TLO Member Interview: G. S. Carnivals

INTRODUCTION

Hello To All: As promised, here is the very first TLO Member Interview. It's with this guy called G. S. Carnivals. He seems a decent sort, and once kindly sent me a copy of Klein's THE CEREMONIES in the mail. He is also that guy who tirelessly posts all those quotes from Mr. Ligotti's writing, for which we must thank him. If you don't already know G. S., perhaps this Q&A will give you a peek into his personality, or show that you have something in common with him that you didn't realize you did. So, go, talk to him in chat already. He's a good guy. I'd like to thank him for submitting to my questions, and also for bravely going first. Without further ado, meet G. S. Carnivals:

1. Obviously, you are an admirer of Thomas Ligotti's works. So, how did you first come across his writing?

I first encountered Thomas Ligotti's work in 1990 when "The Last Feast of Harlequin" appeared in The Magazine of Fantasy & Science Fiction. But I did not seek out his books until 1998 or so. (I was a TLO lurker a bit before the end of the 20th century, but never joined until July 2, 2005.)


2. How long have you been a fan of weird fiction? Also, how were you first introduced to this genre?

In junior high (circa 1970), I bought 11 Great Horror Stories edited by Betty M. Owen which was published by Scholastic Book Services. I still have it, too.


3. If you were to choose, which Ligotti story is your absolute favorite, and why?

"The Last Feast of Harlequin" is my favorite. It is hard to top its grace, pace, and suspense.


4. Ligotti aside, what are some of your other favorite authors in this genre?

Without hesitation, Fritz Leiber and H. P. Lovecraft. Other writers I greatly enjoy are Robert Bloch, Clark Ashton Smith, and some guy named D. F. Lewis.


5. And which stories most influenced you? At a young age (dependent on your answer to question two), and as your tastes changed with age?

Lovecraft's "The Dunwich Horror" was in 11 Great Horror Stories. It frightened me thoroughly. I never again read Lovecraft until I was nearly 40.


6. As far as horror television shows over the years go, do you have any favorites? Any that had a lasting influence on you?

The Twilight Zone, The Outer Limits, and Night Gallery.


7. And what about movies?

I'll take mine in black and white, please. The Universal monster pictures of the 1930s and 1940s.


8. Okay, departing from this genre, what else do you like to read?

Science fiction, vintage crime fiction, and poetry.


9. And aside from reading, what sort of activities do you enjoy?

Recreational beer disposal.


10. Do you have a personal philosophy, an outlook on life, as it were?

Life is utterly ridiculous, so have fun, make some mischief.


11. Would you describe yourself as a believer in the possibility of the supernatural, or a skeptic?

It's not something I regularly ponder, but I am easily spooked at times.


12. So, Phil: I hear tell you are an actual Clown. For how long, and how did you happen into that trade? Do you still practice, or was this something you did in the past, similarly to, say, Penn Gillette?

I am not a real clown. I wear the greasepaint only in a figurative way. I fear that any formal clown training would destroy my little bit of wit and spontaneity.


13. As far as well-known Clowns go, do you prefer the Jester, the Mime, the Harlequin, or the more modern Clown-type? How do you feel about the general supposed "fear of clowns"?

I am a Court Jester trapped in a Harlequin's body. I respect the fears of others.


14. Writers aside, any other heroes/idols, so to speak, be they fictional (Tarzan, for instance) or actual?

As one who appreciates and embraces absurdity, I must mention Salvador Dali, Lucille Ball, and Frank Zappa.


15. Do you have any interesting folks hiding in your family tree? If so, what did they do, what are they known for?

No.


16. Are you a writer yourself? Or are you a creator in any other medium?

I wrote poetry prolifically when I was in my early twenties. I still jot here and there, but not often. My own words seem so pretentious to me.


17. Are you a fan of the arts, aside from writing? Discuss, if you will, a few of your favorite styles and artists.

Dali is my favorite artist. Egyptian tomb art is fascinating to me, as are the pyramids themselves and other ancient structures. Since I'm an Art School idiot, all I can add is I either like something or I don't.


18. Musically speaking, what are your tastes? A few of your favorite bands?

My tastes are eclectic, but not universally so. I loathe contemporary Country and Rap crap. Ten favorite bands and individuals: The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, The Jimi Hendrix Experience, The Mothers of Invention, Pink Floyd, Bob Dylan, Led Zeppelin, Miles Davis, Pixies, and Johnny Cash.


19. Do you have a vivid recall of your dreams? Are your dreams astounding, or pedestrian?

Since I tend to drink myself to sleep, I usually (thankfully) do not recall my dreams. When I do, they are most likely stupid dream metaphors for work: silly, repetitive tasks over and over and over...


20. Anything you would like to add, perhaps something I didn't think to ask? (Boy, talk about lazy journalism!)

I am 50 years old. I am single. Will you marry me, Helena?