by Ed Fortune
Josh Winning is the senior film writer at Radio Times as well as a nostalgia nut, book/film lover and author of The Shadow Glass, and co-host of the movie podcast Torn Stubs. His new book, Burn The Negative, is about a series of murders on the set of a horror-themed TV show. We caught up with him to find out more.
STARBURST: How would you describe Burn the Negative to a fan of the Scream movies?
Josh Winning: It’s sort of like if Gale Weathers visited the set of a Stab movie, and found herself getting drawn into a fresh spate of killings. Which I guess is kind of the plot of Scream 3, so maybe I’d just say, “It’s a bit like Scream 3, but different.”
Why Horror?
I’ve always been drawn to horror. As a teenager, I read Point Horror and Christopher Pike, and I grew up watching those great, gloriously weird ’80s fantasy films like The Dark Crystal and The NeverEnding Story, which came with their own scary elements (Skeksis! The Nothing!). Horror has the best characters, the best villains, and the best concepts.
Why LA?
Clearly, it’s the heartland of movies. This is a town entirely focused on one industry, and that industry is obsessed with stories. But it’s also a cutthroat environment where nobody’s livelihood is ever safe, paranoia runs rampant, and horror can easily spill into real life. It’s the perfect setting for a horror story.
What was the hardest piece to write?
The beginning of the second act. This is the part where weird stuff is happening, and Laura is trying to get her head around it. Navigating her mental state as history begins to repeat itself was a fun challenge because I really had to step into the shoes of a person who’s been through some heavy stuff and figure out just how she’d react.
What’s the most fun to write?
I loved writing Laura’s first visit to the guesthouse set. As a film journalist, I have been lucky enough to visit a number of sound stages where amazing sets have been constructed. It’s always awe-inspiring, and I loved writing that setup from Laura’s perspective – she’s somebody who left Hollywood and movie sets behind a long time ago and would rather be anywhere but there.
Is it for the squeamish?
I’d say there are some grisly moments in Burn the Negative that hint at some horrific occurrences, but this isn’t a massively gory book. I was more interested in evoking a spooky, paranoid atmosphere.
Is the horror genre simply the crime/thriller genre but supernatural? Or is there more to it than that?
I think there is more to it than that. Horror digs into the darkness in a different way from the crime/thriller genre, and not all horror is supernatural. It is very different ‘to thrill’ than it is ‘to horrify’, which I think is where the line could be drawn. Horror wants to horrify you and also explore horrific things, whereas horrific things can happen in thrillers, but that isn’t the focus.
Do you have other books planned in a similar vein?
Yes, I’m drafting my second horror book with Putnam, which also uses pop culture and Hollywood as a springboard. It’s very different to Burn the Negative, though, with different movies as inspiration. I’m excited for people to read it in the summer of 2024!
Is horror more accessible as a genre these days?
There’s more of it, which certainly makes it easier to find! Horror is really booming, particularly in the book world, which means there’s a horror for everybody. It’s such a fantastic time to be a horror reader, as there’s so much to choose from depending on your mood. I personally hop between Paul Tremblay, Ally Wilkes, Riley Sager and Catriona Ward, as they all deliver something very different, but always in the horror space.
Why are we so fascinated with gruesome death?
Morbid curiosity! That’s definitely a part of why slasher films are so popular. We’re curious about what it would be like to die in these horrific ways – and horror films give us the opportunity to experience that without actually having to experience it – thank goodness!
What character is the most fun to write?
I loved writing Yvonne Lincoln, the Hollywood screenwriter who is in jail for the murder of her husband – although she claims that the movie villain, the Needle Man was really responsible. I love a jaded, world-weary character, as it’s so freeing to write somebody who just doesn’t give a shit and makes no effort to make anybody around them feel comfortable.
Which character seriously needs to have a word with themselves?
Mike! In Burn the Negative, he’s Laura’s ex-boyfriend and current boss at Zeppelin magazine. He’s still not over the end of their relationship, even though it’s clear that Laura doesn’t feel the same way. He deserves better!
What would you say the biggest influence on this book is?
Various 90s horror movies, but in particular Candyman. I love that as an example of a really classy grown-up slasher film and one where you’re never quite sure if the monster is all in Helen’s mind or if he is a reality. That, to me, is a fascinating set-up, and one that I tried to pay tribute to with Burn the Negative.
Which writers inspire you?
Any writer who manages to finish writing a book! My big go-to authors are Riley Sager, CJ Tudor, and Taylor Jenkins Reid. They have such a firm grasp of character, pace and plot. I find their ability to write gripping novels hugely inspiring.
What tropes do you personally avoid the most?
I tend to embrace tropes because they really lend themselves to reinvention. I would say that the only ones that really jump out at me as total no-nos are “the black character dies first” and “if you have sex, you die”. They’re so outdated, and you can have more fun playing with other tropes.
If you could preserve one work of art and have that last forever, what would it be?
Labyrinth, the Jim Henson movie. It was such an important film for me growing up, and it continues to be. If I could preserve it for future generations until the end of time, I would.
If we like this book, what other books do you recommend?
Definitely check out Harrow Lake by Kat Ellis, which is a great horror novel about the daughter of a horror film director. If you’re looking for an edgy female lead, give Maeve Fly by CJ Leede a whirl – spoiler warning: it is very dark but very good! And if you like the mixed media elements of Burn the Negative, A Head Full of Ghosts by Paul Tremblay has some great articles slotted in amid the plot.
