Questions and Answers What are you currently working on? I'm currently working on a new collection of stories called The Black Brain Mechanism, but haven't made much progress yet as I'm caught up with distribution and book publishing. Hopefully I'll have more time for my own fiction in the latter part of this year. Are you a member of any writing groups? No, only the Terror Scribes Society which I formed and which holds get-togethers for socialising throughout the UK. Who or what has been a major influence on your writing and why? Authors such as: Hodgson, Blackwood, Lovecraft, and Chambers were the ones who originally inspired me to write fiction. I love their work and still do. More recently I've been inspired by the work of Thomas Ligotti and Bruno Schulz. I'm very influenced by the style and atmosphere used by these authors, their stories will live forever. Who (Fact or Fiction) would you most like to meet, and what would you ask them? I would love to call up (from the dead) Algernon Blackwood and spend a night drinking, talking, and making notes about the supernatural experiences that influenced his short stories. I also wish it was possible to communicate with William Hope Hodgson. Is there a book or story you wish you had written? Yes there's many I admire and make me wish I could write something as good as, although I wouldn't want to deprive the authors of their own creations. I think Hodgson's The House On The Borderland is the best novel ever written, but The Purple Cloud by M.P. Shiel comes a close second. There's so many short stories that I admire, but possibly the best one I've ever read is The House Of Sounds by Shiel. Is writing your full time occupation, if not what is? My full time occupation is concerned with the supply of body parts which I obtain during the hours of darkness. As a reader do you prefer Science Fiction, Fantasy or Horror? I prefer atmospheric horror and tend towards escapism rather than everyday settings, there is very often a mingling of science fiction or fantasy in the type of fiction I read. What was your first professional sale? How did it feel when you received the acceptance? I honestly don't think I've had a sale which could be classified as professional. Even the hardback book which I currently have available is published by a small press publisher. But the first time I was ever paid for a story was way back, when a magazine paid me for The Rose Of Lamia, and it felt very good to get some financial reward for my efforts -- even if they did spell the title of my story wrong. Who is you favourite author? William Hope Hodgson. He's the reason I began writing fiction. Without Hodgson's influence there would be no John B. Ford; no Terror Tales; no BJM Press; and no Carnival Of Nightmares. I wonder how many people are praising or cursing Hodgson now? If you could give one piece of advice to a would-be author, what would it be? Just to work very hard, never give up hope, and always try to enjoy yourself. When did you first decide that you wanted to be an author? When I'd read The Boats Of The Glen Carrig by WHH back in 1998, but in those days the character and pseudonym of 'John B. Ford' hadn't been created (or 'born'). When did you first feel that you were an author? I still don't feel like a true author. When my second book is available and has been selling for a few months I hope to feel like a true author. Only then will I have really entered the arena. Are you for or against e-books? Anything that helps bring an audience for a writer is a good thing. The only drawback with e-books is that they are difficult to read from a computer screen, and don't have the feel of a real book. Real books will never be replaced, but the new technology certain has a place, and is a great boon for new writers. Are you a music fan? If so, what? I don't have much ime to listen these days, but I used to enjoy such as: Alice Cooper, The Stranglers, Kraftwerk, some David Bowie, etc. Do you have a favourite place to write? I have to work in silence and have no distractions. Any quiet room is a good place for me to write. I have to be alone. Do you enjoy book signings/conventions? Yes they're great fun! I love to meet other writers and readers. Why do you like SF/F/H? I think it's probably the escapism it offers. What is the scariest story you have read? That's very difficult to answer. A couple of very frightening stories (to me, at least) are In The Court Of The Dragon by R.W. Chambers, and An Inhabitant Of Carcosa by Ambrose Bierce. They both portray the death of the human soul, and what could be more frightening than that? What gives you nightmares? Some of the drugs I have to take such as beta blockers can give a person very vivid dreams and nightmares. I think they are responsible for some of mine, and thus make their way into my fiction. Have you ever used real life horrors for inspiration? Yes I've used personal anxieties and stress for inspiration, although perhaps I was just using fiction as a form of therapy or a pressure valve. Given the high quality of horror fiction available, why do you think there are so few great horror movies? There's a tendancy towards blood and gore and foul language these days. I think movie makers need to examine the past, have a look at the great shadow-on-the-wall type movies and learn again some forgotten lessons. Is there anything more that can be done with vampires, demons and zombies? Yes, imagination is the only limit. All the aforementioned three can be viewed from new angles, especially when combined with modern or future technology. In this frightening world we're entering into, it's not impossible that vampires of one kind or another may one day actually exist. Short story, single novel or novel series - which do you think is the best medium for horror? My particular favourite is the short story. They're my quick fix, an escape from the grime of reality for a while. What book are you reading at the moment? Tales of Love and Death by W.H. Pugmire. Do you enjoy collaborating? Very much so, I think it made me into a much better writer. Working with such as Ligotti and Campbell, stretched me and forced me to explore new styles and methods of writing. Do You Always know a Story's Ending When You Begin Writing? No, I very rarely know how a story is going to end these days. Have you won any awards for your writing? No. I don't believe I'm ever likely to either. Is there something you are particularly proud of? My story The Illusion of Life. To receive such praise from Ligotti about it made me very proud. Plug away - what do you have coming out? My 'Tales Of Devilry and Doom' hardback is currently available from Rainfall Books, and a trade paperback titled Dark Shadows on the Moon is about to be published by Hive Press. Many Thanks, John Relevant Links John B. Ford Main Bibliography Terror Tales BJM Press