From a young age, Asbury was captivated by the unique thrill that only horror could provide. “There’s something almost exhilarating about being frightened,” he explains. “It taps into something deeply primal.”
Asbury’s journey into horror writing resumed in earnest during his twenties when he began penning narratives that blended dark fantasies with a touch of humor and suspense. Among his creations by him are tales like “The Chair in the Closet,” which follows the eerie misadventures of a haunted office chair and its beleaguered owner. Other stories, such as “The Mariachi Man” and “Total Control,” explore the sinister and sometimes comedic depths of human relationships and control.
Despite the chilling nature of his work, Asbury, who resides in Pueblo, insists that not all his stories delve into extreme horror. “I enjoy blending horror with comedy and suspense, creating a more accessible experience for my readers,” he states.
Encouraged by a friend, Asbury ventured into the world of horror podcasts, submitting one of his stories to the popular “Chilling Tales for Dark Nights.” The podcast, which boasts a substantial following, brought eight of his stories to life through professional voice acting by 2022. Buoyed by this success, he ventured into self-publishing, releasing “Waking the Dead,” a collection that garnered enough interest to be stocked in Barnes & Noble stores across Colorado and beyond.
Driven by growing recognition, Asbury dared to dream bigger. He adapted “The Mariachi Man” into a screenplay during the winter, envisioning it as a thrilling horror film. “It felt like the perfect story for a film,” he remarks, already considering casting possibilities for the screenplay.
Despite lacking direct connections in Hollywood, Asbury began cultivating relationships with filmmakers in Colorado and reaching out to potential actors and their representatives. His endeavors led him to a Los Angeles-based entertainment management company. Impressed by his dedication and vision, the company’s president forwarded Asbury’s screenplay to renowned director Henry Bedwell, sparking a promising collaboration.
This year marked another milestone for Asbury as he signed with Evil Cookie Publishing, known for their work with niche horror authors like Edward Lee. They republished “Waking the Dead,” introducing new stories to his fans.
Asbury draws inspiration not from dreams, unlike some of his peers, but from the nuanced drama of everyday life. “I observe the world around me, the people and experiences, and sometimes my perspective might be a bit twisted,” he shares with a wry smile.
As he continues to navigate the complex process of bringing his screenplay to life, Asbury remains a testament to the power of perseverance and passion in the arts.
