Welcome! I’m A.J. Klein and I’m an author of horror fiction and an active member of the Horror Writer’s Association (HWA).
This site is both an author site where you can find out about books and works in progress as well as a blog where I talk about my writing process, news, and all things horror.
About My Work
While I might be relatively new to the horror fiction writing scene, the writing world is my home. I’ve worked as a professional writer since 1999, and I’ve been helping freelance writers launch their own careers since 2006 at All Freelance Writing (under my real name). I’ve been a web publisher and developer for 19 years, and I’ve been an indie publisher (largely e-books) for 17 years. I also write mysteries and other fiction under multiple pen names. And I’m proud to have served on an HWA sub-committee offering recommendations on allowing indie published work to be considered for HWA membership.
Horror is the toughest writing niche for me, not because I find the material any more difficult than in other areas but because I have high standards in this genre.
I’m not into gimmicks and cheap thrills. My area of interest is more in atmospheric and psychological horror. When it comes to terrifying creatures, humans win with me every time. So I write with the hope of tapping into the human imagination, where plot becomes a vehicle for readers in the roller coaster ride of their own minds and emotions.
About Me
I know horror writers are often assumed to be strange, disturbed types. Sorry to disappoint, but we can be just as “normal” as everyone else. (Eww, right?) Case in point, here are some tidbits about my own life outside of horror writing:
- I’m a business owner.
- I’ve owned dozens of sites and blogs through my business.
- I’m a professional blogger.
- I’m an artist (I mostly sketch and paint).
- I’m a musician.
- I’m a book nerd.
- I’m a geek.
- I’m a gamer.
- I’m six feet tall.
- I pretty much live in flip flops and slippers. I’d go everywhere barefoot if I could. Shoes are the real evil.
- I’m a dual citizen (U.S. and Germany), though I don’t speak much German.
- I’m a genealogy nut.
- I enjoy gardening.
- I love cooking for other people, but not just for myself.
- I’m a roller coaster junkie (went on my favorite local-ish one 26 times in one day).
- I have a degree in Public Relations and used to run a PR firm.
- My firm initially specialized in music PR for indie artists.
- Before the PR degree, I studied mechanical engineering (and loved it).
- I can fix my own car (and most other things).
- I’m a DIY addict.
- I love to sing (but I rarely let anyone hear me).
- I can be an opinionated little thing.
- But that’s OK because I’m usually right. 😉
See? Normal(ish).
I hope to get to know you better as you stick around and join me on my journey.