Get the first book of Dolor for FREE at the official website.

BLOODY DISGUSTING: Where did the concept - and the name - for Dolor come from?

RICK FLORINO: Dolor means "pain" in Latin. That's the actual definition of the word itself. So, just think of all the insanity that can take place in a town whose very nomenclature evokes "pain!" [Laughs] The name is really important, because it instantly sets the series up as something dark and thought-provoking. It's a strange word, because when it's pronounced it sounds beautiful, but obviously the meaning is the exact opposite. I love that juxtaposition between the beauty of the word itself and the darkness inherent in its actual meaning. In essence, that's the very point of the "Dolor" series. There's something strangely dreamy and hypnotic about this town, but just below the surface lies unimaginable evil. Anything's possible in the town of Dolor—ANYTHING. Plus, everyone has experienced some kind of pain or some kind of suffering, and there's a relatable aspect to that. I think that's what makes it human in many ways. I'd always wanted to create a town of my own. Maybe I played too much "Sim City" growing up [Laughs], but I'd planned on building a fictional world since I began composing stories as a kid. I've had the actual idea for this town for about five years.

However, once Henry, the possessed teddy bear in "Lila", found me, everything made sense and I was able to create this world. I wanted to explore this idea of childhood turned upside down. I also wanted to have a high school story, the story of a disintegrating marriage and a horror story rolled into one. Once I came up with the idea of a child leaving her teddy bear outside of her door when she was afraid, so many other narrative strands developed. She's scared and eventually she ends up dead. The story allows readers to find out how and why this child died from her father's perspective. That was the original idea itself. I thought it would be most poignant if it was told from the mourning father's perspective, and that's when the diary idea really took a hold of me. I knew that if I could make one diary of a Dolor native I could do many more and weave them all together. Since evil is completely boundless in this town, I gave myself a lot of room to tell different stories with the other diaries. There are ten total and they all connect in subtle ways, but they tell different stories. In real life, even though we intersect with other people we have completely different tales because so much decides who are. There's a realism to that, but then there's the fear of the unknown, the occult, the satanic, and that's a big part of it.

Dolor is about everything from things-that-go-bump-in-the-night to the true life psycho you see arrested on the news. It lives between those ends of the spectrum. It's funny because Lila is really about how horrific unrequited love is. Caleb loves his wife so much, but she'll never love him back. That's scary! "Chrissy" is about how scary it is loving the wrong one—she may love you back but it's not necessarily good….The first two diaries, "Lila" and "Chrissy", are vastly different in many ways. Both are told from a different character's perspective, but they take place in the same town more or less around the same time. Also, both narrators are broken in some way. The reader is allowed just enough of their respective back stories to learn that. You get close enough to feel for them. Then when things go wrong, you really feel it and (hopefully) can't sleep after what you've read [Laughs]. 



BD: Lila's narrative is sort of fragmented, but Chrissy's is more A to B - do you plan that out beforehand or does it just sort of happen that way as you are writing?

RF: The fictional narrators themselves actually dictate that! Each story is someone else's diary and each narrator talks and thinks differently. I really wanted to emphasize that. Caleb, "Lila's" narrator, is a police officer and he's trying to piece together every little thing that may or may not have led up to his daughter's death. So he has to cycle through his and his wife's pasts and put each fragmented puzzle piece back together. Plus, he hasn't slept in days and he's losing his mind. That element of the narrator that's "not all there" makes the story really fun. Because, initially, you don't know if you can trust this guy, and it makes you want to read more. At the same time, you do feel what he's going through because of that. Rob is in a completely different situation than Caleb. He's trapped somewhere that's he doesn't exactly mind being trapped at because he's got this gorgeous girl holding him captive. Since he hasn't had a date in awhile, he's not questioning much [Laughs]. He doesn't really need to go back and add the pieces up, Chrissy does that for him during the one big, twisted and gory flashback. He distinctly doesn't want her to bring up what happened, but she does anyway. I've planned out all of the stories beforehand by really creating detailed character studies of each narrator. Then who the narrator is plus the situation he or she is thrown into will dictate the stories and their narrative structure. The books are also written in a very raw fashion, so a lot of the story elements pour out of me as I put myself into the narrator's head space. I let them possess me and speak through me [Laughs]. Just there's no Linda Blair green bile, yet anyway thank God [Laughs]. 


BD: Chrissy has a brief appearance by Caleb, the hero of Lila, but I don't think one would have to have read Lila to understand his scene.  Will this be a continuing "rule" throughout the series, or will book 10 be impossible to understand without having read at least some of the others?

RF: That will definitely be a continuing rule throughout the series. The diaries themselves all stand alone because they truly only tell one person's—the narrator's—tragedy. So each book itself definitely stands alone, and Caleb is in all of them. However, the larger story of what "Dolor" is and what's going on with these diaries, why the town's been burned down and why Agent Jeffries is there requires reading all 10 or at least most of them. That's the fun thing about the series though. You can read each book as a standalone story, and if you're into this world and really entranced by it you can see the larger picture and learn about what's REALLY happening here. I promise, there's something completely mind-bending and terrifying at the heart of it all. To find that out, you've got to read all ten. To have a great diversion in a creepy and fun short story, pick up any book on its own out of sequence. That was a goal though. I didn't want these to require that much time. People are looking for the quick fix in terms of their entertainment. I kept the first two books to around 40 pages, but they both say a lot in those pages. It keeps your attention, takes you on a hell ride and then you want more. I dig that the individual books are short. You can read them in one flight—twice [Laughs]. 



BD: Do you have all of the books broken down in a treatment? 


RF: I've never actually written out anything formal and concrete in one file for all of the books! I have a strange loose outline of concepts and characters that wouldn't make sense to a soul but me [Laughs]. Some of it is in my BlackBerry's notepad and some of it is on my computer over a couple different files. However, I have the first seven diaries completely written and I'm working on the last three simultaneously, because I've got some really crazy ideas I've been dying to write. I know where it all ends up, and it's pretty scary even to me [Laughs]. I'm also super excited to keep writing. This has been the most fun I've ever had creating this world and hanging with these characters. 


BD: Since you have it all planned out, have there been little throwaway lines and characters in these first two books that will take on new meaning when the last ones arrive?


RF: Yes! There are many lines and characters that take on new meaning. There are certain moments that will be revisited from different angles. The lines are definitely something that I had fun with though because some of what has been said will come back later in a big way, even though it may have seemed insignificant. So it's important for readers to, as Henry the possessed teddy bear would say, "Pay attention!" [Laughs] While reading, definitely keep a careful eye on certain phrases… 



BD: Why doesn't Chrissy feature any talking Teddy Bears??? :)

RF: [Laughs] There are a couple of reasons. The first is that Henry is so inextricably linked to Caleb's personal story that he really wouldn't fit in any of the other diaries. Henry reveals a lot of what happens in "Lila", and he becomes Caleb's confidant and only friend during this nightmare that he's living. Again, can we really trust a talking teddy bear? My bigger question has always been can we truly trust a guy who talks to a teddy bear? Henry also adds an element of fun. The image of a grown man going crazy and have a conversation with a bear is definitely a bit humorous, and it keeps the story light. Otherwise, without the bear, it's about a guy losing it over his nine-year-old daughter's horrible death. I hadn't seen a bear like this before either, so it was exciting for me to have Henry as a big part of our first story. He's also become a big part of my life! Before Lila printed, my close friend Nicole Paxson and I took a run-of-the-mill Target-bought teddy bear and completely demented it! Nicole doused it in fake blood, cut open its brains and added these creepy stitches all over it. We weren't just doing this for fun on a Friday though [Laughs]. Well maybe…The reason was I wanted to tie it to my bag. So now I take this satanic bloody bear with me WHEREVER I go. It's on a noose tied to my bag and people ALWAYS ask me about it. So it gives me the perfect opening to talk about the book, which is my favorite thing to do, other than destroy teddy bears [Laughs]. Also, we made more bears for when I do "Blood Readings" in Los Angeles. I cover myself in fake blood and read the whole book for audiences live. They've been really fun and bloody good [Laughs]. 


BD: Where would you say the primary influence for Dolor came from? (other novels, television, etc)


RF: My two biggest influences in everything that I do are movies and music. I was listening to Stone Temple Pilots' "Purple" endlessly while writing Lila. "Big Empty" is one of my favorite songs ever and it has such a deep connection to the words in the book—same holds true for "Kitchenware and Candybars" and "Sour Girl." Another song I couldn't stop listening to was "Would?" by Alice in Chains. Seriously, does it get any better? "Dyer's Eve" from Metallica was on the "Lila" playlist big time too! I was also constantly spinning Slipknot's "All Hope is Gone" while writing "Lila". It came out a week before I started writing the book! "Snuff" from "All Hope is Gone" is so powerful and painful that it completely fits what I wanted to convey in the story. The biggest influences for me are emotional resonances in art. I think that Corey Taylor is one of the most amazing vocalists ever. A big reason why Slipknot revolutionized metal was because they were really the first metal band to blend death and thrash metal instrumental virtuosity with poetic and poignant lyrics and undeniable hooks. No one had done that. To me, Slipknot always felt like the perfect middle ground between Slayer and Nirvana, and that's what makes them one of the greatest bands of all time. What Corey does in Stone Sour is equally incredible, and he's such an inspiration to me! Same holds true for Scott Weiland. His lyrics are so powerful, and he's got true charisma and always puts on an unforgettable show. It's funny because when I was writing book "III" of "Dolor", "Arielle", Team Sleep's self-titled debut was on repeat as well as Deftones' "Around the Fur". I even reference a Team Sleep song, "Blvd. Knights," directly in "Arielle". Deftones and Team Sleep frontman Chino Moreno is another massive, massive inspiration. His voice is unlike anyone else's and he's got a sense of originality that's made his music timeless. Pantera's "The Great Southern Trendkill" is one of my favorite albums ever, and that was on constant repeat when I wrote the fifth book of "Dolor", Cassie. The solo on "Floods" alone and Phil's creepy voiceover during "Living Through Me (Hell's Wrath)" those both permeate the text in their own ways. In addition I love, Eminem, Tech N9ne, Wu-Tang Clan, White Zombie, Tool, Jim Jones, Rage Against the Machine, Mudvayne, Cannibal Corpse, Danzig, the score to Taxi Driver, Hollywood Undead, Ministry and Queens of the Stone Age. LOTS and LOTS of Queens of the Stone Age. They SHOULD be in everyone's collection…

As for movies…I drew a lot from Casino to explore the relationship between Caleb and Kayla in "Lila". They're similar to Ace and Ginger. Goodfellas is on a lot in the middle of the night while I'm writing, same thing with Taxi Driver and Apocalypse Now. The voiceovers in both Taxi Driver and Apocalypse Now definitely influenced my first person narrative style to a large degree. Plus, both Captain Willard and Travis Bickle are CRAZY! That's where my affinity for the insane narrator comes in [Laughs]. As for horror movies my favorites are The Shining, Halloween, The Exorcist, Suspiria, Nightmare on Elm Street, Rosemary's Baby and I love Fallen—feel like it was really underrated. Denzel's the man! Recently I dug Paranormal Activity and Let the Right One In and of course Trick 'R Treat.

Another big influence is "Mr. Warmth" the Don Rickles Project. I think that he is the ultimate entertainer. He still delivers at every show and he's not afraid to tell the truth! I love comedians in general George Carlin, Chris Rock, Denis Leary, Lenny Clarke--the list goes on and on!

I do find inspiration in other horror fiction as well. I think Stephen King's "Night Shift" is the greatest collection of short stories ever published. King is definitely a major, major idol! I love "Everything's Eventual" and "Just After Sunset". I'm starting "Desperation" soon and can't wait. Also, I'm a big Edgar Allan Poe fan. I dig Lovecraft too. Dean Koontz is great as well. Then there's Clive Barker's "Books of Blood", wow! 


BD: Talk about the art. Lila had a different artist than Chrissy - will each book have a different artist, or will they switch off?

RF: The art in both books rules! I feel like both Tony Caso and Kristel Lerman tapped into what I was going for emotionally but in their own respective ways. Tony's work is very gritty and it reflects just how insane and rough Caleb's headspace is. He did an incredible job of conveying those emotions of losing all control and pure terror. He also included some subtle references to Metallica and Alice in Chains which show just how connected our perspectives are! His work completely fit the story, and I love it! Really honored to have him do the first book since we grew up together! We met as kids at the Immaculate Conception school and now we made a book that draws on everything we were obsessed with as kids "The Crow", Scorsese, Pantera, Sepultura, etc. Kristel Lerman is phenomenal! She instantly felt connected to the "Chrissy" story and she created art that was beyond my wildest dreams. It's eerie and ethereal. It's beautiful and brutal. She also has a real psychedelic sensibility that's unlike anything I've ever seen. It truly fit the dreamlike atmosphere of the story while conveying some true emotions. She's a master of her craft, and I'm blessed to have worked with her. The art has to fit the feelings more than the story. It's always a fun surprise to see what the artists come up with and how they interpret my words! I can't wait to see what's next!



BD: Do you give the artist(s) a rough idea of where you want illustrations, or do they choose for themselves?  


RF: I trust the artists 200 percent, and I allow them to pick the scenes that resonate with them. I worked with both Kristel and Tony because I'm a fan of their respective styles, so I wanted to allow them free reign to interpret what was going on. They both chose to illustrate moments that stand out and stick with the reader. I couldn't be more happy with what they've done. 


BD: What else are you working on right now?


RF: The first seven books of "Dolor" are written and done! "Arielle", Book III, will be out in the Summer of 2010. Then I have a horror novel/poetry anthology entitled "Lullabies for the Insane & Crooked Fairy Tales for the Depraved" that will be out next fall. I'm working on an adventure/horror novel entitled, "Eyes Lie". I have a comedy story, Ruined that's finished. I'm also always working on other short stories. Constantly writing! Plus, I'm promoting "Dolor" with more blood readings. I've got another book out, it's called "Do the Devil's Work for Him: How to Make it in the Music Business (and stay in it)". I wrote it with one of my best friends, the amazing Amy Sciarretto, and you MUST READ it if you want to get into entertainment…I just feel beyond blessed that people are reading my stuff, and I'm endlessly thankful to have the opportunity to continue to write. I WILL make Dolor bigger than "Twilight". I promise [Laughs]. I also love Bloody-Disgusting by the way! It's one of my favorite sites to read, and I'm honored you guys are doing this, so thank you very much!! 


BD: Finally, give us some hints for upcoming stories.  And how long until Agent Jeffries factors into one of the stories himself?

RF: Jeffries starts to get connected later like around book VII, but he goes through hell too [Laughs]. "Arielle", book III, is unlike anything you've ever read. It's straight-up evil. Caleb and "Arielle's" narrator Sam deal with this very Satanic individual that shows just how messed up Dolor really is. "Arielle" is also very funny…but it's truly terrifying at points. The only way to recover from real horror is a good laugh! Plus, "Arielle" doesn't fit any genre either, there's a lot going on in there. I can't wait for people to read it! "Decker", book IV, is actually told by a very cool female character named Shelly and she's one of two female narrators. She and Caleb are also good friends, but she goes through some hell, of course, right? [Laughs] "Cassie" begins with an action scene that'd make James Cameron look twice. Caleb's involved in it too. It's outside of a crack house in the "Dolor" housing projects, and it's one of my favorite scenes. I just went back over "Olivia", Book VI, and it's got a close connection to "For a Few Dollars More", and it's another TWISTED adventure. After this one particularly sick and disgusting scene in "Olivia", I went back and thought, "Should I really be writing that?" The answer was a resounding, YES…