Inside View with Brandon Massey
Thursday, June 22, 2006
Brandon Massey is the king of supernatural thrillers. After you read one of his books, you will be hooked--you've been warned. With several book releases coming out this year, I wanted to introduce him to e-Spire readers. So sit back, relax and take an inside look into the life of the award winning author Brandon Massey.
You're a prolific writer and have several releases out or coming out this year. How do you find a balance between writing and everything else?
A: Writing pays the bills, so for that reason it will always take a certain, high priority. :-) Basically, I follow a set schedule, writing from 9am - 4pm, five days a week. It's just like any other job. When I'm not working, I'm spending time with my wife, our friends and family, and in general, just living life.
Tell us about The Other Brother.
A: It's a story about a guy, Gabriel Reid, who appears to have a perfect life--great job in his dad's company, wonderful family, beautiful fiancee, luxurious home--when a guy named Isaiah Battle, the same age as him, and looking a LOT like him, shows up one day and says that he and Gabriel have the same father. And Isaiah is telling the truth! Gabriel's dad had an affair and fathered this son, who's now all grown up and wants what he believes he is entitled to--which happens to be everything that Gabriel has. It's a dramatic page-turner, emotionally grueling, and I can't wait to see what readers think of it.
Are your characters based on people you know?
A: I've never based a character entirely on something I know, but I do think many of my characters possess pieces--some large, some small--of individuals that I've met. And my characters also contain some of me, in many ways. I think this holds true for all writers.
How much research do you do before starting a novel?
A: As little as possible! Honestly, I don't do much research at the beginning, because when I start writing a book I don't know exactly what I'll need to know for the story in the first place. I do most of my research as I go along, and I try to only drop in enough tidbits to keep the story plausible and authentic-sounding.
In your opinion, what makes your novels stand out from some of the rest?
A: According to my readers, I have a knack for description--I always hear that my books are very visual, like films. It's a nice compliment because when I'm writing I'm seeing the story unfold in my mind like a movie.
I recently received an email announcing a new non-fiction book you wrote "The Fiction Writer's Answer Book." What prompted you to write a book geared towards helping other writers?
A: The sheer volume of questions I get from new and aspiring writers prompted me to start working on the guide. Before, when I would get these questions I either would spend time writing an email, or would refer the person to someone else's book. I finally woke up one day and said: why don't I write my own book?
The book will cover a range of questions, from whether you should start out by writing novels or short stories, how to get an agent, whether a writing conference is worthwhile, and so on. I'm publishing it as an ebook for download from my website, and it should be up by August.
What are the names of your other 2006 releases?
A: Voices from the Other Side: Dark Dreams II, a continuation of the horror/suspense anthology series that I edit. And Twisted Tales, a collection of fourteen of my short stories. Both of the books are in stores now.
Do you plan on going on tour soon? If so, how can readers find out when you'll be in their area?
A: I don't currently have a tour schedule, but when/if I do, you can find it at www.brandonmassey.com
Interview by Shelia M. Goss, entertainment writer and the national bestselling author of My Invisible Husband and Roses are thorns, Violets are True. Her website is www.sheliagoss.com. For more entertainment news, go to www.e-spire.blogspot.com.
You're a prolific writer and have several releases out or coming out this year. How do you find a balance between writing and everything else?
A: Writing pays the bills, so for that reason it will always take a certain, high priority. :-) Basically, I follow a set schedule, writing from 9am - 4pm, five days a week. It's just like any other job. When I'm not working, I'm spending time with my wife, our friends and family, and in general, just living life.
Tell us about The Other Brother.
A: It's a story about a guy, Gabriel Reid, who appears to have a perfect life--great job in his dad's company, wonderful family, beautiful fiancee, luxurious home--when a guy named Isaiah Battle, the same age as him, and looking a LOT like him, shows up one day and says that he and Gabriel have the same father. And Isaiah is telling the truth! Gabriel's dad had an affair and fathered this son, who's now all grown up and wants what he believes he is entitled to--which happens to be everything that Gabriel has. It's a dramatic page-turner, emotionally grueling, and I can't wait to see what readers think of it.
Are your characters based on people you know?
A: I've never based a character entirely on something I know, but I do think many of my characters possess pieces--some large, some small--of individuals that I've met. And my characters also contain some of me, in many ways. I think this holds true for all writers.
How much research do you do before starting a novel?
A: As little as possible! Honestly, I don't do much research at the beginning, because when I start writing a book I don't know exactly what I'll need to know for the story in the first place. I do most of my research as I go along, and I try to only drop in enough tidbits to keep the story plausible and authentic-sounding.
In your opinion, what makes your novels stand out from some of the rest?
A: According to my readers, I have a knack for description--I always hear that my books are very visual, like films. It's a nice compliment because when I'm writing I'm seeing the story unfold in my mind like a movie.
I recently received an email announcing a new non-fiction book you wrote "The Fiction Writer's Answer Book." What prompted you to write a book geared towards helping other writers?
A: The sheer volume of questions I get from new and aspiring writers prompted me to start working on the guide. Before, when I would get these questions I either would spend time writing an email, or would refer the person to someone else's book. I finally woke up one day and said: why don't I write my own book?
The book will cover a range of questions, from whether you should start out by writing novels or short stories, how to get an agent, whether a writing conference is worthwhile, and so on. I'm publishing it as an ebook for download from my website, and it should be up by August.
What are the names of your other 2006 releases?
A: Voices from the Other Side: Dark Dreams II, a continuation of the horror/suspense anthology series that I edit. And Twisted Tales, a collection of fourteen of my short stories. Both of the books are in stores now.
Do you plan on going on tour soon? If so, how can readers find out when you'll be in their area?
A: I don't currently have a tour schedule, but when/if I do, you can find it at www.brandonmassey.com
Interview by Shelia M. Goss, entertainment writer and the national bestselling author of My Invisible Husband and Roses are thorns, Violets are True. Her website is www.sheliagoss.com. For more entertainment news, go to www.e-spire.blogspot.com.
