Author Q & A
Who are you and what do you do?
I’m Alex Greenhill, an author based in Washington, D.C., with a lifelong fascination for monsters.
What is your favorite monster?
That’s a tough one! I’ve always loved obscure creatures. Sure, anyone can say “vampire” or “werewolf,” but I’m drawn to gremlins—not the movie kind, but the aviation folklore kind.
According to legend, these mischievous beings first appeared in Royal Air Force tales during World War I or II, said to sabotage planes just for fun. Roald Dahl even wrote a children’s book about them! Gremlins inspired the villains of Frankenshop, where they cause chaos in a monster-filled pet shop.
Would you want your work adapted to film?
Yes—but only if I could have final say on the screenplay. I’ve seen too many poor adaptations of great stories to hand over full control.
What books influenced you most as a writer?
A big one is Everything You Ever Wanted to Know About Monsters (and Still Get to Sleep) by Daniel Cohen—it sparked my lifelong interest in monster lore. Another is The Monstrous Memoirs of a Mighty McFearless by Ahmet Zappa, a wonderfully illustrated children’s novel that fed my imagination.
Do you have a favorite movie?
Movies were my first love. If I had to choose one for sheer rewatchability, it would be Jurassic Park—I watched it endlessly on VHS growing up.
Favorite genre (book or film)?
When it comes to books, I read a little bit of everything. But for movies, I love horror and comedy equally—especially when they’re blended.
How much do you write a day?
I try for three hours a day when working on big projects like novels—or as much time as life allows.
Do you listen to audiobooks?
Absolutely! My mom introduced me to them before I could even read. I grew up listening to Jim Dale, Odds Bodkin, and even Roald Dahl narrating his own stories. I still love audiobooks today.
Would you like an audiobook of your own work someday?
Yes—definitely! That’s one of my goals as I continue building my portfolio of stories.
