top of page

The 7Q Interview: S.J. Budd

AUTHOR BIO

S.J.Budd is a dark fiction author from Cornwall. Her work has appeared in Aphotic Realm, Sanitarium Magazine, Siren’s Call Publications, Deadman’s Tome, Innersins, Aphelion, Bewildering Stories, Blood Moon Rising Magazine, Shadows at the Door and Danse Macabre Magazine, The Wild Hunt, Morpheus Tales and Freedom Fiction. She spends far too much time on twitter @sjbuddj. You can find out more about her stories at www.sjbudd.co.uk

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. Books play a huge role in my life for many reasons, but with regards to my writing, The Name of the Wind, by Patrick Rothfuss really inspired me to want to write something of my own. It’s one of those books that you never want to end.

Short stories are my preferred reading material. I’m mostly a short fiction horror writer but recently am turning my hand to writing longer stories. Writers from this field that have really inspired me are Adam Nevill, often hailed as the UK’s answer to Stephen King but wholly deserves to be recognized as a horror genius in his own right. His stories genuinely terrify me and I’d love to be able to write like him one day.

What’s really exciting right now are the incredible female horror writers who are really making an impact. I’m a big fan of Angela Slatter, Kristi DeMeester, Damien Angelica Walters, Gwendolyn Kiste and Christa Carmen. There’s so many more out there!

#2. How do you feel about the use of sub-genres in the industry? How do you describe your work overall?

#2. I love them. Initially I started out writing fantasy but over time I have shifted towards horror. I was drawn to the dark side of life, for me its really fascinating this dark underbelly of human existence. Horror is never really that far away from our lives, especially in this current climate. Climate change, Trump, Isis and Brexit, there’s so much to be scared about!

I love horror when it’s infused with other genres such as sci fi and technology particularly with the TV series, Black Mirror. I think you can mix horror with any genre as it plays such a big part in life, there’s the good times but there’s also the bad. Having horror present in art forms such as movies and books is important as it lets people deal with things.

#3. What about your writing process do you think is unique or quirky? What’s the worst writing advice you’ve ever received?

#3. A lot of my writing happens in my head. When I have an idea or a problem in my work, I go on a massive walk for hours and hours to work it out and then frantically write it all down when I get back.

I tend not to follow writing advice as it’s a very personal process. I write each story differently. Stories are like children, they need to be raised according to their specific needs.

#4. How does music and media factor into your writing? Do you feel it plays as much an inspirational role as literature?

#4. I absolutely can’t write in silence, other writers swear by it by not me. I often use music to create an atmosphere to write to, Massive Attack are a great band for creating a dark vibe.

#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. On one hand I really hate social media with these endless selfies and “me-me-me” culture but I love platforms like twitter where I can meet and chat to other writers. I love just having really random conversations with complete strangers. I think social media is really useful to writers as you can promote your work and you can be in control of it.

#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. I can see horror making its way onto Netflix, there are some great horror books being turned into films such as Bird Box and The Ritual and long may that trend continue.

With the advance of technology such as the kindle there are loads of new horror magazines appearing which is great. It means more homes for great fiction that otherwise wouldn’t be discovered.

#7. What can you tell us about any forthcoming projects? What titles would you like to promote now?

#7. I’ve recently had a story, “Mother’s Ruin”, in Aphotic Realm’s Fangs Issue. This is a really great magazine that comes in colour, its beautifully illustrated and is such a joy to read.

AUTHOR PHOTO

bottom of page