The 7Q Interview: Chuck Buda
AUTHOR BIO
Chuck Buda is a horror author and podcast host from New Jersey. He is best known for his love of pizza and Black Metal. Chuck grew up a fan of the Universal Monster movies and Leonard Nimoy’s In Search Of… Smitten with all things monstrous and unexplained, Chuck began a lifelong journey of searching for new scares and thrills. Chuck Buda co-hosts The Mando Method Podcast on Project Entertainment Network with author, Armand Rosamilia. They talk about all aspects of writing.
QUESTIONS
#1. Looking back, what’s one fiction book that you feel truly made an impact on your writing? Do you still gravitate towards that author?
#1. Two books were equally important in impacting my writing. Jack Kerouac’s On the Road inspired me to take a chance on my dream of becoming an author. The whole notion of living for the moment and going wherever the wind took you was liberating. Armand Rosamilia’s Dying Days taught me to use my own voice instead of attempting (and failing) to sound like Stephen King. Rosamilia’s “voice” meant so much to me that I devoured his books, stalked him online and in person and then he allowed me to become one of his friends. To this day, Armand mentors me and inspires me to grow not only as an author, but as a human being.
#2. How do you feel about the use of sub-genres in the industry? How do you describe your work overall?
#2. I’m very ambivalent on sub-genres. On the one hand, the sub-genres allow readers to narrow their scope once they discover material they enjoy. For authors, I feel the sub-genres potentially limits their audience in finding new readers. Discoverability becomes more of an issue because of the narrow lens. Yet, most stories are easily accessible and enjoyable to readers beyond the scope of a particular sub-genre. Think about the old days when you could go to the horror section of a bookstore. You could find all aspects of horror on that shelf, without being limited to only post-apocalyptic or ghost stories.
I describe my own work as dark fiction for dark minds. My mind gravitates to darkness, especially the human condition and the depths we are willing to sink to as a species. I like to explore these themes through different stories. I have written several series covering supernatural westerns, psychological thrillers, occult horror and zombies. I’m beginning to work on a science fiction/horror story too.
#3. What about your writing process do you think is unique or quirky? What’s the worst writing advice you’ve ever received?
#3. I only require coffee and Black Metal music to write. I don’t have specific rituals per se. Although taking a brisk walk in between hours of writing is fun. It allows my back and legs to unkink and my mind gets to work through the story details while I gasp for air. I need to get back into that practice more regularly, as a matter of fact.
The worst writing advice I’ve ever gotten was from an English teacher who insisted that all good writers had to suffer and pay their dues in order to make it. Nothing could be further from the truth. If a writer can complete a work and reveal it to the world, then I believe they are a smashing success. “Making it” has nothing to do with fame or fortune. It is about self-actualization and battling the inner critic. Ultimately, it’s about telling a great story.
#4. How does music and media factor into your writing? Do you feel it plays as much an inspirational role as literature?
#4. Music is an important part of my writing process. I like to wear earbuds to drown out all distractions and the Black Metal I enjoy sets my mood. The music is so brutal and extreme – its droning, repetitive blast beats and riffs transports me to a dark wilderness. Of course, I like to incorporate the pacing and scene-building elements found in today’s cinema. I think it is difficult not to use the influences of the media around us. And it only enhances the inspirational process brought about by classic works of literature.
#5. As an author, how much do you engage in social media? Do you feel it is more for your own entertainment, or for marketing and networking?
#5. Social media plays a part in any author’s career. However, I believe the role and importance of social media has waned. In the beginning, I spent countless hours posting on every platform. I believed book sales were directly a result of activity. Then I pared down and my book sales remained the same. Like many authors, it is a struggle to balance the online presence with true writing production. It is difficult to maximize both, like the old economics adage of guns and butter. These days I only spend time on Twitter because the interactions with readers and authors is more genuine. It is about one-on-one connections instead of showing off to your Facebook friends how cool you are. Instagram is a lot of fun too but I must limit myself to periodic use. If I don’t, then I will scroll through pictures until the rapture.
#6. Where do you see the future of horror fiction heading? In turn, what changes would you love to see, either socially or technologically?
#6. You deserve an award for asking such thought-provoking questions. Unfortunately, I believe the future of horror fiction lies in movies and binge-worthy serials. Not enough people are reading these days. But the binge behavior will lead to more author success through vehicles like Patreon and Serial Box. I think audio books will play a larger role as well as folks consume content while they workout and commute.
Interactive storytelling will return too. I think people crave the lost art of campfire tales and radio dramas. I’d love to see a community of old-world storytelling utilizing today’s technology. We’ve relied on visual stories for so long now that we have forgotten the power behind words that are put together with purpose and cadence, delivered by a naturally gifted narrator. I just got chills.
#7. What can you tell us about any forthcoming projects? What titles would you like to promote now?
#7. I recently released Tourniquet, the final book in my Gushers series. Currently, I’m working on the fourth book in my Son of Earp series and the fourth book in my Zombie Lockup series. Plus, I am collaborating on a secret project with a few top-notch authors that should be available in mid-2019.
AUTHOR PIC
