The haunted attraction industry is growing with our culture’s increasing interest in Halloween, a phenomenon noted in books like Jack Santino, ed., Halloween and Other Festivals of Death and Life (University of Tennessee Press, 1994), and Nicholas Rogers, Halloween: From Pagan Ritual to Party Night (Oxford University Press, 2002). The popularity of the holiday has resulted in gatherings like HauntCon and the Midwest Haunters Convention, as well as media like Haunted Attraction Magazine, Haunted Media Magazine, as well as another interesting publication in e-zine form, HomeHauntNews. This publication is unique in that it is specifically devoted to home haunters rather than professional haunted attractions. Johnny “Scare Shack” has agreed to talk about his publication and the home haunt industry.

TheoFantastique: Johnny, can you tell us a little about yourself?

Johnny: Most call me Johnny, but I am also known as “The Scare Shack” on various Halloween/Haunt Related forums. I have been home haunting for many years and have a true passion for haunting, anything haunting or haunted. I am the type that once a goal is set I will accomplish it! My family of six has learned this already as well as some non-haunt friends. They have finally come to the conclusion, that if its not related to haunting….it wont spark my brain. I love everyone around me, don’t get me wrong, my family is my life! Now add anything haunt related ….well…

TheoFantastique: How did you decide to create HomeHauntNews?

Johnny: This can be a long winded answer so I will give you the short of it. I have been home haunting for many years. In that time I have learned a great amount from other home haunters in regards to prop building, lighting, make-up and also have made a lot of great friends. I love the whole haunt community from home haunters all the way up to the professional haunted attractions and the people involved. There are many different magazines and e-zines out there related to the haunt community and Halloween. I didn’t see any thing out there that was devoted to just the home haunter. That’s me, these are my people, my friends! So basically I figured I would offer something back to all the home haunters out there as a true thank you to them for being who we all are. This is where the idea of Home Haunters News and Reviews came from. Basically, something I can give back to my fellow haunters for there enjoyment and to aid in the continuous growth of Halloween. I could ramble on, but said “I will give you the short of it”.

TheoFantastique: What types of features do you have in the e-zine?

Johnny: HomeHaunters News and Reviews has many different types of features and content. From offing articles on “Featured Home Haunters”, “Party Ideas”, “Tips N tricks”, “Prop How-to’s”, “Make-Up and Costuming”, “Up-Coming Events”, “Readers Photo Gallery”,“Latest News”, “Vendor Spotlight” and much more. We are adding many different new features in regards to content and as well with diffent options for viewing/downloading the e-zine. The e-zine is being offered bi-montly as of now with many, many, new things coming. I urge all to join the mailing list to keep abreast of the changes as well as the new website coming soon.

TheoFantastique: I know the e-zine has been promoted in a few places lately. In fact, I heard about it through Rue Morgue Magazine. What has the response been to HomeHauntNews?

Johnny: Honestly, so far the response in my opinion has been great. After throwing the idea back and forth with a few others, I decided to do it. I didn’t really think it was going to take off as fast as it did. Especially for not even being 100% finished before I put it out there.I do have to say from e-mails flooding in, and pm’s being sent in, I will admit I’m overwhelmed on the response thus far.

TheoFantastique: How can interested readers get in touch with you to enjoy this publication, and perhaps even to participate by submitting content?

Johnny: That’s very simple. Reader’s can simply join our mailing list by sending an email to Homehauntnews@yahoo.com to receive the latest updated info and issue release date’s. As well as anyone wanting to send in info can contact me directly at Scareshack@yahoo.com.

TheoFantastique: Johnny, thanks again for this interview, and for your helpful and fun resource for home haunters.

Johnny: It was my pleasure. Thank you for having me and always a true pleasure helping to give back to the haunt community.