Tell Us Abour 'Merciless' and Your Other Books.
“Merciless” tells the harrowing story of two innocent teenage girls who were abducted at gunpoint by a recently released madman. He binds and gags them, forcing them into the backseat of a waiting SUV. They take off into the dark night, where he rapes, beats, and humiliates them as the hours drone on. But, having formed a union, an unbreakable bond, the girls have devised a plan to retaliate against their attacker. They are determined to make it through this night alive.
My first novel, “Crystal Bay,” is my only long form work dealing with the supernatural to date. It concerns an evil spell-casting witch who has her sights set on Gage, an attractive young writer who has just moved in to the summer home next door. There, he hopes to complete his first novel, but Amanda, our malevolent antagonist, has something else on her agenda.
“Splattered Beauty” is my homage to my favorite Scream Queens. It concerns a washed-up horror actress willing to do just about anything to find her way back into the spotlight—even kill. With the help of an adoring, yet incredibly naïve young fan, she sets off on a killing spree, determining to right the wrongs of the past and claw her way back to the top.
“Pay Phone” is probably my most disturbing work of all. It concerns Jake, an obsessive and delusional serial killer who uses the pay phone across the street from his apartment building to lure his victims. Waiting patiently by the window, a cordless phone in-hand, he watches the passersby, dialing the number repeatedly, in hopes of catching the attention and curiosity of someone willing. On a gray winter’s day, Chelsea Summerfield answers that phone and it soon becomes a decision she wishes more than anything to take back.
Is This Book Based Upon True Events?
“Merciless” is heavily inspired by a true story, yes. It took place in California back in 2002. With this work, I stayed pretty close to the real story, having been so affected by their harrowing ordeal.
Do You Consider Your Books To Be More Horror or Thriller or A Combination?
I’ve always called myself a horror/suspense writer because what I do is a mixture of the two. When you think horror, you think of blood, excessive violence, and the occasional splatter of gore. When you think of suspense, you think of something more along the lines of a psychological thriller. I’ve written both and enjoy them equally.
Has Anyone Ever Asked if You Were Obsessed with Death Based on Your Books?
No, I don’t think that one has ever been tossed my way. And if it has, I’d have to respond with a resounding “no.” I find death frightening and disturbing. It’s not something I enjoy thinking about. It scares me that those I love and care for will one day no longer be here. It scares me when I read about tragedies in the local newspapers. Experiencing that emotion in a healthy way, however, is something I have a particular fondness for (i.e. watching a decent horror movie, reading a genre book, or penning my own works in hopes of giving my readers a few sleepless nights).
What Are Some of Your Favorite Horror Books?
Oh, I have many favorite works in the horror genre. I very much enjoy the books of Jack Ketchum, especially the novels “The Girl Next Door,” “Red,” and “Ladies’ Night.” Richard Laymon is always great for a little bit depravity. “Come Out Tonight” and “The Woods Are Dark” are a couple of my favorites. I also really loved “The Fan” by Bob Randall, and “Billy” by Whitley Strieber, just to name a few.
Name Some of Your Favorite Horror Movies.
Oh dear. This could take a while. I’m a huge fan of ’80s slashers. Movies like The Slumber Party Massacre, Sleepaway Camp, Killer Party, Sorority House Massacre, Final Exam, Prom Night, Slaughter High, Night of the Demons, and so many more. I also love psychological thrillers that completely mess with your mind. Movies like Bug and Hard Candy.
Which One of Your Books Would You Most Like to See Made into A Film?
I’d really love to see “Pay Phone” or “Merciless” adapted for the screen. Who knows? Maybe one day.
Tell Us About Your Daily (or Nightly) Writing Routine.
My routine is always changing, it seems. But I’ve always preferred to write very late into the night when it’s most quiet. I don’t have to worry about being distracted by TV or my cell phone and can just devote all of my attention to the words on the screen. I used to enjoy listening to classical music, but I’ve grown to enjoy the sound of silence much more. I don’t drink coffee or fix myself a snack during the writing process because these things can be quite the distraction and I prefer to remain focused. I usually give myself a goal of around 2,000 words before I quit.
Please In Your Own Words Write A Paragraph About Yourself & Your Work.
Oh boy. I’m not great at giving the old self-summary. I’d describe myself as a quiet, introverted, socially awkward bookworm. A definite homebody who prefers to spend time curled up with a bad movie or having a little one-on-one time with a special someone. I don’t drink or party. I don’t do much traveling. I suppose most would call me boring, but that’s the way I prefer to keep it. I find comfort in that.
My writing definitely isn’t for everyone, but if you’re someone who enjoys taking a trip over to the dark side, you just might find something you’ll like!
You can find out more information at Brandon's blog Sleepless Nights, www.writerbrandonford.wordpress.com
