Brandon Ford
WTFCO would like to thank Mr. Ford for taking time out of his busy scedule to give us this interview!
WTFCO: Before we get started, could you give those who have not read "Splattered Beauty" a little insight to what it's about?
FORD: Splattered Beauty is the story of Alyssa Peyton, a Scream Queen who has hit rock bottom. She's fallen headfirst into a world of depression, self-loathing, and alcohol/drug abuse. Now that her producer/director husband, Peter, has left her for a younger, more attractive actress, she finds herself for the first time without work. It is then that she meets Taryn, an adoring fan, who will do anything to please her idol. Together, the two embark on a bloodsoaked rampage, paying back those that have done Alyssa wrong.
WTFCO: Where did you get the idea for "Splattered Beauty"?
FORD: Well, I really wanted to do something to pay homage to my favorite Scream Queens, since they've always been a huge inspiration throughout the years. This novel is my love note to them.
WTFCO: Was it in your plans at the start to make it read like a B-movie?
FORD: Actually, no. When I first sat down to write it, I thought I was writing just a plain old horror story. But as I've come to find, what I've really written is a B-movie on paper. I'm definitely proud of that because movies like this have always been a guilty pleasure of mine. To be honest, I lean more towards low budget, Z-grade movies more than Hollywood blockbusters and having done something others would compare to these films is pretty damn cool.
WTFCO: What attracted you to the horror genre? Did you read horror when you were young and if so, who did you enjoy?
FORD: I started watching horror movies at a very young age (around 6) and the admiration for genre films slowly but surely morphed into admiration for genre books. I was very much into R.L. Stine all through school. I'd read every single Fear Street or Goosebumps book the second they came out. I'd also read other authors like Stephen King and V.C. Andrews.
WTFCO: Do you ever research real events, legends, or myths to get ideas?
FORD: I didn't do that much until recently. I have a novella coming out this fall called Merciless and it was heavily based on the true story of two teenage girls who were abducted back in 2002. I was so incredibly moved by their story, their strength, and the horrors they endured that I couldn't help being inspired by it, too.
WTFCO: Before we get started, could you give those who have not read "Splattered Beauty" a little insight to what it's about?
FORD: Splattered Beauty is the story of Alyssa Peyton, a Scream Queen who has hit rock bottom. She's fallen headfirst into a world of depression, self-loathing, and alcohol/drug abuse. Now that her producer/director husband, Peter, has left her for a younger, more attractive actress, she finds herself for the first time without work. It is then that she meets Taryn, an adoring fan, who will do anything to please her idol. Together, the two embark on a bloodsoaked rampage, paying back those that have done Alyssa wrong.
WTFCO: Where did you get the idea for "Splattered Beauty"?
FORD: Well, I really wanted to do something to pay homage to my favorite Scream Queens, since they've always been a huge inspiration throughout the years. This novel is my love note to them.
WTFCO: Was it in your plans at the start to make it read like a B-movie?
FORD: Actually, no. When I first sat down to write it, I thought I was writing just a plain old horror story. But as I've come to find, what I've really written is a B-movie on paper. I'm definitely proud of that because movies like this have always been a guilty pleasure of mine. To be honest, I lean more towards low budget, Z-grade movies more than Hollywood blockbusters and having done something others would compare to these films is pretty damn cool.
WTFCO: What attracted you to the horror genre? Did you read horror when you were young and if so, who did you enjoy?
FORD: I started watching horror movies at a very young age (around 6) and the admiration for genre films slowly but surely morphed into admiration for genre books. I was very much into R.L. Stine all through school. I'd read every single Fear Street or Goosebumps book the second they came out. I'd also read other authors like Stephen King and V.C. Andrews.
WTFCO: Do you ever research real events, legends, or myths to get ideas?
FORD: I didn't do that much until recently. I have a novella coming out this fall called Merciless and it was heavily based on the true story of two teenage girls who were abducted back in 2002. I was so incredibly moved by their story, their strength, and the horrors they endured that I couldn't help being inspired by it, too.
WTFCO: Where do you, as an author, draw the line on gory descriptions and/or erotic content?
FORD: I'm not above writing sex scenes, but I only write them when the story calls for them. I do not throw them in as simple filler. And, more importantly, I go out of my way to be certain the scene is done tastefully. I will not write a scene that blurs the line between porn and fiction. As far as gore is concerned, I really don't think I have any boundaries. The bloodier the better!
WTFCO: Is there anything you find particularly challenging in your writing?
FORD: I find coming up with a premise that is 100% unique is probably the biggest challenge of all. I've always said that the art of storytelling is thousands upon thousands of years old and it's next to impossible to say something that hasn't already been said by someone else. But I do try my hardest to put a new spin on stories considered age-old.
WTFCO: What advice would you give to writers just starting out?
FORD: Building your portfolio is one of the most important things any writer can do. Write as much as you can and as often as you can. And submit your work to editors as frequently as possible. Never, ever give up if being a writer is something you're serious about.
WTFCO: What is your favorite Horror movie? Novel?
FORD: Tough one! I'm usually asked to name a few, but as far as movies go, I'd have to say The Slumber Party Massacre is my favorite. Favorite horror book would have to be The Girl Next Door by Jack Ketchum.
WTFCO: What's coming up in the near future for us to watch out for?
FORD: Well, I have a novella being published this fall. It will be included in Creeping Shadows, a collection of three short novels released by Pixie Dust Press. Alan Draven and Jessica Lynne Gardner as penning the other stories. Also, I'm hoping to see my next novel, Pay Phone, out sometime in 2010.
WTFCO: For my final question, What scares you?
FORD: I'm really petrified of creepy crawlies. I have a pretty strong fear of bugs, especially cockroaches. Snakes and spiders also freak me out.
FORD: I'm not above writing sex scenes, but I only write them when the story calls for them. I do not throw them in as simple filler. And, more importantly, I go out of my way to be certain the scene is done tastefully. I will not write a scene that blurs the line between porn and fiction. As far as gore is concerned, I really don't think I have any boundaries. The bloodier the better!
WTFCO: Is there anything you find particularly challenging in your writing?
FORD: I find coming up with a premise that is 100% unique is probably the biggest challenge of all. I've always said that the art of storytelling is thousands upon thousands of years old and it's next to impossible to say something that hasn't already been said by someone else. But I do try my hardest to put a new spin on stories considered age-old.
WTFCO: What advice would you give to writers just starting out?
FORD: Building your portfolio is one of the most important things any writer can do. Write as much as you can and as often as you can. And submit your work to editors as frequently as possible. Never, ever give up if being a writer is something you're serious about.
WTFCO: What is your favorite Horror movie? Novel?
FORD: Tough one! I'm usually asked to name a few, but as far as movies go, I'd have to say The Slumber Party Massacre is my favorite. Favorite horror book would have to be The Girl Next Door by Jack Ketchum.
WTFCO: What's coming up in the near future for us to watch out for?
FORD: Well, I have a novella being published this fall. It will be included in Creeping Shadows, a collection of three short novels released by Pixie Dust Press. Alan Draven and Jessica Lynne Gardner as penning the other stories. Also, I'm hoping to see my next novel, Pay Phone, out sometime in 2010.
WTFCO: For my final question, What scares you?
FORD: I'm really petrified of creepy crawlies. I have a pretty strong fear of bugs, especially cockroaches. Snakes and spiders also freak me out.
Brandon Ford
