Wendy Dalrymple

Wendy Dalrymple loves to explore the beauty in horrific things. Wendy is a Florida-based author of feminist #pinkhorror, gothic and romance novels published both independently and with small presses. She is the author of Birthday Party Demon, a nostalgic YA novella and Credenza, a Florida gothic novel. Her pink horror novel Bed Rot Baby explores themes of self-image and body horror through the lens of the early 21st century, and her upcoming slasher novel Killer Summer is a nostalgic ode to her favorite teen horror films. Follow her everywhere @wendydalrymplewrites.

What country do you live in?

The USA, Tampa Bay, FL

What does your ideal writing set up look like?

I do best working at my desk, a dedicated space with little clutter, surrounded by things that inspire me. However, I can write anywhere, in bed, on a couch, in the passenger seat. If the inspiration strikes, I just need a keyboard or a notepad and I’ll make it work.

Do you plot or wing-it when it comes to planning out your books?

I have to plot, I’m a big believer in it for my own purposes. When I’m beginning a manuscript, I’ll usually think about it for a few days and jot down some ideas first. Then I’ll write out a detailed, chapter-by-chapter outline and a synopsis before I even begin. I usually have the title picked out first too. During the drafting process I’ll usually add things as I go, but my manuscript is almost always 75% plotted and thought out before I even begin.

What is the hardest part of writing for you & how do you combat that?

Writing is the easy part. I love the craft of writing, I love storytelling, and I love reading. The hardest part of being an author is the admin stuff; the marketing, and getting over the anxieties of being a public figure. I don’t have any good advice on how to combat that except for exposure therapy, after care and lots of time and willingness to do the hard things.

Other than “Don’t give up/keep going”, what piece of advice would you tell yourself when you were first starting out?

To remember that publishing is a long game. There is no overnight successes, and anyone who may look like they’re suddenly hitting big probably has years and years of no’s and struggles behind them.

Who is publishing your upcoming book(s) and how did you know they were the right fit for your story?

My next publication is KILLER SUMMER, a nostalgic 90s slasher from Mad Axe Media. I love working with Mad Axe and my publisher, Joey Powell, especially on these nostalgic, pink horror/bubblegum horror stories. Joey really gets my vision and knows how to connect with readers who want stories like mine.

How long did it take you to get your first publishing deal?

Oh, probably a few years. I started out publishing short stories, and then got brave and published a few novellas on my own. I love to self-publish but came to a point where I realized that I need help with marketing and reach, and that I wanted better quality for my books in terms of cover design and interior design.

Why did you choose the self-publishing route & what has that looked like for you?

I’ve always been of the opinion that self-publishing isn’t a last resort, but just another choice. Even though I’ve come to enjoy the process of working with publishers, I’ll always entertain the notion of self-publishing works that I feel may be better suited for it. There’s a lot of misinformation out there around self-publishing, and I think it’s a really valid and rewarding experience for those who want to give it a try.

Upcoming release(s) & where we can get a copy:

May 2026, KILLER SUMMER with Mad Axe Media

Sept 2026, FEED THE TREE with Quill & Crow

And I’ll have another super secret thriller coming out some time in the fall or early winter of this year.

What is your next big author goal moving forward?

While I’m always entertaining the possibility of getting an agent, I’m learning that I can still have a very rewarding author career without one. Ultimately, I would love to see my books get wider distribution, and would also love to see my stories translated into foreign languages or opted for film or television. There’s always a new goal post to strive toward, but for now, I’m just enjoying telling stories and sharing them.

What other authors would you recommend?

I really love Catherine McCarthy, and of course my pals Grace R. Reynolds and Damien Casey.

What cause/charity would you like to shout-out?

I don’t have any specific causes or charities that I support, but I’m always a fan of donating and volunteering locally. I try to support my community and donate to animal rescue and rehabilitation when I can.