“They did type me as a horror writer, but I have been able to do all sorts of things within that framework.”

I didn’t think I would ever tell this story. My wife told me not to; she said no one would believe it and I’d only embarrass myself. What she meant, of course, was that it would embarrass her.

“Lately, though, I have become fascinated by the so-called big bands on the SiriusXM station called ‘40s Junction.’ ”