Growing up in the suburbs of London, and coming from working class roots, I've always been a keen reader, story writer and artist since childhood. I was brought up on a diet of graphic novels, classic ghost stories and sci-fi comics. My teens and twenties were an adventure into life, playing drums in a crappy punk band, hanging out at gigs and clubs in London's underbelly - Soho, Camden - many of my stories are set in these places. Since I can remember, I've had a consuming interest in mysticism in all of its many worldwide forms (but don't buy into any religious dogma) as well as the paranormal, UFOs and the occult. These subjects always sneak into my writing.
My professional career has been pretty varied. I originally trained in horticulture after finishing school, going on to work for Epping Forest Council Parks Department before supervising gardening therapy projects for people with learning difficulties. I later studied graphic design at the London College of Printing and worked for several years in print and publication management in the charity and public sector, including a post as Commissioning Editor for a national magazine. I've also custom spray-painted motorbikes in the past (as well as riding one) but I currently work part-time as an administrator at a local hospital, which leaves me with some free time for my writing. For lovers of Goth clothing and the odd skull-adorned duvet cover or cushion, please feel free to take a look at my Redbubble shop where I sell my moodier artwork on many goods under the 'Dark Style' collection. You'll find it here. I also sell a range of my art cards at my Zazzle shop under the banner Gothic Eclipse here. Reviews On Death Wears a Top Hat. Steph's writing style is engaging and natural, and I mean this in the best possible way, written in such a way that the reader is able to retain the storyline without it getting lost in a mire of unnecessary florid prose and stuffy dialogue. Often I have to re-read pages of a book because I have quite literally lost the plot! The element I found most pleasing is Steph's ability to enable the reader to create mental images of the book page by page, you picture the locations in your mind as you read. I can see Death Wears a Top Hat as a storyboard and film script. More please!" - Angela, 5 stars on Amazon Books "The intermingling of the demonic top-hatted creature with modern life was drawn naturally and not forced. Crime and the supernatural mix easily and believably. The grisly murders committed in these pages are by a character possessed by a demonic entity, ‘the man in the top hat’. As the bodies pile up, DS Sue McKentee meets up with transgender psychic Alison Graves, whose initial information concerning one of the murders is initially dismissed with usual ‘nutcase’ tag. However, as the case evolves and McKentee herself encounters the top-hatted creature, she and Alison work together unofficially to capture the killer and bring him to justice. The story, however, is not just one of murder, it is also how two people reassess and rebuild their own lives. McKentee, divorced and refusing to let anyone close to her, gradually softens and becomes more open whilst Graves is almost at the end of the long journey in the transgender process to become the woman she wants to be. It is a story of acceptance of self and of others. I think these two would actually make a very good pairing for further supernatural jaunts together" - Horror Addict reviews, 4/5 stars. On The Obsidian Path. "Steph's stories are original, compelling and filled with vivid characters. I've always loved stories that tease the reader's imagination into life. If you enjoy horror and spooky tales of the night, then this is a great collection to read. Highly recommended." "This is a wonderful collection of tales, all very different scenarios, and i was drawn into each one. Usually reading on my commute, I almost missed my stop on occasion, so absorbed was I with the stories. Can't wait for the next collection." "Wonderfully dark atmospheric stories - a great read!" "The beauty of Steph Minns's stories is that they are chilling and subtle rather than gratuitously gory or a mere slasher-fest. Their style conjures up memories of the traditional Christmas ghost story, the fireside chiller. The characters are believable and contemporary, and Steph is bold enough to set some of the tales in a different age, or in geographical locations other than the UK. Steph has produced a book that tempts you back for more. I thoroughly enjoyed this and will definitely buy more of Steph's work." "Highly recommended for horror fans. 5 Stars on Amazon Books. See more at The Bold Mom horror review and book promotion site. On novella The Tale of Storm Raven. "This page turner recalls the goth scene of the early 80s with great accuracy, for me, at least. The characters are very well crafted and believable which makes for a scary, convincing ghost story. A great novella with a dark twist. Thoroughly recommended.” “A thoroughly enjoyable book for all those people that love stories of Ghosts and Goths." “A creepy little novella that doesn't go the way you'd think." 4.5 stars on Amazon Books Hellnotes online horror magazine has given Storm Raven a positive review. You can read the full review here. Interviews Read Steph's interview with Claire Fitzpatrick at The Horror Tree. Read a Dark Alley Press interview with Steph here. |