Best known as the creator of the Goosebumps books, a mighty empire of YA horror, R. L. Stine began as a humor writer, and sees interesting connections between laughter and fear. “It’s like writing punch lines; every chapter has some kind of surprising cliffhanger ending.” We spoke several years ago – he was one of our first dozen guests – and I’ve recut his delightful conversation.

•  PERSON: Will Elder
•  PLACE: a stone mound
•  THING: Laurel & Hardy bosed set
•  RANDY’S PERSON: Zippy, a chimp