenging to write?
Probably short stories because I can get them out quickly. I need to get ideas out of my head as fast as possible or they lose steam.
What is your favourite short story by another author?
That’s impossible to answer definitively but I can say I worship at the alter of Shirley Jackson. Everyone should read her but especially women.
Bio: Gina Ranalli is the award-winning author of nearly twenty novels and novellas in the horror and bizarro genres. She lives in the Pacific Northwest.
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