Meet the Madness

Welcome to "Meet the Madness," your glimpse into what drives the Red Pen Men. This is where you'll find the bios of the three authors, offering insight into our unique perspectives and experiences.

Meet Dred Baird

From the quiet streets of small-town America to the demanding fields of law enforcement, telecommunications, and hospitality, Dred Baird is a writer whose work is shaped by a life rich with experience. He is a husband, father, and gamer who finds his creative spark in the cinematic worlds he loves. A fan of enduring films like The Shawshank Redemption and Starship Troopers, his true passion is 80s horror, a genre he defends for its unflinching, R-rated terror. His love of films like Warlock, Beetlejuice, Silver Bullet, Halloween, Predator, and the cult classic Dr. Giggles, informs his writing and fuels his unique storytelling voice.

Meet Ash Macready

Ash MacReady is a writer, proud veteran, and a devoted father, whose work is fueled by a profound appreciation for monsters, magic, and mayhem. His writing is directly influenced by his love for iconic horror, particularly the foundational franchises of the genre. He is a passionate devotee of Evil Dead, Friday the 13th, and A Nightmare on Elm Street, and considers John Carpenter's The Thing to be the pinnacle of horror filmmaking. This unique blend of real-world experience and genre expertise gives his storytelling a distinct and powerful voice.

Meet Mark Hardcastle

Mark Hardcastle brings a unique perspective to his writing, drawing on his background in law enforcement. When he's not working, he dedicates his time to researching true crime. His writing is inspired by a deep appreciation for history and classic cinema, from historical dramas like A Man for All Seasons to chilling horror films such as Night of the Hunter and The Texas Chainsaw Massacre.