The Monstrumologist
FAQs with Rick Yance
Interview by Lena Garrett
Q: Will Henry has no feelings towards—and even sometimes hates—Dr Warthrop and visa versa but Will Henry says that he would never leave the Monstrumologist. Why is that?
A: Well as Will Henry says in his Diary, the Monstrumologist is all he has. And I think that concept works both ways because as much as Warthrop would hate to admit it, Will is his only companion.
Q: Why did Will Henry think it "galling" that he should thank the Doctor for saving his life in the cemetery?
A: Will Henry thinks that the Monstrumologist is self-conceited—which he is— and he doesn't think that its right to thank Warthrop since the Doctor took the life of another in order to save Will.
Q: Does John Kearns have an actually name?
A: John has way too many actual names and he never runs out. In one instance he actually names himself John J J Schmitt.
Q: In the end of the story it is suggested that Kearn is Jack the Ripper, history's most famous serial killer, did you want it to be that way?
A: Yes I did. Its not that hard to believe that Kearn could be the Ripper. He is the monster of humanity in a way.
Q: Kearn says that he has an "understanding" toward the anthropophagi, how so?
A: Kearn likes the fact that when it comes to survival the anthropophagi will cut all ties and do what ever it takes to live, even if it means killing their own. The also have no idealism in nature being more than it is. In many ways Kearn is just like them.
Q: Did you make up the Anthropophagi?
A: No. The Anthropophagi are mentioned numerous times in history. The were even written of by Shakespeare. These creatures are headless carnivores that are the epitome of the human nightmare. They seemed perfect for a horror story.
Q: The decease that lets Will Henry to live to be 131 years old, is that real?
A: Yes arawakus is a real decease but is no longer circulating. It died out in the early 20th century.
Q: Is Will Henry's diaries a work of fiction? You allude this subject in the book.
A : Absolutely every bit of Will Henry's diary is real. I got them from a man who lead a society—although I'm am not allowed to reveal the society's doings. He wanted me to read all fourteen of them. This story is comprised of only three of them.
Q: You next…"compiling" of Will Henry's diaries covers his adventures hunting the Wendigo with Dr Pellinore Warthrop. What challenges does he face with that task?
A: That you will have to find out yourself by reading the book.