An Interview With Alix Kampen on Club Thrillrror

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Alix Kampen gives us the details on Club Thrillrror

For this interview I get to talk about a service rather than a book. But have no fear! This is a great gift idea for everyone that loves thriller and horror books. I am excited to introduce Alix Kampen and Club Thrillrror!


Jennifer Griffin (JG): For those that doesn’t know what is Club Thrillrror?

Alix Kampen (AK): Club Thrillrror is a surprise book box which included books signed by indie horror and thriller authors from all over the world. My goal is to get the authors books out into the world and gain new exposure for their work by putting it in new readers hands. Think date with book… but on steroids. Each box I have a 2-month pre-order system, so people pay before hand and I pay the authors at the time of ordering and so the authors are always fully paid before they send any books. 

 

JG: How/why did this get started?

AK: When I first started back up reading books in June 2023 I joined a facebook group to learn about more books within the horror genre. I was blown away instantly, I was able to actually chat and get to know all these published authors! Soon I started purchasing books signed by the authors I met, I quickly became immersed in the community in many ways. I started purchasing subscription boxes and felt that it would be cool to have a way to get multiple books in one box, and all signed. I figured it would be a good way to save money on shipping, especially as a Canadian where it’s also hard to get book boxes. The group I joined sold smaller boxes as well but it was limited to American residence, so, I branched out and made my own box where you could purchase anywhere from one book to sixteen books! A lot of my customers comment on how awesome it is that they can choose based on their own budget. I use a google order form and have it laid out so each customer can fill it out explaining all their preferences, wants and needs of the box. Several customers actually allow me to choose their books so it’s a complete surprise, however, you can choose the books you’d like too.

 

JG: How long have you been doing it? What are some of the challenges you’ve had? Would you do it again?

AK: I started the first box in September 2023, and been doing it ever since and am about to launch my sixth box on March 1. I am actually already announcing the authors who are going to be involved to gain some excitement for the upcoming pre-orders. The challenges I’ve faced so far would be probably convincing the bigger authors that my box, as small fry as it is, is worth their time. Of course shipping can be a bit of a struggle, but after doing it for over a year and some I’ve come up with ways to work around the issues and it seems to be working well.

 

JG: Where do you see this project in 5 years? Longer? Why?

AK: I would like to see the box still going, perhaps at a bigger capacity. But I’d be happy for it to stay the same. It’s been pretty successful so far I believe. From September 2023 till the end of December 2024 the box has supported over 120 authors, sold 100 boxes of all sizes with over 800 indie author books out in the world gaining new exposure.

 

JG: What is your favorite box you’ve sent out so far? Why?

AK: I am not sure if I have a favorite but I have loved different aspects of each in their own way. I’ve made a lot of friends in either authors or customers throughout the process. For instance, I have a friend named Julie Wiesflock who crochets amazing items for each box, we have coined the blood buddy which we sometimes make different variations of. She also made the popular blood coaster everyone loved. Another friend I met though her purchasing boxes is Melanie Adams, she makes wood carved items for us. The first item she made was a key for Steve Sted’s ARC that was provided to us by this publisher at the time. The second item was for the Christmas Box, it was an incredible Club Thrillrror ornament, she took my ideas and put in into one amazing work of art which she also painted. Unfortunately, though, since I have not sent out the Christmas Boxes yet due to major delays that occurred due to the month long postal strike in Canada I haven’t released what it looks like yet. But those boxes are going out this week!

 

JG: I see you are doing more than the thriller-horror boxes now. What else do you have? Why?

AK: I have launched the first Club Fantamance box, it is curated the same as Club Thrillrror, it supports the two genres of romance and fantasy and everything in-between such as romantasy. I have a lot of friends who made comments on how they wished there was a box like the horror one for their genre preferences, so I made one. Pre-orders are currently live until February 15! I also have a third box in the works but on a smaller business model, if you will, for children’s books which would probably also include books for all ages under eighteen.

 

JG: Is there anything else you’d like to add? Links? Prices?

AK: The only thing I would think to include would maybe to name drop some of the authors who will be participating in the March 1 box! People such as Andrew Van Wey, Mark Tullius, Jeff Strand, Bridgett Nelson, Devin Cabrera, Ambrose Ibsen, Ash Ericmore, D.W. Hitz, RW Duder, and so many more. Pricing ranges from $40 to $400 Canadian, depending on the box you choose and the quantity of books you would like.  

https://facebook.com/groups/310590021371195/?ref=share&mibextid=lOuIew

www.instagram.com/clubthrillrror

 

Alix, thank you for your time! And thanks for what looks to be a great venture for readers and authors alike!

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