Decayed Etchings check it out!

“Decayed Etchings”
A collection of Dark Fiction by Brandon Ford


SYNOPSIS
In his first collection, Brandon Ford delivers 18 brand
new, never before published tales of the dark, twisted,
and macabre. Buried within these gnarled pages, you’ll
discover jilted lovers, cheating spouses, bizarre fetishes,
acid trips, and roaming sleepwalkers. You’ll meet noisy
neighbors, struggling writers, vengeful females, and
even a monster or two.
With Decayed Etchings, you’ll dive headfirst into a
world of ghoulish delights that will surely satisfy even
the most jaded gorehound. In this world, there is
always something lurid hiding beneath. You need only
scratch the surface.
Trade Paperback: 204 pages
Publisher: Black Bed Sheet Books (July 4, 2011)
ISBN: 978-0-9833773-9-9
Suggested Retail Price: $14.95 US
Category: Fiction/Collection
Genre: Horror/Dark Suspense
Primary readers: Adults

SAMPLE
SLEDGEHAMMER
I liked the new apartment. It was only a single bedroom, but I was definitely pleased.
The walls were a little yellowed with age, but even still, I saw no reason to complain. The
windows provided good light, there was plenty of room, and the landlord said there was only
one other tenant on the same floor. She was all the way at the end of the hall. Quiet was
what I sought and I was promised quiet was what I’d receive.
But it was like I spoke too soon. Not my mouth, but my thoughts, because out of
nowhere came the pounding. The heavy, thrashing blows. And the collapse that followed.
One loud, hard smash after another. Sounded like a sledgehammer.
I opened the door and stepped out into the hall. The strong, blinding glow of the
early-morning sun lit the way.
From where I stood, I could see the door to the other apartment open wide, as
though the tenant welcomed an audience. I’d never seen or spoken to her, so what could’ve
waited beyond that threshold remained a mystery—a mystery I suddenly felt a strong urge to
solve.
The thrashing continued. The hard, heavy pounding. The closer I got, the louder it
got. Both the walls and the floor beneath my feet vibrated with every crash. I could hear
the sounds of falling dust, rocks, and debris within the walls. It felt as though the entire
building was literally a stone’s throw from crumbling down. All of it, with me dead center.
As I neared, the sound became almost too much to take and just to listen became
painful. It hurt to hear.
Standing in the doorway, the first thing I noticed was the radio. Tuned to a local
rock station, it hummed softly, the volume turned down. I found it comical that this was the
sound my very loud neighbor thought might disturb others. Sure, tear down the walls, but
for God’s sake, keep the music down. Fucking hilarious.
When I saw her, she had both arms raised as she brandished the sledge. As she
prepared another swing, she caught my eye, I caught hers, and her full, pouting lips of deep
red smiled.
She looked like an artist, at least to me. I don’t know the first thing about that kind
of crap, but that’s what I would’ve guessed. A painter or a sculptor, maybe. I drew these
conclusions from her attire. Black jeans covered with dust. Army boots. A sloppy,
unbuttoned flannel, tank top underneath it. The sleeves were folded up to the elbow.
What struck me most about her was her hair. Perfectly straight, down to her
shoulders, and a silky, shimmering black. I could think of nothing but running my fingers
through it and smelling its sweet scent.
She lowered the sledge and leaned on it like a cane. Raising an eyebrow, she wiped
the sweat from her right palm along the seat of her pants, like she expected we’d shake
hands.
“Good morning, neighbor,” she said in a deep, throaty voice—a voice so sensual, it
curled my toes.
“It’s kinda loud in here,” I said. It was the first thing that came to me. She blinked and her thin, arched eyebrows came together, as though my words
confused her. “Oh,” she said. “I’m sorry. I hope I didn’t wake you.”
“You didn’t wake me. I was just… concerned.”
“I’m trying to tear this wall down,” she said. “I promise I’ll finish as fast as I can.”
She motioned to the wall about a foot and a half from the door, where I found a large,
gaping hole, a pile of rocks and broken drywall beneath it. A gaping hole that led out into
the hall.
I took a step closer, confused. “But this…” I said, my tone uncertain, “…this wall
is…”
I leaned towards the opening and peered through. Saw the open door to my own
apartment.
“Oh, it’s fine,” she said, her tone just as casual as casual could be. “I have
permission. From the landlord.”
Permission to tear the whole place down?
Straightening, I turned to face her once more. Though my confusion was great, I
remained enchanted by her. “Permission…? Permission for what?”
She blinked twice. “To knock the wall down.” She said it as though this was
something I should know.
“Why?”
“Space. To make the apartment bigger.”
“But that doesn’t make any sense…”
She laughed. “Sure, it does,” she said.
I turned, leaning towards the hole for another look and the moment my back was to
her, I heard the sledgehammer crash. A rumble. More falling rocks.
Startled, I jumped, feeling a lump form in my throat. I thought this was it for me. I
thought it was over. I really did.
But when I whirled to face her, she was standing completely still, the sledgehammer
at her feet. The same smile on her face. The same look in her eyes. She hadn’t budged.
Hadn’t been the one to take that hit.
And then I watched her disappear.
Before my very eyes, she vanished, along with the sledge, the hole, the apartment, the
radio, the everything. Gone. And when I opened my eyes, I realized that wasn’t me anymore.
I wasn’t young. I wasn’t healthy. I wasn’t happy. There was no new apartment to imagine
settling into. There was only… this. My 62 year old body growing weaker by the month.
My warped mind twisting by the day. This congested apartment. This restless early
morning. This goddamned thrashing.
Oh, the pounding hammer was real. It was very real. But it wasn’t down the hall. It
was outside my window. The neighbors’ backyard.
DOOM! DOOM! DOOM!
I heard the sounds of breaking concrete. Falling rocks inside the walls. Just like in
the dream. The pounding was so hard and heavy, my own walls were rattling.
For a while I just continued to lie there, wishing it would stop, praying for peace,
begging for silence. But no. No, it wouldn’t stop. No, I couldn’t sleep.
I’d never sleep again.
I tore away the sweat-soaked sheets. With a trembling hand, I snatched my pills
from the nightstand. Threw back four and swallowed them dry. My heart raced and the
beads of perspiration slid from every pore.
I couldn’t breathe. To the window I stormed. With two fingers I pried apart the Venetian blinds. I saw
them. Two of them. Mexican, probably. Sounded like Spanish they were speaking.
DOOM! DOOM! DOOM!
The concrete broke like glass under the heavy throws of the hammer.
And I could take no more.
So help me God, I could take not another second.
When I opened the nightstand drawer, it was as though the .38 found my hand
magnetically. And in my hand, it was already warm. I didn’t have to check if it was loaded.
I knew that it was. It always was.
With one swift hand-pull of the cord, the blinds shot open. And with one hand, I
tore open the window. The screen followed.
The one holding the hammer was too busy wiping the sweat from his brow with a
soiled handkerchief to notice me. The other saw me instantly. He smiled warmly and lifted
his hand, a touch of sorrow on his face. As though he genuinely felt bad for waking me.
He opened his mouth—probably to holler some bullshit apology for the noise and
to promise they’d be done soon.
But I didn’t give him the time for that. Or for anything else.
I lifted the .38, took aim, and fired.
The bullet hit that fucker square in the face and just like that, his head exploded. It
was a second or two before he fell, but when he did, it was onto a pile of busted rock. Limp.
Lifeless. And the blood ran like a steady river.
His friend noticed immediately and rushed towards him. For what, who the hell
knows. But he didn’t get more than two steps before I fired again. Got that one from
behind and half his damn head broke right off. Just like the goddamn concrete.
And then he slumped on top of his friend. And I laughed to myself. I couldn’t help
it. It was all so much like Nam.
And I was glad to see that I was still a damn good shot. Still a good soldier.
As if there was ever any doubt.
I put the gun back in its drawer and climbed into bed.
Maybe now I’ll get some fucking sleep.

Copyright © 2011 by Brandon Ford
All rights reserved

PRAISE
Crystal Bay:
“A very enjoyable read. I can’t wait to see what [he] does next.” –Garry
Charles. Hammerhead
“Brandon Ford is the new Prince of Horror, soon to be King.” –Ryan
Nicholson, Star Vehicle
“Ford shows a knack for setting suspense. He’s a promising new talent.”
–Kevin Lucia, Higher Education
Splattered Beauty:
“Absolutely delicious. Drags the reader along on one hell of a bumpy
ride.” --Robert Dunbar, The Pines
“Brandon Ford is a burgeoning master of crimson escapism!” –Tim Ritter,
Truth or Dare: A Critical Madness
“I expect to see Brandon Ford win awards and go far.” --Nicholas
Grabowsky, Red Wet Dirt
Pay Phone:
“Disturbing, bloody, and vicious. Pay Phone is not for the weakhearted…” --Scott A. Johnson, Dread Central
“Truly terrifying and chilling right down to the bone. This one comes
highly recommended.” –Ed Demko, Bloodtype Online
“Ford has an obvious gift…” --Richard Perez, Permanent Obscurity

Terror on the phone: An Interview with Brandon Ford

Last summer, I was fortunate enough to be able of interview horror novelist Brandon Ford for my very first Cathode Ray Mission interview. With his newest novel PAY PHONE out, I caught up with Brandon for another interview. This time about his new novel, horror anthologies, the craft of writing and Judge Judy.

Your newest novel is PAY PHONE. What can you tell us about it?

Pay Phone is centered around a vicious, bloodthirsty serial killer who uses a public phone as his one and only tool to finding his victims. He dials the number night and day, hoping any random somebody will feed on his bait.

PAY PHONE takes place in 1998. What where the advantages of setting the story then? And what were the disadvantages?

My goal was to write a story that took place in a time when cell phones were invented and widely used, but pay phones could still be found on at least every other corner. It still astounds me, especially living in a major metropolitan city, that you can travel for miles without finding one anymore. So, I wanted to keep it as modern as I could, while still depending on aspects of years past. This helped the story, I think, because it’s nice to take a break from the overwhelming amount of technology that is being tossed at us from every angle these days. It’s nice to remember a time when landlines weren’t uncommon. I don’t know if there were any real disadvantages in writing the book—at least not in regards to the time it takes place. 1998 isn’t that far away and I do remember it quite well, so I just wrote as if I were there.

Since your novel SPLATTERED BEAUTY you were featured in the horror anthology CREEPING SHADOWS. Can you tell us a little about you contribution “Merciless?”

“Merciless” was heavily inspired by the story of two young girls who were kidnapped at gunpoint and held captive by a ruthless maniac who wanted them simply for his own sadistic pleasures. Because so much of what’s on the pages is true, that was definitely a hard story to tell. But, because I was so incredibly affected by the events when they were first brought to my attention, I knew that it was a story that should be told.

Speaking of horror anthologies, you also contributed two others: THE DEATH PANEL and ABACULUS III. What are the benefits of doing a horror anthology? And will we someday see a collection of your short stories?

Well, I’ve been in a few more than that (haha)! I always love being apart of genre anthologies. It’s a true honor being among some of the incredible writers my works have been alongside. And it’s always wonderful to know that the work is being read. Putting together a short story collection of my own has been something I’ve thought about for a very, very long time, especially in recent years. I’d really like to see it happen soon, but I can’t say when just yet.

Which of one of your stories or novels would you recommend for someone that wanted start reading your work?

Well, since CRYSTAL BAY is my first novel, why not begin at the beginning?

Your first novel was CRYSTAL BAY. What were the challenges you faced getting it published?

There are many, many challenges when it comes to getting a first novel out there. For me, one of the greatest challenges of all was getting to know the business as best as I could. I spent countless hours doing my research, reading up on how to approach editors and agents all across the country. It wasn’t something that just happened. I didn’t simply get lucky. It was a lot of time and a lot of work. But to anyone that has a novel to sell, it is strongly recommended that you do your research before you approach anyone.

Where do you start with a story? Writing down some ideas and characters or with an outline?

When it comes to a short story, the general premise is the first thing that comes to mind. Then I’ll spend around a week or two flushing it out in my head before I start a first draft, which is always longhand. For a novel, it varies. Sometimes I know everything from beginning to end, sometimes I just have the opening chapter, sometimes I just have the end. I think having an outline makes things a lot easier no matter what it is you’re writing. And one of the most important things to remember is that it’s always okay to stray from the outline.

How many drafts do you write before you feel what you've written is done?

For a short story, no less than two. For a novel, sometimes 2-3. It varies from work to work.

Your bio on your blog states that you enjoy "watching bad TV." What are some of the "bad" shows you watch?

Unless I have my weekday Judge Judy fix, I’m not a happy camper. And I never miss Chelsea Lately. I wouldn’t call myself a reality show junkie, but I’ve been known to watch a few here and there. One of my favorites is The Bad Girls Club. Every episode is a train wreck from beginning to end.

Slasher films are some of my favorite horror films. Your work reminds me of the glory and gory days of the ‘80s slasher golden age. Were slasher films a big influence on your writing?

Well, thank you very much! I’ve been a great admirer of horror films (especially slashers) my entire life and yes, they’ve always been a huge inspiration in my writing.

Were do you see the horror fiction genre going in the next few years? Especially now with self-publishing becoming popular and affordable?

I still think self-published authors and indie presses are a long way off from competing with the major houses (namely because most small-press books can only be purchased online from retailers like Amazon.com). But hopefully, with gadgets like the Amazon Kindle and the new iPad, the little guys (like myself) will be given a little more appreciation, since their work will be spread far and wide.

So what's next for you?

Have a couple of books I’m bouncing back and forth on and I’ve been writing a lot of short stories as of late. No idea when the next release will be, but I hope not too long!

Brandon Ford's Top ten picks for Halloween viewing

Here's horror novelist Brandon Ford with his top 10 horror films for Halloween. Don't forget to pick up a copy of his latest book, Creeping Shadows.

Growing up a horror buff and being a genre author, Halloween is obviously my favorite holiday and one I spend all year looking forward to. Costume parties, stuffing apples with razor blades, and howling at the moon are fine ways to spend the evening, but I prefer to hand out treats and kick back with some classic horror flicks. I’ve agreed to compile a list of 10 favorites and the only way I could make this easier on myself was to include two conditions: the first being not to place them in order from great to greatest because it would be next to impossible for me to settle on what should take the #1 spot. The second to exclude mainstream/well-known titles like Halloween, Elm Street, Friday the 13th, Chainsaw Massacre, etc. I think we can all agree that these are classics and genre staples, but everyone and their grandmother is aware of them. Even those who don’t care much for horror know who Freddy Krueger is, for God’s sake. So, this list is dedicated to 10 of my favorite lesser-known/under-appreciated horror gems. Get the popcorn ready and watch at your own risk.

10. DEAD DUDES IN THE HOUSE (1991) – Released under multiple titles including The House on Tombstone Hill and The Road, this strange and gory classic concerns a group of college-age friends who gather to fix up a dilapidated mansion way out in the boonies. What they don’t know is that its original owner, a creepy/zombie-esque grandma, is still in the house. Locking them inside, she begins to pick them off in grisly fashion. Hope you’ve got your vomit bags handy.

9. KILLER PARTY (1986) – It’s April Fool’s Day and the Sigma Alpha Pi sorority house is planning a huge soirée. Unfortunately for them, the place they’ve chosen to hold the shindig, an abandoned house once a popular frat, is the last place for drunken college antics. Some years back, a prank gone awry claimed the life of a very unlucky fraternity pledge. In true horror fashion, the sorority girls hold a séance on the grounds and in the process they inadvertently conjure a very pissed off demon. “April Fool, assholes!”

8. SORORITY HOUSE MASSACRE (1986) – I’ll be the first to admit I have a twisted affection for sorority carnage and this one is definitely one of the best. A deranged killer, held for brutally murdering his family, breaks out of an asylum and starts off on a search for the one member he wasn’t able to nail—his youngest sister, who is spending the weekend with some friends at a sorority house. Follows in the footsteps of Halloween and several other slashers that have come before it, but still holds enough charm to make it a very memorable choice.

7. BAD DREAMS (1988) – The sole survivor of a suicide cult (led by a delusional whacko not unlike Charles Manson) wakes up after spending more than a decade in a coma. She now spends her days in a psych ward, struggling to get her life back on track and to adjust to a new decade. Almost immediately, she begins seeing visions of her deceased cult leader, a haunting figure horribly burned, and patients in the facility start turning up dead. Dark, brutal, and a pretty unique premise that includes strong performances by leads Jennifer Rubin and Bruce (“Hi, I was in Re-Animator!”) Abbott.

6. EYES OF A STRANGER (1981) – A serial rapist is stalking the streets of Los Angeles, leaving behind a trail of butchered young women. A TV news anchor is convinced her creepy neighbor (who just so happens to discard stained clothing in public garbage cans on top of keeping odd hours) is responsible. Desperate to protect her younger sister, who is blind and deaf, she’ll stop at nothing to bring him to justice. Lauren Tewes really holds her own in this one, as does Jennifer Jason Leigh (in one of her very first features).

5. DEE SNIDER’S STRANGELAND (1998) – A psychotic killer is stalking the Internet, torturing and slaying his victims in a disturbing and ritualistic fashion. Captain Howdy, a buff, tattooed, and pierced madman, uses his extraordinary intellect to outwit police detectives while holding multiple captives in a chamber of horrors. Dee Snider (of ‘80s hair band Twisted Sister) wrote, produced, and starred in this modern-day cautionary tale and his efforts were well appreciated by yours truly. Unfortunately, it’s one of the most underrated and overlooked horror films of its decade. Go figure.

4. HE KNOWS YOU’RE ALONE (1980) – Amy Jensen’s wedding day is just around the corner, but instead of feeling the same joy and excitement of any young bride, she is beside herself with panic and terror, certain she is being pursued by a very menacing stranger. This stranger is actually a deranged murderer on the hunt for young brides-to-be and Amy is his next intended victim. Contains a pretty intense chase scene, a unique fish tank decorative, and Tom Hanks in his very first film role.

3. POPCORN (1991) – To raise funds for their dwindling film class, a group of college coeds decide to put on an all-night horror movie marathon at a local theater. Featuring fictitious camp films originally released with William Castle-style gimmicks, the audience is assaulted with a giant flying mosquito, a very foul-smelling gas, and a madman who is knocking off each member of the class. But why? This movie has to be one of the most fun of its genre, going out of its way to make the home viewer feel like they’re in the audience with the rest of the screaming theater patrons. Has some pretty fun kills and features one of the best scream queens of her time, Jill Schoelen (come on back to the genre already!).

2. KOLOBOS (1998) – Five young strangers meet at a cabin in the mountains to participate in a Real World-style documentary. They agree to have their lives taped, spending 24 hours a day on camera. On their first night in the house, certain members of the cast are viciously slaughtered by a stranger with a hideously scarred face. Using a straight-edge razor, he slices his way from room to room until coming face to face with Kyra (strongly played by Amy Weber), an ex-psych patient with some very dark secrets. Featuring some pretty brutal kills, homage to various Italian horror classics, and a cameo by Linnea Quigley, you can’t go wrong with this one. But please avoid My Little Eye, a far less superior copycat it’s always compared to.

1. THE SLUMBER PARTY MASSACRE (1982) – To celebrate her parents’ departure, Trish decides to invite some friends over for a slumber party. Throw in some beer, pot, and a couple of uninvited boys and you’ve got yourself a good time. That is until a maniac wielding a portable electric drill decides to crash the party and the guests must fight to make it through the night. With its simple premise, witty dialogue, and copious amounts of nudity, there’s something here for just about everyone. Hey, they don’t call it the ultimate driller killer thriller for nothing.

CREEPING SHADOWS

I'm putting the word out for any horror fans that might be interested. Check it out!

SYNOPSIS

Monsters come in many shapes and sizes-from the creature in the shadows to the darkness of the human mind. Join three cutting edge authors as they weave fables of mayhem and murder.

Alan Draven's Vengeance Is Mine
It is the year 1888 and the district of Whitechapel, London is terrorized by Jack the Ripper. Prostitutes dread the coming of night as the Ripper prowls the streets for fresh prey. But one of his victims comes back from beyond death to haunt him and show him what it is to live in fear.

Brandon Ford's Merciless
Kidnapped by a madman, two teenage girls form an instant bond in the back of a speeding SUV. Bound and gagged, they face a night of unspeakable horrors. Inspired by a true story, Merciless is a tale of murder, madness, and survival.

Jessica Lynne Gardner's Sugar Skull
Shortly after her father's funeral, strange things begin to happen to Annabel Perez. A detective investigates as poisoned corpses pile up all with the same symptoms of Annabel's father. Together, Anna, her mother and the detective must solve the puzzle to the strange dreams of skeletons, Aztec rituals, and family secrets before they are next. A sinister-looking Mexican sugar skull found in her father's old cigar box might just be the answer ... or the means to her death.

Trade Paperback: 320 pages
Publisher: Pixie Dust Press (September 25, 2009)
ISBN: 978-0-9810213-1-7
Product Dimensions: 8.5 x 5.5 inches
Suggested Retail Price: $14.95 US/$16.95 CAD
Category: Fiction
Genre: Horror/Dark Suspense
Primary readers: Adults and Teens (14 and older)




EXCERPT #1
ALAN DRAVEN’S VENGEANCE IS MINE

The three students in the first row let out a simultaneous scream at the sight of what lay on the table: the man’s penis had been fed to him and now stuck out of his mouth, its testicles resting on his chin.
At the back of the class, Fowler did his best not to burst out laughing. His chuckling was loud enough to get the attention of the professor.
“You find this amusing, Mr. Fowler?” The professor took one more glance at the body before covering it up. Then his fiery eyes directed themselves on Fowler—if they had been guns, Fowler would be long dead.
“Another one of your pranks, I presume?”
“What? Me? Never!” Fowler had to pinch himself behind his back to suppress a smile. “I might be a prankster, sir, but I would never sink to such depths.”
“We’ll have to see about that. Class dismissed until we get this whole affair straightened out. And you, Mr. Fowler are walking on a very thin line. I will be seeing you in the Head Master’s quarters at once.” On that note, the professor exited the room at a brisk pace.
“What’s the big idea, Fowler? Why do you try to ruin it for everybody? You’re nothing but a bloody idiot.” It was Hannigan who was smiling now.
Fowler stepped up so close to Hannigan’s face that he could smell his rank morning breath. “I’m only trying to ruin it for you, you fucking wanker.” Fowler walked out on all of them, not looking back.


EXCERPT #2
BRANDON FORD’S MERCILESS

“Stand up,” he said, dragging her out of her seat.
But she couldn’t stand. She couldn’t walk. The more he tried to hold her up, the more she fell to her knees, begging for mercy and for freedom under the duct tape. The more she shook, the more she cried.
And then he struck her with the handle of the gun—struck her on the back of the head the same way he struck Charlie only moments before. It hurt more than she thought it would and the clouds of dizziness sent everything into a swirling blur.
“I said stand the fuck up,” he said, hoisting her back up again. “Now walk, you stupid cunt. Use your fucking legs, I said.”
He guided her forth, his hands on her shoulders as he shoved her along. She began to wonder why he hadn’t just shot her where she sat. He probably planned on taking her deep into the woods and raping her beforehand. Of course he was going to rape her. She was a fool to believe he’d take her life before he took her pride and security. But the woods were in the opposite direction. Where they were headed was towards what looked like an SUV. Must’ve been his car. His getaway car. She shivered again.
Oh God, he’s gonna kidnap me.
He shoved her around to the back. Squinting through the tears, she saw a pair of legs lying there still and motionless. He’s got someone else already. Oh, my God, he’s already killed this one. She’s dead! Oh, Jesus Christ, I’m gonna be next.
With both hands, he shoved her forth and she collapsed inside, landing on her face. Lifting both of her legs, he slid her inside, treating her like nothing more than a pile of luggage. He then taped her ankles together and slammed the door shut. Marching towards the front, he climbed into the driver’s seat and started the engine. As they peeled away, Kyra turned to her side and saw the blinking eyes of the girl lying beside her. She could feel the soft breaths tickle her ear. In that moment, she knew she wasn’t in this alone.






EXCERPT #3
JESSICA LYNNE GARDNER’S SUGAR SKULL

Coaxoch watched the child as she pressed the sweet, powdery mixture into the clay mould. She was kneeling, her tiny brown face golden with sunbeams. Carefully the girl filled
the rounded hollow shapes paying attention to the corners just as she had been taught. The tiny hands worked hard and she knew she would have grown into a strong woman, even stronger than her mother. A tear slid down her cheek but she was not sad. The sweet smoke brought water to her eyes and scratched her throat.
She turned. It was coming from the temple. Poor child, she knew nothing about life how could she face what awaited her? The empty faith that everyone else believed in, that she had once believed in, held nothing for her now but bitterness. She was powerless to stop the sickening reality of the innocent blood trailing down the stone walls, knowing that it served no purpose except to further spark the bloodlust of the people.
Nenetl beamed up at her, pride swelling within her as she held up her handiwork. Placing the mould back down, she shuffled over, her tiny brow lowering as she noticed the trails of wetness down the woman’s cheek. “What’s wrong, mama?”
“Nothing little one. Why don’t you make me three more while these dry?”
She cheered and ran to rinse the empty moulds and ready them for the next batch. Children were easily fooled but she would have to do better if she were to convince the others. She collapsed to her knees, her body losing the resolve she so desperately needed. Why did it have to be her? But she knew why—she’d heard it from his lips. She gazed at her shaking hands as if searching for the power within them. The lies of the priest would not go unpunished. She would save her people if she found the strength. While the others gave gifts of nourishment and blood to their gods, she had sacrifices of her own to make. But as she watched her only daughter smile, she knew that the price was not too high.


AUTHOR BIOS


Alan Draven has written over 400 poems, hundreds of film and book reviews, three novellas, and a dozen short stories. His stories have been published as part of Amazon Shorts, in Darkened Horizons, NexGen Pulp magazine, SNM Horror magazine, the Bonded By Blood anthology, 9 of Swords e-zine, and in audio format on Dreadtime Stories. His first novel, Bitternest, was published in 2007. In 2008, he edited the gothic anthology Sinister Landscapes featuring the best of today's independent horror writers. Visit him 24 hours a day at www.alandraven.com and on MySpace at www.myspace.com/alandraven

Brandon Ford is the author of the horror/suspense novels Crystal Bay, Splattered Beauty, and the soon to be released Pay Phone. He has also contributed to the anthologies Abaculus 2007, Sinister Landscapes, and Raw: Brutality as Art. He can be contacted via MySpace at www.myspace.com/WriterBrandonFord and on Twitter at www.twitter.com/BrandonFord. He currently resides in Philadelphia.

Inspired by the dark and fantastic, Jessica Lynne Gardner has pursued the art of writing as a Journalist, author, business writer and poet focusing on horror and dark fantasy. She has been published in over a dozen publications including Darkened Horizons, Twisted Tongue, Sinister Landscapes, Phobia Magazine and Raw: Brutality as an Art by Snuff Books. Recently her story, "Inextinguishable", won first place in Shroud Magazine's Flash Fiction contest in issue 4. She is a member of The Southern Horror Writer's Association (SHWA) and the International Order of Horror Professionals. You can learn more about her work at www.JessicaLynneGardner.webs.com
Praise for Alan Draven’s Bitternest

“Draven's down-to-earth writing style makes this book an easy read and the ever-changing plotline keeps up an invigorating pace. Bitternest delivers the chills and thrills.”—Dark Realms Magazine

“Bitternest is a scarily timely tale that beautifully weaves its storylines together in a fast-paced, expertly written manner through the use of short chapters that keep the reader glued to the action and turning the pages as quickly as possible.”—Dread Central

Praise for Alan Draven’s Bitternest

“Draven's down-to-earth writing style makes this book an easy read and the ever-changing plotline keeps up an invigorating pace. Bitternest delivers the chills and thrills.”—Dark Realms Magazine

“Bitternest is a scarily timely tale that beautifully weaves its storylines together in a fast-paced, expertly written manner through the use of short chapters that keep the reader glued to the action and turning the pages as quickly as possible.”—Dread Central
Praise for Brandon Ford’s Crystal Bay

“[Brandon Ford] has created a well crafted story that hails back to the old horror/thrillers of the late seventies. […] I can’t wait to see what he does next.”—Garry Charles, author of Hammerhead
“Brandon Ford is the new Prince of Horror, soon to be King.”—Ryan Nicholson, writer/director of Gutterballs

“Brandon Ford paints a vivid picture… This book is superb. I'm proud to own a copy.”—Jim Dodge, Jr., Mass Movement

“Crystal Bay is a page-turner that reels you in and keeps you reading to the end.”—Front Street Reviews

“Ford shows a knack for setting suspense… He’s a promising new talent…”—Kevin Lucia, Book Blurbs

“…suspenseful and intriguing…”—Mary Menzel,
Book Hunters Blog
Praise for Brandon Ford’s Splattered Beauty

“Solid characterization and a plot that moves, flows, and keeps you reading.  I love the way Brandon Ford writes…”—Nicholas Grabowsky, author of The Everborn

“Fans of B-movies, scream queens, and twisted carnage will not be disappointed!”—Tim Ritter, writer/director of Killing Spree

“Ford succeeds in encapsulating B-movieness. Splattered Beauty is highly visual and slightly addictive…”—Blood of the Muse

“Absolutely delicious! […] This affectionately lurid homage to scream queens drags the reader along on one hell of a bumpy ride.”—Robert Dunbar, author of The Pines

“Splattered Beauty resurrects the Scream Queen genre with a vengeance and the bloody mayhem that ensues leaves the reader begging for mercy.”—Ryan Nicholson, writer/director of Gutterballs

10 Questions: An Interview with Author Brandon Ford

I recently had the opportunity to interview horror writer Brandon Ford about his novel Splattered Beauty, an ode to scream queens and straight-to-video horror films. I'd like to thank him for taking the time to talk to me. So here's the interview, enjoy.



1. Your latest novel Splattered Beauty was just released in December. Can you tell us what it's about?

Splattered Beauty is the story of Alyssa Peyton, a washed up Scream Queen who once had the world at her fingertips. A prolific career, loyal following, and a producer/director husband who played a key role in getting her top billing. Now that he has left her for a much younger actress, Alyssa is alone, out of work, and sinking slowly but surely into a world of darkness, depression, and drug abuse. That is when she meets Taryn, a devoted fan who will do anything for her. Together they embark on a blood-soaked rampage, paying back those that have wronged Alyssa.

2. What writers, horror or otherwise, inspire you?

Jack Ketchum is definitely my biggest inspiration when it comes to horror writing. He has a unique voice and an impeccable style. I really admire and respect him as an artist. Richard Laymon is also a huge inspiration. That guy would spin a novel out of the simplest premises and he always produces a page-turner. I’ve recently been turned on to David Sedaris, who is a hilarious essayist. His books are always good for a chuckle.

3. What are you working on now?

I’m currently editing Merciless, a novella inspired by the true story of two teenage girls who were abducted in California back in 2002. It will be included in Creeping Shadows, a collection of 3 short novels due out this Halloween. Alan Draven and Jessica Lynne Gardner are penning the other twisted tales of horror and suspense. It should be a really interesting read. I’m anxious for its release.

4. I find music helps get my creative juices flowing. Do you listen to anything when you write?

Well, I find other voices distracting, so I can only listen to instrumental pieces. I frequently have horror movie scores playing in the background while I’m pounding away at the keys. They seem to put me in the right mind space and give me a lot of inspiration. I sometimes listen to classical. Guess it all depends on my mood. Most often, though, I prefer to write with only silence as my background noise.

5. What time of the day do you prefer to write, and for how long?

I’m a bit of a night owl, so I prefer to write when it’s very late, long past midnight. That’s when it’s most quiet and I don’t have to worry about distractions. As for how long I can stay focused, it depends on what kind of mood I’m in. Sometimes I can stay in the zone for hours and sometimes it’s an almost unbearable chore to simply get a few sentences completed. It’s the nature of the beast.

6. Your new novel is about Scream Queens. Did you have any particular ones in mind when you wrote it?

Absolutely! The book itself is dedicated to my favorite Scream Queens (Linnea Quigley, Debbie Rochon, Tiffany Shepis, Julie Strain, among others) so they were all my muses in the process. I allowed their performances to inspire and guide me forth.

7. What would be your top five horror films of all time?

Oh geez, this is a tough one. Here are my top favorites in no particular order: The Slumber Party Massacre, Sleepaway Camp, Sorority House Massacre, Creepshow, The Toolbox Murders…. Man, I could list a hundred more.

8. Back in the 80's when I was growing up and started reading horror novels it seemed to be a boon time for horror. How do you see the industry now as opposed to then? Better or worse?

Well, I always felt that the ‘80s was the best decade for horror. Every week there was something new and memorable released in theaters and on video. And then suddenly, there were movies like Blood Cult, Woodchipper Massacre, and The Ripper hitting the shelves and there became a demand for films shot straight for the home video market. We saw a lot of interesting and original things back then, as opposed to now, when you can’t blink without seeing yet another remake. There’s definitely nowhere near the amount of originality and creativity today as there was back then, which I really miss.

The book market is a whole different ball of wax. Back then, it was primarily the major houses that dominated. Now, with the rise of self-pubs and small presses, a lot of talented writers that couldn’t break in to the big time are being read.

9. Have you ever considered writing for television or film?

I’ve thought about it, sure. I’d love to write a screenplay someday, but since the craft is so drastically different from prose, I want to do my homework before I try my hand at it. That’s not something I’ll attempt for a long time, though. There are way too many books I’d like to write first.

10. And one last thing...any advice for new/unpublished writers?

The best advice I can give is to continue to write, build your portfolio, and submit as often and as frequently as possible. Perseverance is the key to making it in this business.

His sites...

writerbrandonford.blogspot.com

www.myspace.com/writerbrandonford


Get his stuff here...

www.barnesandnoble.com

www.amazon.com