Hello, everyone! Just thought I'd take a moment to share all of the interesting goings-on in the world of Brandon Ford.
Firstly, I'm definitely not getting anywhere near the amount of submissions I thought I'd get for the contest. I know, it's only been 2 weeks, but I figured I'd have a few more filling my inbox by this point. I will say, though, that the submissions I've gotten thus far have been fantastic. I'm definitely going to have a hell of a time making my final decision in November. For those of you still planning on offering up a grizzly display for my consideration, I can't wait to see it!
Secondly, Eric Enck and Adam Huber, the authors behind the twisted and disturbing horror novel Snuff, have decided to collaborate once more, only this time, they're joining forces to start their very own publishing company, Snuff Books. Their first anthology, Raw: Brutality as Art, is a short story collection that focuses on the brutal, the sadistic, the violent as an art form and I'm proud to say that I'm going to be apart of it. My short story, "Painted in Red," was accepted by Adam a few weeks back and will be included in this collection of bizarro lit. I'm very excited to be working with these guys and I know that this anthology will be a great success. Look for it in late October/early November.
Lastly, I will be joining a few of my fellow Sinister Landscapes contributors for two audio interviews in the next couple of days. Tomorrow night (Sunday, September 14th), I'll be joining Alan on The Mortal Vampire. Contributing author T.G. Reaper is also scheduled to stop by. You can find this show at www.blogtalkradio.com/themortalvampire. Curtain goes up at 8:00p.m., so don't be late.
On Monday night (September 15th), I'll be returning to Angel Lesa's Blog Talk Radio program, The Odd Mind, to join in on the discussion of Alan Draven's debut anthology. The show starts at 9:00p.m. EST. You can listen live or download the episode later at www.blogtalkradio.com/angellesa. Hope you'll all be there.
For those of you still searching for inspiration for your cover design, I thought I'd post a short excerpt from my second novel, Splattered Beauty. Hope this gets your pencils moving. Enjoy...
Alyssa watched as he began to inch toward her, his hands out in front of him as he tried to calm her, his voice soft and dripping with nurture...
"I heard what happened to you, Alyssa," he said."I'm really very sorry.But there are people that can help you.People who'll understand.Please, you've got to trust me."
Watching as he took continual glances at her wrists, she relived the moment she slid the razor across them, seeing the moment with crystal clarity.
He thought he was to blame for what she'd done.She knew.She could tell by the manner in which he spoke.She could tell by the words he chose.He still believed he was her everything.
Moisture drew her attention and she looked down to see the blood soak through the fine cloth.
"You're hurt..." Peter mumbled, gently taking her left hand in his own, watching as the blood trickled.
Still clenching the knife, she tightened her grip on the handle, staring into the eyes of the man she'd once loved so dearly.Her contempt overcame her and she gnashed her teeth.Gripping his hand, she slid the blade across his wrist and watched as the blood began to flow.He dropped to his knees in pain.
"Now you're hurt, too," she said, towering over him.
Jessica shrieked, placing both hands over her mouth.She ran to his aid, pulling his arm toward her, studying the deep gash."Oh, my God," she wailed, watching the fountain of blood pour from his veins.
"Jessie, call the police," he begged her, his voice shaking.He knew he'd lose consciousness at any moment.
Jessica turned and rushed toward the door, nearly tripping over her own heels, as she gasped in a panic.
"Stop her!" Alyssa commanded Taryn, who, still in shock, almost didn't hear her.
A single thought so far away, Taryn leapt forward, tackling Jessica onto the hard marble as she released a masculine grunt.Jessica shrieked again, but her cries silenced the moment the back of her head met the cold, hard ground.In an instant, her neck snapped and her skull split like an egg, blood spilling from the open wound.
With the minimal amount of strength he could muster, Peter yelped her name one last time as he began to crawl towards her."Oh, Jessie...Oh, please, God, no..." he continued, pulling himself forward on his chest.
CALLING ALL ARTISTS/ILLUSTRATORS!!! CONTEST NOW OPEN!!!
Current mood: excited
Category: Art and Photography
Beginning now I am accepting submissions from aspiring and talented illustrators/graphic design artists who can create the cover of my second novel, Splattered Beauty.Using the synopsis below, allow your imagination to run wild and see if you can wow me into using your artwork as the cover of my new book.Please read the rules carefully.
SPLATTERED BEAUTY by Brandon Ford – Synopsis
There are a lot of things Alyssa Peyton once had.She once had a prolific and lucrative career as a leading actress in a slew of low-budget horror films.She once had a loving, caring relationship with her producer/director husband, Peter.She once had fans and a dedicated following.All of this has vanished in the blink of an eye.
Now, Alyssa has acquired a serious problem with both substance and alcohol abuse.She possesses a strong sense of self-loathing that seems to intensify every day.She has also found a new friend in devoted teenage fan, Taryn.
Watching her life crumble and deteriorate, Alyssa knows it is up to her to make things right.With the help of Taryn, she begins a string of brutal and sadistic murders, all in the name of a twisted form of retribution.
It is up to an aging detective to stop them before the body count rises.But will Alyssa stop him first?
RULES – Please read carefully
Please send only YOUR ORIGINAL WORK.No copyrighted or third party images.
Only full color artwork.
Enter as many times as you like.
All entries must be received by the deadline: October 31, 2008
JPEG images ONLY, please.
DO NOT place any text on the image. If your cover is chosen, you will be notified via e-mail and will have the opportunity to design a typeface for both the title and author's name.
For the submission, please send a low-resolution version of the image.72dpi would be preferred. If your artwork is chosen, the final work will need to be 300dpi.
The main focus of this contest is for the actual cover of the book. However, if you'd like, feel free to create a wrap around landscape image that contains both front and back, as well as the spine. If you choose to create only the cover (portrait), the image should be 5.2 x 8.3. If you chose to do both front and back, as well as spine (landscape), then the image should be 11.5 x 8.3.
Please include your full name (or the name in which you'd like to be credited under) in the e-mail, as well as any personal website information.
Well, the winner gets to have their artwork as the cover of my new book, of course.They will be given full credit, which will be included inside the novel itself.Unfortunately, there will be no form of financial compensation at this time.
The sole purpose of this contest is to expose new and fresh talent that has yet to make their mark upon the industry.For those of you who are looking to build your resume with various credits, this is the opportunity for you.
Ever since I saw Frankenhooker way back in the early '90s, I've been smitten with the twisted genius that is Frank Henenlotter. His films have since gone on to be some of my all-time cult favorites, from the Basket Case trilogy, to Brain Damage, his ability to blend comedy with horror (not to mention the truly bizarre) is impeccable.
Today, I stumbled upon a lengthy interview with Frank, as he discusses his comeback feature, Bad Biology, as well as his early classics, and some of his biggest influences. It's definitely an interesting watch, so enjoy.
Who wants to help make ’Crystal Bay’ an Amazon Top 100 Seller?
Current mood: hopeful
Well, it's been almost 8 months since the release of my debut novel. So far, sales have been pretty good. I mean, I really can't complain with the way things are going right now. After all, I'm a first-time author, this is my very first book, and I'm still working my ass off to get people to know I'm here (as are all first-time authors). I'm sure I don't have to tell some of you how trying and daunting it can be. As much as I hate to admit it, I obsessively keep track of my Amazon sales rank, checking the page at least 6 times a day to see which spot Crystal Bay is in. Some days, I breathe a sigh of relief just knowing people are still buying it. Others, I feel as though I've reached the end of my rope and fear no one will ever buy one of my books again. It's a sickness, I'll be the first to admit it.
One thing that I have yet to see is Crystal Bay falling in Amazon's list of Top 100 Sellers. But, I'm sure if we all pitch in, I can make it there before long. So, if you haven't yet, please, please, please (with sugar on top) pick up your copy today. If you have the means, pick up 2 or 3 and give them away as Christmas presents. The holidays are right around the corner and what better gift for your friends and loved ones than literature?
Having Crystal Bay make the Top 100 list could really be a shot in the arm for this book so again, please pick up your copy today. I have almost 20,000 friends on MySpace alone and could you imagine the outcome if all of you bought just one copy? Of course, if you'd prefer to read the book on Kindle, it's readily available on this format, too.
What do you say, everybody? Are you willing to show your support for a new author?
SINISTER LANDSCAPES, the brand new collection of short gothic fiction, is now available!Including my short story, "Severed", you'll find 18 spine-tingling stories in the tradition of classic gothic fiction.Check out the book trailer below:
Churchyards, cemeteries, manors, and foggy streets are breeding grounds for specters of all walks. Ghosts, goblins, witches, and demons lurk in these dangerous places, stalking from the darkest corners. Mysterious noises, rattling chains, strange occurrences, and eerie shadows. These are just some of the spine-tingling oddities we encounter when we dare tread upon forbidden soil. Brace yourself readers. Sinister Landscapes takes you back to the roots of horror through eighteen gothic tales told by a new crop of authors that go straight for the throat. Featuring the genre's newest and finest voices with a foreword by award-winning and bestselling author Andrea Dean Van Scoyoc, including: Thad Linson, Sarah Wilson Basore, Eric Enck, Jessica Lynne Gardner, Ryan B. Clark, Brandon Ford, Jeani Rector, David Boyle, Gordon Anthony Bean, Bret Jordan, Alan Draven, Stéphanie J, T. G. Reaper, R. Vance. Jeff Ezell, Charlotte Emma Gledson, Charlie Glover, Frank E. Bittinger.Edited by Alan Draven
’Life with My Sister Madonna’ by Christopher Ciccone
I've been a dedicated fan of Madonna since I was six years old.For the past twenty years, I have listened to her music religiously, bought her albums immediately upon release, sat through all of her films, paid hundreds of dollars to see her in concert. Yes, I do consider myself a hardcore fan.So, when I first learned that her brother, Christopher, had penned an intimate tell-all detailing their experiences together, my initial instinct was to boycott it.The last thing I wanted to do was show my support for something that Madge herself would no doubt abhor.
And then I decided to mull it over some more.
I will fully admit that the dark part of me desperately wanted to rush over to Barnes & Noble, grab an immediate copy of the book, and devour it right there in the aisles.But wouldn't I be considered a bad fan if I did so?On the other hand, I've literally given this woman thousands of my hard-earned dollars over the years.Don't I, as the fan, deserve a little reward?After all, I even purchased a copy of her latest album, Hard Candy, despite the fact that I hated the new "commercial" Madonna from the get-go.The Madonna that so desperately wants to prove she is still relevant by working with the likes of Justin Timberlake, Pharrell, Timbaland, and Kanye West.So, even though I hated the album, I still showed my goddess, my queen support, as a longtime fan, and bought it.I think I deserve to be bad.
So, the day after Life with My Sister Madonna by Christopher Ciccone hit the bookstores everywhere, I went out and bought it (even got 40% off with my Borders Rewards Card).I'd heard so many reports on the book and didn't know exactly what to expect.In all honesty, part of me hoped that Christopher would air all of Madonna's dirty laundry and we as the readers would finally get to know her for who she really is.Another part of me hoped he'd stay true to the fact that he is her family and that is something more sacred than anything else.
I wouldn't exactly call the book a tell-all, as it really doesn't dig that deep into her closet of hidden secrets.There are a few nuggets of insight I hadn't been made aware of, but for the most part, I wasn't really shocked by what I read, nor do I feel any differently towards Madonna as an artist or as a person.
As opposed to a biography, which chronicles the life of a person from beginning to end, Life with My Sister Madonna is more of an account of the turbulent relationship Christopher and his world-famous sister have shared.It dives headfirst into the many things they've seen and experienced together, from her tours, videos, and even run-ins with certain celebrities.It is honest, interesting, and well written.At times, it definitely comes off as bitter and spiteful.Christopher seems to have a chip on his shoulder and understandably so.He feels as though Madonna has wronged him on multiple occasions and holds a great deal of resentment towards her because of it.
The book itself is not slanderous, so if raw, uncensored dirt is what you're in the market for, look elsewhere.More than anything, this book is a memoir by someone who has grown up being the younger sibling of the most famous woman in the world.It tells a story that we, as fans and supporters of Madonna, have never heard before.
My debut novel, Crystal Bay, is now available on Amazon Kindle! Place your order and have the digital file mailed to you instantly. You'll receive the book in less than a minute!
Front Street Reviews, a wonderful website overflowing with countless book reviews, has offered a very complimentary article on my debut novel. Read on and check it out!
Gage Healy is an English teacher who aspires to be a novelist. It is summer break and he is leaving town, his wife and friends to go into seclusion to write a best seller. Crystal Bay is the perfect place. The lake is quiet, peaceful and isolated. He is sure his creative juices will flow. He meets Amanda at Crystal Bay. She is mysterious, sensuous, beautiful in a way Gage can't quite describe. Just looking at her motivates Gage to write and write turning out pages upon pages.
Amanda has a dark secret and needs something from Gage. Her very existence depends on conquering Gage. Gage tries to resist Amanda's charm but she is like a drug that he needs. His writing is prolific after each encounter with her.
Beth, Gage's wife, was not thrilled with his plan for the summer but she always supported his writing efforts so didn't voice her concerns. Gage promised to call regularly so she accepted that it was going to be a lonely summer without him. At first they spoke on the phone regularly - then calls became infrequent - then Gage didn't answer the phone at all. Gage was in a fight with an unknown force that he didn't understand. He craved being around Amanda in the worst way. After being with Amanda he despised himself with all his being. When he tried to stay away he couldn't write. What was happening to him????
Brandon Ford did a very good job of building suspense in Crystal Bay. He builds the aura around Amanda slowly, mysteriously. Gage's confusion about her allure is palpable. The darkness grows as the suspense builds to a very dramatic confrontation. Crystal Bay is a page turner that reels you in and keeps you reading to the end. The fight between good and evil is not a boring one in Crystal Bay.
Not since the invention of the telephone has there been a tool that brings people as close together as the Internet.In the eight years I've been online, I've met and/or become acquainted with people in all walks of life.There is, however, something I've always noticed and that is that it's a rarity to hear the same person say something like, "Oh, I absolutely love the new Madonna album!" and "I must've seen the original Texas Chainsaw Massacre over a hundred times!"
I've always been a hardcore follower of the horror genre.I've watched and collected movies like The Slumber Party Massacre, Sleepaway Camp, Night of the Demons, Friday the 13th, and A Nightmare on Elm Street my entire life.At the same time, I've always been a big pop music enthusiast, listening to artists like Madonna, Britney Spears, Ace of Base, Mandy Moore, and Tiffany for as long as I can remember.When other members of the horror community realize this upon meeting me, they usually make some sort of snide comment, namely because they only listen to bands like Metallica and Megadeth.When I meet fans of the same type of music I enjoy, they usually can't stomach anything more than The Object of My Affection or Beaches.
Seeing as how I've always been such a devoted follower of the genre, I was inspired to pen my own works of horror fiction.Over the years, I've generated a plethora of novellas, countless short stories, and three novels, all within the realm of horror and suspense.Every so often, I find myself wondering if I should be listening to bands who represent a much darker image because I've created so many characters who have done such dark and vicious things.And then I realized that because I'm definitely in a minority when it comes to possessing such completely opposite tastes, it's because I've written stories about dismemberment and mutilation that I'm supposed to listen to music about death and anguish, or so I'm led to believe.I find this notion completely ridiculous.
More than anything, it's the close-mindedness that gets to me.I can't tell you how many times I've met devoted horror fans like myself who groan and stick their noses up at the fact that I own every single Madonna album.When I had a personal jukebox displayed on my MySpace page, I received comments like, "Thanks, I appreciate the add… despite Britney Spears."So many fail to realize that as people, we have varying tastes in everything from books to music to film.Just because we like one artist, that doesn't mean we should like another.I like to think it's two very separate and unusual halves that make me a complex and unique individual.
excited
hopeful
