An Interview with Brandon Massey
How did you get into writing? At what age did you know you wanted to be a writer? I started writing fiction when I was fifteen. I'd been an avid reader since I was a young child and enjoyed my English classes in school. My teachers encouraged me to pursue my writing on a more serious basis. What was your first book or story that you completed? Did you ever get it published? My first real short story was entitled, "Dead to the World." It was a tale about a customer service representative in a call center who's stalked by an insane customer. It was published in a now-defunct sci-fi magazine. I was twenty-two at the time, and it was the first time I'd been paid for writing a story. How did you finally get published? When were you able to write on a full time basis? Please explain your success story? I initially self-published THUNDERLAND, my first novel, back in 1998. This was after receiving several dozen rejection letters from agents and editors. I knew I had a good book so I published it myself to see how it would fare in the market. I wound up selling about three thousand copies over a two-year period (mostly over the Internet and at book signings). After this bit of success, Kensington Publishing in NY offered me a two-book contract. I've since published twelve or so books with them. I went full-time into writing back in 2004, but recently returned to my old day job because I missed the day-to-day social interaction. Also, publishing has taken a big hit since the recession and it's been necessary to bring some more stability into my household; I'm certainly not the only writer who's decided to do this. How do you stay motivated to finish a novel? How do you stay focused? When you write for a living, staying motivated is easy. I just think about the impending bills and the money I'll get once I turn in a completed manuscript! What is your writing schedule like? Do you write in the mornings, evenings, and for how long? I prefer to write in the mornings for a couple of hours. My mind is fresher after I've awakened and gotten a cup of coffee. I usually manage about five pages during this session. How do you get your ideas? What is your method for remembering them? I've never had any particular method for getting ideas. Ideas are everywhere; just switch on the TV or go to the grocery store. It's simply a matter of taking a basic situation and brainstorming "What if." I like to keep files on my computer for all of my ideas. Sometimes I'll write them down. If you get writer’s block, how do you get over it? I've never experienced writer's block. The best cure for writer's block is a looming deadline. :-) But in speaking to other writers, my opinion is that writer's block stems from insecurity or perfectionism. There's an easy way to get over this: just accept that your work will never be perfect and get on with it. Do the best you can for that day, and move on. What are your thoughts on self publishing? I think self-publishing can be a viable means of reaching an audience--and I speak from experience here--but I do think there's something to be said for trying to get published the "traditional" way first, by running the gauntlet of literary agents and editors. Although it can be extremely frustrating trying to land a contract, you'll receive useful criticism that can help you improve your work. What piece of advice would you give to someone thinking of becoming a writer? What is a good starting point for them? The best starting point is quite simple: sit down and write, and do it every day. Read a lot in your chosen genre and outside of it as well. Learn the business of writing and publishing. And write what you love, always.
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