PEORIA MAGAZINE October 2023

lesbian couple. The book reflects on how society can be just as terrifying as the paranormal. “I started this book two years ago, so it just happens to be connected to what’s going on,” she said. “I wanted to write something a little out of my wheelhouse, but I wanted to be re spectful. I also wanted to give realistic perspectives. I’m trying not to make a judgment call, but, with no spoilers, it tests the boundaries of everybody in the situation. I think it’s a good story. And I think it’s very poignant. I wanted to show both sides, so I hope I captured it and did it justice.” SANCTUM … THE BOOK REFLECTS ON HOW SOCIETY CAN BE JUST AS TERRIFYING AS THE PARANORMAL When she isn’t working on a new novel, Rovens keeps herself busy. She’s the executive producer for the indie horror film, Let’s Do Things that Make Us Happy , and a writer and co-host of a horror podcast with Carol M. Ford called Ye Olde Terror Inn . Set in a fic tional haunted tavern in the English countryside, the podcast welcomes weary travelers to be entertained with frightful and disturbing tales. Rovens is a member of The Chicago Writers Association and the Alliance for Independent Authors (ALLi). She runs a blog where she interviews oth er creative people and keeps her fans up to date on where to find her for book signings and author readings. Her books can be found online and in local bookstores, including Bobzbay Books in Bloomington. For more information about Sue Rov ens and her books, or to book her for author readings, visit her website at suerovens.com/.

show she watched where a person took a body pad from a funeral home and kept it in their house. “After that episode, I was like, this needs to be a story. It’s weird because I was scared of that, but I thought it was fascinating. And if I could write it, then it’s not as scary because it’s coming from my own head. It’s like you deconstruct it.” STAYING SCARY BUSY In May of this year, the author pub lished her fifth novel, Sanctum . She introduces retired corn crib operator

Ed Thackery, who becomes a real es tate agent, only to find that his first listing is a haunted house. “All the places that are supposed to be safe are chaos for him,” said Rovens. “That’s why I came up with the word ‘sanctum.’ It’s supposed to be a safe hav en, a place to be who you are. And every aspect of his life ends up in turmoil.” Slowly Thackery, and the reader, be come aware of problems within the haunted house and also problems with in the town. Thackery’s boss is evasive. His wife and her church group don’t like Thackery showing the house to a

Laurie Pillman is an au thor and freelance writer/ editor, based in Peoria

OCTOBER 2023 PEORIA MAGAZINE 95