About the Author
Kristi DeMeester, a dark fiction author hailing from Atlanta, Georgia, has carved a niche for herself in the realm of horror and southern gothic literature. Her unique upbringing and experiences have shaped her into a writer whose works drip with the oppressive heat and haunting atmosphere of the American South.
Born and raised in a fundamentalist family, DeMeester's childhood was steeped in religion. The pervasive presence of faith in the South, combined with her exposure to preachers attempting to cast out demons, instilled in her a tangible sense of evil from a tender age. This early confrontation with the darker aspects of spirituality would later become a wellspring of inspiration for her writing.
Growing up with limited access to pop culture and television, DeMeester found solace and escape in the world of books. She became a voracious reader, devouring stories that would eventually shape her own narrative voice. However, unlike many authors who begin crafting tales from a young age, DeMeester didn't start writing until her early twenties. It was during her pursuit of a master's degree, a four-year endeavor, that she truly delved into the craft of writing.
DeMeester's literary journey took flight with the publication of her debut novel, "Beneath," in 2017. This work, which began as a possession story but evolved into something more complex during the writing process, quickly became a bestseller. "Beneath" exemplifies DeMeester's mastery of southern gothic horror, featuring a dread-inducing language, a pedophilic priest, and the dark undercurrents of religious fundamentalism.
The novel follows Cora, a reporter reluctantly sent to the North Carolina mountains to cover a snake-handling cult. Cora's own traumatic past, involving childhood assault by a pastor, adds layers of personal horror to the already chilling narrative. As the story unfolds, DeMeester skillfully weaves together various forms of horror, from the visceral fear of venomous creatures to the psychological terror of religious extremism gone awry.
DeMeester's short fiction has garnered significant acclaim, appearing in esteemed publications such as "Black Static," "The Dark," and "Pseudopod." Her work has also been featured in Ellen Datlow's "The Year's Best Horror" anthology, a testament to her rising status in the horror fiction community. Her collection of short stories, "Everything That's Underneath," further solidified her reputation as a powerful voice in the genre.
"Everything That's Underneath" showcases DeMeester's ability to craft unsettling and weird tales that have drawn comparisons to the works of Tom Piccirilli and Laird Barron. The collection features 18 stories that explore the darkest recesses of human experience, from all-consuming lust to unrecognizable transformations of loved ones. DeMeester's characters are often unable to escape the haunting evil that pursues them, forced to either embrace the terror or live in perpetual fear.
In her novel "Such a Pretty Smile," DeMeester continues to push the boundaries of horror fiction while addressing pressing social issues. The story revolves around Lila and her mother Caroline, who live in a world terrorized by a serial killer known as "The Cur." Through this narrative, DeMeester crafts a powerful rebuke to the ways in which men harm women, both subtly and overtly. The novel blends elements of paranormal horror, family drama, and murder mystery to create a world where women must navigate strict societal rules or face dire consequences.
Inspiration from the South
DeMeester has often cited her Southern upbringing as a significant source of inspiration for her work. The oppressive heat and humidity of the region seep into her fiction, creating an atmosphere of languid unease. She recalls childhood stories told by her aunt about alligators rising from South Georgia swamps to devour the legs of small children, tales that undoubtedly contributed to her fascination with the macabre.
The author's intimate knowledge of Southern culture and its complex relationship with religion allows her to craft authentic, richly detailed settings for her stories. The slow pace of life in the South, combined with its deeply rooted traditions and often contradictory nature, provides fertile ground for DeMeester's exploration of horror and the human psyche.
Writing Process and Career
Today, DeMeester balances her writing career with the demands of motherhood and a day job. She carves out time in the evenings to write, demonstrating a dedication to her craft that has earned her a place among the most respected contemporary horror authors. Her role as a fiction editor for "Loose Change Magazine" further cements her standing in the literary community.
DeMeester's journey from a child raised in a restrictive religious environment to a celebrated author of dark fiction is a testament to the power of literature to transform and liberate. Her works continue to captivate readers with their blend of Southern gothic atmosphere, psychological depth, and unflinching exploration of humanity's darkest impulses.
As Kristi DeMeester's star continues to rise in the world of horror fiction, her unique voice and perspective ensure that her stories will continue to unsettle, provoke, and mesmerize readers for years to come. Through her vivid prose and keen insight into the human condition, she invites us to confront the darkness that lurks beneath the surface of everyday life, challenging us to face our fears and emerge transformed.