PopHorror Let's Get Scared
In celebration for her 800th (!) article in less than two years since the inception of PopHorror, I decided it was about time to get the skinny on Miss Tori Danielle, the co-owner and head writer of the site that you are now visiting. Although she’s pretty humble, I was able to get her to open up a bit on her passion for writing and horror, what it’s like to run a horror review site and her new adventures in producing.
PopHorror: Have you always know that you wanted to be a writer?
Tori Danielle: Yes and no. When I was younger, I loved writing fun, Goosebumps-type of stories, but let’s just say, my grammar was awful. Then there was a period of time where I barely wrote at all up until high school. In high school, I joined Journalism, and it fired up my passion for writing once again.
PopHorror: Do you remember what your first article was about?
Tori Danielle: Yes. It was a John Carpenter’s Halloween vs Rob Zombie’s Halloween comparison article. It was fun, but I’ve grown so much since then.
PopHorror: That’s a pretty awesome start, though, jumping right in to Zombie vs Carpenter. What made you want to go into the horror field?
Tori Danielle: Honestly, the last several years I was suffering through a deep, dark depression that left me completely hopeless. Horror helped that. I slowly joined horror groups, met people with similar interests, like yourself, and one thing lead to another, and I realized that I wanted to do this as a career. Although I do have a geeky side, my passion for horror has no limits. I love it all.
PopHorror: We do love horror, don’t we? You’ve been involved with PopHorror since the very first day it went live. What made you want to own your own horror review site?
Tori Danielle: Although I doubt myself in almost every aspect of life, I know I’m a good leader. I believe in people, and I wanted a place where people could write freely about stuff that they also love. I also wanted a place where I could support the horror community, especially indie.
PopHorror: What are some of the best things about owning your own site?
Tori Danielle: The freedom to write pretty much what you want. The ability to see films before anyone else… well not anyone else, but you know what I mean. But most of all, it’s seeing something you’ve worked so hard for grow into something special. To see your writers blossoming, gaining self-esteem, and getting excited about what they do.
PopHorror: I totally agree! I especially love seeing the writers get excited about getting props from the filming community. What are some of the worst things about owning your own site?
Tori Danielle: The stress. I work two jobs and write for several other sites beyond this, plus I’m very involved in the horror community. Running a site is pretty much a 24/7 gig, so you have to love what you do, otherwise it won’t work.
PopHorror: What kind of articles are your favorite to write?
Tori Danielle: Well, when a film absolutely blows me away, I love writing a positive and constructive view of it. People say they can read my excitement, passion, and love for something in my words, and that makes them pumped to see it. What more can I ask for? I also love doing editorials, which I don’t often do often because of time. They’re fun, expressive, and people enjoy reading them.
PopHorror: Let’s change the subject a bit. You’ve spent a lot of time reviewing movies, but now, you’re dipping your toe into the movie production pool. How did that get started?
Tori Danielle: A few people approached me, and I approached a few people, as well. As I said, I’m very involved with the indie horror community, so I’ve always wondering what it would be like to be a director, producer, you know. So, I’m taking an opportunity and dipping my toes into the world of producing.
PopHorror: What movie(s) are you currently involved in?
Tori Danielle: As of right now, I’m involved in Anthony Raus’ Abstraction, and I’m also assisting with P.J Starks’ last chapter of his Volumes of Blood franchise. There’s a few others in the works as well… fingers crossed!
PopHorror: I know I’m totally excited for Abstraction! Is there anything else you have going on besides running PopHorror and producing films?
Tori Danielle: One of the biggest things I’m doing this year is attending the 2018 Women in Horror Film Festival. I’ve never attend anything, so this is a huge deal to me. It’s ran by Vanessa Ionta Wright and Sam Kolesnik, two power house women in the horror community who are incredibly talented filmmakers and artists. They give relentlessly, always being positive role models and supporting their fellow filmmakers/artists. Not only that, but I be attending the WIHFF Festival, I am also a judge which is a huge honor that I don’t take lightly.
PopHorror: Now I have to ask the question everyone dreads… what is your favorite horror movie?
Tori Danielle: Honestly, this is such a hard question for me. So, I’m just going to go with A Nightmare On Elm Street. I’m a diehard Freddy fan and will always be Freddy’s Girl.
PopHorror: Now let’s do a fun question. What’s your favorite Halloween candy?
Tori Danielle: Hmmm… Mounds or Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups.
PopHorror: Do you have any other passions?
Tori Danielle: Beyond horror, I’m just a huge nerd. I love almost everything geeky, especially Harry Potter. Harry Potter is life. I also love music from all decades, but the stuff from the ’80s and ’90s holds a special place in my heart.
I just want to say that I love being apart of the horror community. Just like anything, it has its flaws, but for the most part, the positives outweigh the negatives. I’ve never felt more supported, loved, and appreciated for my work, and nothing gives me more pleasure than helping out others in the community. I love watching others succeed and do what they love.
Thanks so much for talking with us… er, with yourself? Anyway, it was great to get an indepth look into what makes you tick and I know I’m excited to see what other adventures you have coming up in the future!
