Horror icon George Romero and Daniel Kraus' new book based in the bayou
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Daniel Kraus. Photo: Courtesy of Suzanne Plunkett. Book cover: Courtesy of Union Square & Co.
Novelist Daniel Kraus digs into macabre and darkness for his work, but the Evanston resident tries to sneak some lightness — and churros — into his days.
Catch up quick: Kraus co-wrote (with director Guillermo del Toro) a novelization of "The Shape of Water" based on the 2017 Oscar-winning film. He also co-wrote "Trollhunters," which was adapted into an Emmy-winning Netflix series.
The latest: His latest work, "Pay the Piper," completes a story started by the late horror director George A. Romero.
- It tells a supernatural tale based in the Louisiana bayou.
What's next: Kraus will discuss the book Tuesday at 7pm at Exile in Bookville in the Loop. The event is free.
But first, Kraus shares his perfect day in Chicago and Evanston:
🍞 Breakfast: Honeybear Cafe in Rogers Park.
- "I eat breakfast at my computer as I begin work, when I'm still attached to the subliminal threads of dream-related inspiration. But if I'm stuck waiting on editor notes — and in the mood not to move for the rest of the day — I'll go down and get some Churro French Toast."
⌨️ Morning activity: "Write. You'll have to pry my keyboard from my cold, dead hands."
🌮 Lunch: "La Principal in Evanston. I get two tacos (let's say, Al Pastor and Baja Fish), a Mango Pineapple Agua Fresca, and Churros y Chocolate. Cheap, delicious and close to my keyboard."
⚾️ Afternoon activity: "I was a rabid Cubs fan as a kid but my adult life (see previous questions) has devoured my free time. So I got in with a group that shares a couple seats at Wrigley, and it's been the best thing I've done for myself in years. I'm back to being a Cubs devotee. Right when they are in the cellar. Perfect."
🍺 Dinner: "I don't care how boring an answer this is, I'm saying The Hopleaf in Andersonville. I've had so many good memories at that place, I can't keep them straight. I've played board games in the booths. I've interviewed people there and been interviewed there."
- "Upstairs they host the Tuesday Funk reading series, which I have done a few times over the years. It's where I first had mussels. It's where I like to get a Kwak beer just to horse around with the ridiculous wooden beer holder. It's where they simply do not allow children inside, and I can't tell you what a draw that is for me."