Brandon Massey

Book-Remarks.com

Featured Author - Brandon Massey

June 2003 Interview
 

About the Author

Brandon Massey was born June 9, 1973 in Waukegan, Illinois. Originally self-published, Thunderland, his first novel, won the 2000 Gold Pen Award for Best Thriller from the Black Writers Alliance. Brandon lives in Atlanta, where he is at work on his next suspense thriller.

Visit his official website at www.brandonmassey.com. 

Questions and Answers with Brandon Massey

Brandon, I am guessing that you are more than excited about having your novel Thunderland published by Kensington Publishing Company. However, since this is actually the fourth version of the book, do you feel like it’s ‘old’. Not to sound offensive, but you know how authors can work on their first book for a long while and by the time it reaches the public, you’re already on the third or fourth novel. Hope that makes sense. Just please explain what it’s like to have the book out there by a major publishing house even if it takes a while for that process to happen.

It’s a wonderful, gratifying feeling. Yes, many years passed (approximately ten) from the first draft to the final edition with Kensington, but I learned so many invaluable lessons during the journey--and because it took so long for me to get to this point, I’m immensely grateful for every bit of success that I experience.  I get a pleasant chill virtually every time I see THUNDERLAND on a bookstore shelf, or get a letter of praise from a reader. 

Even though I’ve written many things since I first created THUNDERLAND, it’s remained relatively fresh in my mind. I think this is mostly because when readers give me feedback about the novel, they often share insights that I’d never considered before--which helps me view the book in a new light. Due to these thoughtful comments from readers, I’ve come to view a published book as a dynamic work of art, instead of as a dull, fixed thing that gets “old” after a couple of years. Every reader takes away something different from a book.  In fact, I think that with our favorite books, we tend to read them over and over again--precisely because each time, we gain fresh insights on the characters and the stories.    

 
Brandon, who is your competition? Is it strictly other horror novels? Or other books too? Please elaborate.

I’m currently in the unusual position of having little competition. Books by other published horror novelists (99.9 % of whom are white) are marketed differently from how my books are--their books tend to be aimed at the hardcore horror market and published in mass market paperback. My books are done in trade paper, by a “black” imprint at a major publisher, and are targeted to both horror readers and the general, black book-buying public.

I’m the only black, male horror writer in the entire country who is published by a major house--period. I actually hope that this changes sometime soon, as it would be good to have some other talent in this field, to develop the genre. 

But for the time being, I’m trying to make the most of my being the “only one” and working at using my position to open doors for others. I’m editing an anthology, “DARK DREAMS: A Collection of Horror and Suspense by Black Writers” that will serve as a vehicle to introduce a talented crew of new, black horror writers to the reading public. I also mentor younger writers who want to write in this field, too.  I’ve gotten as far as I have because of others who reached out to me, so I feel a responsibility to reach back and help other dedicated writers, too.  

How did you develop your central characters (which were done very well by the way)? I wonder if you sketch or let the characters emerge during the process of writing?

Thanks for the compliment.  I sketch some fundamental ideas about the characters--age, name, occupation, that sort of thing--to use as a starting point. After that, I let the characters grow as the story builds. I think character and plot are tightly intertwined, and it’s impossible for me to know absolutely everything about both at the time that I begin to write. Even though I do a lot of outlining in advance, the story and characters eventually take on a life of their own--which is always a good thing. 

Do you think people totally understand what it is you write? Have you found there are any misconceptions or preconceived notions regarding what you do?

I’ve had a few people pick up my work and just not “get it.” I think this happens frequently to writers of sci-fi, horror, fantasy, or suspense (genres that are often lumped together).  There is a certain amount of “suspension of disbelief” that must take place in order for a reader to enjoy my stories, and, let’s be honest, not every reader is willing--or able--to make that imaginative effort.  I try to make it as easy as possible for a reader to suspend disbelief, by creating realistic characters and believable settings . . . but even then, not everyone will go along for the ride. That’s just how it is. I don’t think there’s ever been an author who has been universally read and understood.  Even Shakespeare has his critics.

Sometimes, readers will get the wrong idea about what I write. Someone may hear that there’s a scene in my book involving a Ouija board--and suddenly get the idea that my book is about “calling up demons,” which is way off base. Some people are just too superstitious and narrow-minded, in my opinion. But I can’t do anything about that.  And fortunately, such readers are in the minority.  I’m happy to report that a large number of readers have picked up my book, enjoyed it, and look forward to reading my next book.  :-)

Do you consciously make sure and have certain writing tools next to you when you begin a project (dictionary, thesaurus, character development books, etc.)? Or do you only consult the books if you are in a bind?

I always keep a dictionary and a thesaurus close at hand. Oh, and a strong cup of black coffee, too. Gotta get my caffeine fix. :-)

It appears that readers love Thunderland. What are some of the comments and positive feedback you’ve received thus far?

Yes, the feedback has been great!  People have written to say that they’ve read the book in a single day, that it kept them glued to the page, and that they were fascinated by Jason and how the mysterious villain was a direct result of trauma that Jason experienced as a child. Other people have said that they were reading the book during a thunderstorm and had to double-check to make sure the clocks didn’t stop (read the book to figure out what that means, y’all). I’ve been really pleased with all the positive comments and reviews. It’s definitely made the ten-year-wait to get to this point feel worthwhile.

How do you know when a project is complete? What kinds of signs (if any) do you use to let you know the book cannot be worked on any further (or is there any such thing)?

Basically, after I’ve worked through all of my revision notes and my editor’s suggestions, and feel that the book reads smoothly, I’m ready to turn it in.

I think it’s possible to work on a book for your whole life--I mean this seriously. I’ve met people who told me they’ve been writing the same book for ten years and are only halfway done. You have to wonder whether they’ll ever finish it.

Because I’m finally in the position of having contractual deadlines and publication dates set in advance, I can’t afford to spend ten years on a book. I have to stay focused, write every day, and get it done. Still, I only turn in a book once I feel comfortable with it.  I’ve missed deadlines before, and my publisher has been understanding, but this is a business, and goodwill goes only so far. I try to be as timely as possible, and plan so that my book is good and ready when I send it in.  

What has been the best thing you’ve experienced so far as a published writer? (Please name as many things as you wish).

Some of the best things have been: getting emails from readers I’ve never met, who tell me that they were up all night reading my book; seeing my book in the stores; viewing mention of my book (in a positive light) on various websites; and, let me not forget, finally getting paid for all those years of hard work!  

And what are some of the toughest struggles for a published writer?

When you finally get the big break, I think it becomes a huge challenge to make sure that your new books are an improvement upon the book that got you in the door. We’ve all heard of the “sophomore jinx” or writers who started out strong with their first couple books, then faded out soon thereafter. When you break in, you realize that the game is just beginning. You can’t ever rest on your butt. Every book has to be better, you have to market it more effectively, reach more people--the list of challenges goes on. 

It’s been my observation that black writers, once they break in, usually have it pretty easy--well, if you write relationship/drama books, that is. Let’s keep it real. Out of all these novels being published, how many of them are truly original, ambitious, well-written, and meaningful?  Too many people are still trying to copy Eric Dickey, E. Lynn, and a handful of other successful authors.  And yes, a lot of these copycat books are selling in decent numbers.  Still, while that recipe may prove successful in the short run, when the market eventually tightens (and there are some signs that this is happening now) the authors who have not carved out a unique niche will find themselves out in the cold. 

The best way to be successful, in the long run, is to develop your own style of storytelling and refine your unique voice. Create your own niche (or put a twist on an existing one), something that readers will love. Sure, sometimes it’s harder to do this, in the beginning, but if you are in this for the long-haul, it’s a much smarter strategy. No one remembers the copycats. We remember the innovators.

And lastly, what makes you want to write even though you are well aware of the very problems and challenges that exist within the industry?

Well, there are problems and challenges in every industry.  Medicine, information technology, the legal field--every area of business comes with its own set of issues.  So it’s not as though you can really get away from stuff like that. :-)  But I guess that, because I’m from an entrepreneurial family, I enjoy the business aspect of publishing and view problems as challenges to be overcome--not as insurmountable obstacles.  And I loved to write long before I knew anything about the business of books. Learning about the troublesome areas of the industry has not dampened my passion for writing at all.

Why? Well, writing, in its purest sense, has nothing to do with publishing. Writing is a creative adventure; publishing is a business. I’ve learned to separate the two and enjoy writing for its own sake. I love telling stories and being surprised by what happens; I love finding the perfect word or phrase; I love discovering that line of dialogue that perfectly expresses what the character is feeling.  Even though I know that what I’m writing may one day be read by thousands of people, when I’m writing a story, the story is all that matters.   

I write because I love to write. Everything else is just icing on the cake.       

Any final words?

Thanks to everyone who has ever read THUNDERLAND or my short stories. Without my readers, I would have no career, and I’ll never forget that. I’ll be working hard to deliver entertaining, thought-provoking stories as long as you’re out there to read them.

Thunderland

Written by an up-and-coming talent, "Thunderland" is suspense fiction in the classic, bestselling tradition. With this dark, raw, and haunting tale of a family shattered by a mysterious menace, award-winning newcomer Brandon Massey takes readers on a sublimely scary journey deep into the heart of Dean Koontz and Stephen King territory.

Teenager Jason Brooks never expected to survive a tragic accident. But by some miracle he did recover, only to find that life is better than ever, with his new friendships, fresh experiences, and bright hopes for the future. Even Jason's parents, who had been drifting farther and farther apart, have renewed their commitment to their marriage.

But then an enigmatic stranger invades their lives, jeopardizing the happiness that Jason and his parents had worked so hard to achieve, and threatening to destroy everything they care about...that is, if they survive.

Review of Thunderland

By Simone A. Hawks

of RAWSISTAZ