An Interview with Brandon Jones
Brandon Jones is a lover of all things fiction, spending his free time reading the likes of H.P. Lovecraft. Ignoring books until the age of 15, Brandon used to hate reading. But after a death in the family, he couldn’t stop reading. Now inspired by his departed mother, Brandon is writing daily. After 11 years of struggling with himself, he’s finally done it. Book 1 finished, with 2 and 3 in the works at the same time!
What inspired you to start writing this book?
When I was around 14, my mother was very sick. So, since she couldn’t move about, she would read David Eddings to me and my little brother. When she passed away a year later, we were partway through the series, so I picked up a book for the first ever time and read it. I quickly fell in love and started dreaming up stories of my own.
Tell us the story of your book’s current title. Was it easy to find, or did it take forever?
Bloodborne. What a story.
I had dreams for years of this immortal vampire in the visage of my mother. So I wrote it. A vampire older and stronger than them all. A true first of her kind. She was born in her own blood when sacrificed. Thus, Bloodborne.
Describe your dream book cover.
For this book, my dream cover is Kate stood in the foreground holding her spear of blood, with London night in the background and her bookstore “Pandora’s Box” burning down.
If your book had a soundtrack, what are some songs that would be on it?
“Shepherd of Fire” by Avenged Sevenfold
“Sound of Silence” – Disturbed cover
“The Vengeful One” by Disturbed
“War” and “You’re Going Down” by Sick Puppies
“I Can’t Fix You” by The Living Tombstone
What books are you reading (for research or comfort) as you continue the writing process?
Currently I’m reading John Corwin’s Chronicles of Cain, Shayne Silvers’ Templeverse, and the complete collection of H.P. Lovecraft.
I’ll be reading Hunter Brain’s books next, as well as a book called On a Pale Horse.
What other professions have you worked in? What’s something about you that your readers wouldn’t know?
I’ve worked almost everything! I spent a few years as a fire sentry in a military dockyard while the naval ships were being built. I’ve worked in pubs, on toll bridges. And even in care. If you can think of it, it’s likely I’ve done it. Got to pay the bills somehow. Currently, I’m a cleaner.
Who/what made you want to write? Was there a particular person, or particular writers/works/art forms that influenced you?
My mother and my missus. I had always had a vivid imagination, but when my mother passed away, I decided I needed to get my stories down. After years of trying (11 to be exact), my missus told me off and told me to finish my book. So I did.
Where is your favorite place to write?
In bed. It’s the place I read the most and the place I dream the most. So it’s the place I create my masterpiece.
What advice would you give your past self at the start of your writing journey?
Stop procrastinating. Stop worrying about your dyslexia or grammar issues. You have an editor and proofreaders for that. Get your story out there!
What’s one thing you hope sticks with readers after they finish your book?
I hope they learn to understand Kate Carter. A woman who is flawed, but despite her flaws, she gives everything she has for others.
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