As the second installment of my Women in Horror author spotlight, I once again had some help from editor Sarah Glenn. She introduced me to the versatile Kristin Roahrig.

Ms. Roahrig’s latest story, “Sputter from the Flames,” appears in Mystery and Horror, LLC’s newly released History and Mystery, Oh My! Based in ancient Rome, Roahrig’s tale follows a woman searching for answers in the death of her niece. Was it indeed a suicide by wolf’s bane? Or was there something–or someone–else to blame? The beautiful setting belies a truly timeless quest for the truth after the loss of a loved one.

In addition to History and Mystery, Oh My!, Kristin Roahrig’s poetry and short stories have appeared in various publications, including The Horror Zine and Indiana Horror Review. She is also the author of several plays. A current resident of Indiana, Ms. Roahrig is most definitely a horror and mystery writer to keep your eye on.

Sarah shared this interview she recently did with Kristin as the two discussed writing and upcoming projects.

When did you know you wanted to become a writer?

As long as I knew how to write I’ve always written, whether it was  plays, poems, or stories. I never considered writing as a possible profession, it was only something I enjoyed.  It wasn’t until I was in my early twenties that I realized that I would actually like to be a writer and be a part of that field.

You write mysteries. Does your inspiration begin with the crime, the detective, the setting, or some other place?

My inspirations can be found in all sorts of places, sometimes they have even come from footnotes in nonfiction books. For the story “Sputter From the Flames”, the first concept I had for the story was the setting and time period.

What are you working on now?

I am currently working on a young adult novel that takes place during the Salem Witch Trials. The novel was originally inspired by an ancestor’s involvement with the trials through the jury.

You can read Ms. Roahrig’s story, “Sputter from the Flames,” along with nineteen other mysterious tales in History and Mystery, Oh My! The book is available now at Amazon and Smashwords.