1. Tell me a bit about yourself.
I was born and raised in Illinois, near Chicago, but I've been living in the Atlanta area for about thirteen years. I'm married with a two-year old daughter and a houseful of dogs.
Over the past ten years, I've published nine novels, a story collection, and four anthologies (on which I served as editor). The majority of my work is in the horror suspense genre. My most popular book is probably "Dark Corner," my second novel. My most recent novel is "Covenant."
2. When did you first consider yourself a writer?
I got serious about writing when I was fifteen, but I've always been an avid reader. Publishing my first short story was a big ego boost for me. It was the first time I'd been paid for something I'd written.
3. What inspired you to write your first book?
"Thunderland" was my first novel. It's a story about a teenage boy, his two best friends, and a mysterious stranger who begins to wreak havoc in their lives. I was motivated to write the story because I wanted to write about a character who, while still technically a child, is faced with some very adult, frightening situations and has to essentially grow up overnight. I think it's a reflection of what happens all too frequently in our society these days.
4. What books have influenced your life most?
"The Autobiography of Malcolm X" had a tremendous impact on me. Reading the Bible has also had a profound influence on me as well.
5. If you had to choose, which writer would you consider a mentor?
I love everything by Walter Mosley and read his work for inspiration, so he'd be at the top of my list.
6. What book are you reading now?
I'm reading "Before I Forget" by Leonard Pitts, Jr. It's a great, moving story and I highly recommend it.
7. What do you like to do when you’re not writing?
Mostly spend time with my family. I'm sort of a homebody so an evening with my wife and daughter is more than satisfying to me.
Outside of that, I enjoy going to movies, traveling, playing video games, and hanging out with our three dogs.
8. Where do you get your ideas for your books?
Real life provides plenty of inspiration for book ideas. I read a lot of news and get countless story premises from just staying plugged in to the world.
9. What new author has grasped your interest?
L.R. Giles is an exciting new author. I published several of his stories in my "Dark Dreams" anthology series.
10. If you couldn’t be an author, what would your ideal career be?
I'd love to be a video game designer. Just seems like a really fun job to me.
11. Can you tell us about your upcoming book?
It's a supernatural thriller that takes place in Atlanta and revolves around a young family that has moved into a new home--and soon discover that the house is full of secrets. I hope to publish it next summer.
12. How do you market your book(s)?
I promote my work primarily via my email newsletter (signup at brandonmassey.com). Sometimes I'll run ads on websites such as AALBC.com and Goodreads. I've learned over the years that the best marketing for a book is writing a great book. Great stories inspire ongoing word of mouth.
13. Do you have any advice for aspiring authors?
Read a lot, write a lot, and dare to share your unique vision with the world.
I was born and raised in Illinois, near Chicago, but I've been living in the Atlanta area for about thirteen years. I'm married with a two-year old daughter and a houseful of dogs.
Over the past ten years, I've published nine novels, a story collection, and four anthologies (on which I served as editor). The majority of my work is in the horror suspense genre. My most popular book is probably "Dark Corner," my second novel. My most recent novel is "Covenant."
2. When did you first consider yourself a writer?
I got serious about writing when I was fifteen, but I've always been an avid reader. Publishing my first short story was a big ego boost for me. It was the first time I'd been paid for something I'd written.
3. What inspired you to write your first book?
"Thunderland" was my first novel. It's a story about a teenage boy, his two best friends, and a mysterious stranger who begins to wreak havoc in their lives. I was motivated to write the story because I wanted to write about a character who, while still technically a child, is faced with some very adult, frightening situations and has to essentially grow up overnight. I think it's a reflection of what happens all too frequently in our society these days.
4. What books have influenced your life most?
"The Autobiography of Malcolm X" had a tremendous impact on me. Reading the Bible has also had a profound influence on me as well.
5. If you had to choose, which writer would you consider a mentor?
I love everything by Walter Mosley and read his work for inspiration, so he'd be at the top of my list.
6. What book are you reading now?
I'm reading "Before I Forget" by Leonard Pitts, Jr. It's a great, moving story and I highly recommend it.
7. What do you like to do when you’re not writing?
Mostly spend time with my family. I'm sort of a homebody so an evening with my wife and daughter is more than satisfying to me.
Outside of that, I enjoy going to movies, traveling, playing video games, and hanging out with our three dogs.
8. Where do you get your ideas for your books?
Real life provides plenty of inspiration for book ideas. I read a lot of news and get countless story premises from just staying plugged in to the world.
9. What new author has grasped your interest?
L.R. Giles is an exciting new author. I published several of his stories in my "Dark Dreams" anthology series.
10. If you couldn’t be an author, what would your ideal career be?
I'd love to be a video game designer. Just seems like a really fun job to me.
11. Can you tell us about your upcoming book?
It's a supernatural thriller that takes place in Atlanta and revolves around a young family that has moved into a new home--and soon discover that the house is full of secrets. I hope to publish it next summer.
12. How do you market your book(s)?
I promote my work primarily via my email newsletter (signup at brandonmassey.com). Sometimes I'll run ads on websites such as AALBC.com and Goodreads. I've learned over the years that the best marketing for a book is writing a great book. Great stories inspire ongoing word of mouth.
13. Do you have any advice for aspiring authors?
Read a lot, write a lot, and dare to share your unique vision with the world.
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