Brandon Ford Interview

I recently had the opportunity to talk with horror writer Brandon Ford about his latest novel Splattered Beauty, a loving look at those straight-to-video horror gems. It's Scream Queen goes Psycho in this bloody romp through the dark side of Hollywood.

Your latest novel Splattered Beauty was just released in December. Can you give us a feel of what it’s about?

Brandon Ford: Splattered Beauty is the story of a washed-up Scream Queen by the name of Alyssa Peyton. Once upon a time, Alyssa had adoring fans and a cult following. She also had a producer/director husband, Peter, who played a key role in getting her top billing. Now, Peter has left her for a younger actress by the name of Jessica Palmer. Alyssa drowns her sorrows in a sea of alcohol and recreational drug use. It is then that she meets Taryn, a dedicated fan. The two form a bond and before long, Alyssa manipulates Taryn into doing her every bidding. Together, they begin a string of murders, all in the name of some twisted form of retribution. Alyssa’s goal is to not only find herself back on top, but also to pay back those who have wronged her.

Reading Splattered Beauty, I was struck how it paid homage to B-movies. The novel reads like a B-movie which I found to be an interesting choice. Is this your love letter to the B-movie horror genre?

Brandon Ford: Firstly, I consider that to be a huge compliment and I thank you.

In a way, Splattered Beauty is definitely meant to pay tribute to the B-films I’ve known and loved for so long. There are lots of little nods here and there (for example, The Pajama Party Murders, Alyssa’s first feature film, is a take on The Slumber Party Massacre, one of my all-time favorite slasher films). Though it’s an homage to the genre, more than anything, the novel is a tribute to my favorite leading ladies. I’ve watched and admired these women for so long and have always felt that their performances are what make the films classics. The world of horror would be very different today without the talents of Linnea Quigley, Brinke Stevems, Debbie Rochon, and Julie Strain, just to name a few.

Do you think the book will appeal to horror geeks only? Or do you think it will connect with a mainstream reader who has no idea what a Scream Queen is?

Brandon Ford: Well, I hope the book will appeal to everyone. I’m sure genre followers will get a kick out of it, but maybe admirers of mainstream cinema will appreciate its intentions. And, if reading the book creates another horror geek, so much the better.

Is there any aspect about writing horror novels that makes it more difficult than writing in other genres?

Brandon Ford: I’ve never written a novel in any other genre but horror and suspense. To be perfectly honest, I don’t think I’d even know how to write a romance or a mystery or even a memoir. Horror is a genre I’m most comfortable with because it’s a genre that’s been with me my whole life.

Do you see yourself as working exclusively in the horror genre, or are you interested in branching out into other genres?

Brandon Ford: Well, I hope to be writing for a long, long time. I’m sure some time down the road, I’ll decide to approach other genres, but for right now, I plan to stick exclusively with horror. I’d really like to write a screenplay sometime, but I want to do my homework and learn the craft before I even start. Writing a movie is very different than writing a novel. I won’t throw myself into it blindly. I don’t think that will be for a long time, though. Right now, I have too many books I’d like to write, too many stories I’d like to tell.

What can we expect to see next from Brandon Ford?

Brandon Ford: I recently finished Pay Phone, a new horror/suspense novel I would like to see released some time this year. That one centers on a serial killer who lures his victims through a pay phone residing across the street from his apartment building. There is also Creeping Shadows, a collection of three novellas which will be released through Alan Draven’s Pixie Dust Press. Alan, as well as myself and Jessica Lynne Gardner, are each penning short, original novels for the collection. Mine is titled Merciless and it is based on the true story of two teenage girls who were abducted in California back in 2002. Raw: Brutality as Art should be released very soon. It is an anthology of short stories released by Snuff Books. My contribution is entitled “Painted in Red.” I think it’s one of my darkest works and I can’t wait for readers to check it out.

It’s clear from Splattered Beauty that you are a fan of B-horror movies. What would be you top three horror films of all time?

Brandon Ford: Oh, geez. I only get to pick three? Well, that’s just unfair.

Well, The Slumber Party Massacre, like I said, has always been one of my favorite slasher films and it’s one I can still watch repeatedly. There are very few horror films that still give me the chills and that’s one of them. Frankenhooker is definitely my favorite cult film of all time. I think Frank Henenlotter is a true genius and his unique style is one I sincerely appreciate. Lastly, how could I not mention Sleepaway Camp? It’s a movie I grew up on and one that will always hold a very special place in my heart.

Now I feel incredibly guilty for leaving off so many… Is it okay if I make Sorority House Massacre an honorable mention?

What scares Brandon Ford?

Brandon Ford: Failure… Humiliation… Fire… Death… And bugs… Big, scary bugs, especially the kind with a lot of legs. I itch just thinking about spiders, cockroaches, locusts, hornets… I urge you to go Google the camel spider. Scariest freakin’ thing you’ll ever see. Something straight out of a science fiction movie, but they actually roam the earth.

Is there anything you’d like to add?

Brandon Ford: Just that there’s nothing wrong with G-rated movies… just as long as there’s lots of sex and violence.

Thanks Brandon.