Jason is the editor of The Haunted Webzine Questions and Answers What are you currently working on? At the moment, I'm working on a follow-up to my soon-to-be published novel, 'Rusty Nails'. Also, there are always three or four short story ideas roaming around on my word processor. Who or what has been a major influence on your writing and why? The first time I remember wanting to become a writer was after reading Ray Bradbury's 'The Martian Chronicles'. That collection shows just how powerful the short story can be. After that I was hooked. I devoured everything of his I could find. As far as writers go, he's probably my biggest influence. Even though he's primarily considered a science fiction writer, 'The October Game' is one of the best horror stories ever written. Is there a book or story you wish you had written? 'The October Game' or possibly a story called 'Haceldama' by Gary A. Braunbeck that I read in Cemetery Dance a long time ago. Then there's another that comes to mind - 'Emerald City Blues' by Steven Boyett. I read it in a Midnight Graffiti anthology. It's about a pilot that is on a course to intercept a launched nuclear weapon. Only as he chases the warhead, it goes over a newly-formed rainbow (A.K.A. The gateway to Oz). The rest of the story is about fallout in the Emerald City, mutated munchkins, the death of Dorothy Gale. You get the picture. I think the concept is ingenious. It's one of those stories that makes you go "Why didn't I think of something like that?" Who is you favourite author? Ray Bradbury and Richard Laymon. Bradbury, of course, for the short stories. Laymon, hands down, for the novel. I've never read a bad Richard Laymon novel. If you could give one piece of advice to a would-be author, what would it be? Write every day whether you feel like it or not. A writer's narrative voice is like a muscle. Use it and it gets stronger. Ignore it and it atrophies. Are you for or against e-books? I'm very much in favor of e-books since my first novel, Rusty Nails, will be issued in that format first. I've also had a lot of short stories published in e-format. It may not pay much, as a rule, but it seems to be great for exposure. Are you a music fan? If so, what? Definitely. My tastes generally run toward hard rock or heavy metal. Zakk Wylde, Iron Maiden, Kiss, Ozzy. Anything with good loud guitar. Is there anything more that can be done with vampires, demons and zombies? Of course. Only now technology and popular culture will have to play a part. Cyber-demons perhaps. Spells and curses that are sent via e-mail. I've used those tried and true genre staples in several of my stories, but there has to be something to set these monsters apart from the stars of the old Universal horror pictures. One story of mine - 'The Ouija Room' - is about an online chat room for the dead. A ouija board on its own has been done to death by hundreds of writers. One that operates from the internet opens up a realm of new possibilities. To put it plainly, there is definitely room for all the old monsters, but they have to be dealt with in ways the reader hasn't seen before. What book are you reading at the moment? 'Dark Seas of Infinity' - It's a collection of H.P. Lovecraft's most popular stories. I've read most of them two or three times before. But you can never get enough Lovecraft. Do You Always know a Story's Ending When You Begin Writing? Usually not. I'll just start with a concept or a particular scene and go from there. Of course there have been times where I had a particular ending in mind and the story itself changed before I ever got to that point. What's the most memorable thing said in a review of your work? I think my favorite review comes from Brian Keene. Actually it's more of a blurb for my first short story collection, 'Puzzles of Flesh'. Brian is an author that I have tremendous respect for. So, to get his stamp of approval means quite a lot. What's the most memorable thing said in a review of your work? I think my favorite review comes from Brian Keene. Actually it's more of a blurb for my first short story collection, 'Puzzles of Flesh'. Brian is an author that I have tremendous respect for. So, to get his stamp of approval means quite a lot. "'PUZZLES OF FLESH' is an amazing collection. Each story is an intricate piece, combining together to form a terror tapestry. Brannon is an author to watch!" Brian Keene--Author of 'NO REST FOR THE WICKED' and '4X4' Plug away - what do you have coming out? My novel, 'Rusty Nails', will be out shortly from The Fiction Works. I've also got short stories coming out in Underworlds, The Dead Inn, Vol 2, Darkness Rising, Dark Realms, Sinisteria, Hour of Pain, Rogue Worlds, Abstracts, Midnight Carnival, Shadowkeep, and Black Petals. All the most up to date information can be found on my website (link below) Many Thanks, Jason! Relevant Links Jason Brannon Main Bibliography Jason Brannon's Website The Haunted Webzine