Alexander S. Brown kindly dropped by Krogfiction to tell us about himself and his work.  His story, Indestructable, will appear in the upcoming Dark Oak anthology Capes and Clockwork.


Alexander S. Brown is a Mississippi author who was published in 2008 with his first book, Traumatized.  Reviews for this short story collection were so favorable that it has been released as a special edition by Pro Se Publishing.  Brown is currently one of the co-editors/coordinators with the Southern Haunts Anthologies published by Seventh Star Press.  His horror novel, Syrenthia Falls is represented by Dark Oak Press.  He is also the author of multiple young adult steampunk stories found in the Dreams of Steam Anthologies and the anthology, Clockwork Spells and Magical Bells. His more extreme works can be found in the upcoming anthology Luna’s Children published by Dark Oak Press.

1)      Why do you write?

I have always considered myself to be a storyteller.  Throughout the years I have enjoyed entertaining those who like to be scared and the best way to do this is to provide a tangible story that shares my visions.

2)      What is the purpose of writing fiction? 

Writing fiction is a release.  It also allows the author to comment on society without being reprimanded for it.  This style of metaphoric writing is something that has been seen throughout the ages.

3)      Where do you find inspiration for writing? 

Inspiration comes from everywhere for me.  I am inspired by dreams, reality, movies, books, music, art, and the list continues.

4)      Without spoiling the plot, what inspired you to write your story for Capes and Clockwork? 

I have always enjoyed writing about characters that are underdogs and most superheros tend to be underdogs before they tap into their special powers.  My main source of inspiration for this story came from the thought of what would happen if Ironman met the movie Freaks.

5)      Who is your favorite author?  Why? 

Stephen King is my favorite.  Even if you were to take away the horror from his tales, his work is the prime example of character development.

 

6)      What is your favorite book?  Why? 

Currently, I am fascinated by character studies.  Under the Dome by Stephen King really pulled me into this fascination although earlier pieces such as The Canterbury Tales contributed as well.  Under the Dome is a character study on how masses react to catastrophes.  It has inspired me to write something similar.

7)      What’s the best response a fan or critic has ever given to your work, and how did you respond to it? 

I was introduced to the audience of one of my earlier signings as a modern day Lovecraft and Poe.  I was floored by this statement and it caused me to blush.

8)      What is your opinion of the classics in the genre in which you generally write?  That is, do they deserve to be classics? 

I feel that if it hadn’t been for authors such as Poe, Lovecraft, King, Rice, Barker, and more that the foundation of the modern day horror author would be extremely raw.  These masters have paved the road for more contemporary names and have opened multiple possibilities with storytelling.

9)      Where did you get your start in writing? 

Although I had published Traumatized with a vanity press, I felt that I couldn’t really call myself an author until Kerlak AKA Dark Oak Press purchased my first Detective Hess story for their anthology Dreams of Steam 2: Brass and Bolts.

10)  What is your most current project that is close to publication?

I have a few actually.  In 2014 you should see the re-release of Traumatized published by Pro Se, Southern Haunts: Devils in the Darkness published by Seventh Star Press, Syrenthia Falls published by Dark Oak Press, and The Night the Jack o’ Lantern Went Out published by Pro Se.  I have short stories that will be published in the anthology, Luna’s Children published by Dark Oak Press.

Thank you, Alex, for stopping by.