Today on MASTERS OF HORROR we get to meet the very prolific and extremely talented Jim Ody. Jim has written for a number of websites reviewing and interviewing rock bands, and contributing dark poems and comedic features.
He is now a full-time author of Horror, YA, and dark Psychological/Thrillers that have endings that you won’t see coming. If you look carefully, you'll see things that connect the books.
As a hybrid author, he has currently written 18 books and over a dozen short-stories, all released by a number of publishers and as well as self-published. These include the popular Hudson Bell, Joel Baxter & Little Miss series.
His latest book is a disturbing folk/horror called The Last Weekend, with Little Miss Evil 3: Evil Ends to follow.
Jim also owns Question Mark Press, a publisher that looks to help authors publish their books by offering a free platform, advice, tools and a publisher community of support. He makes no money from this and the author keeps all of their royalties.
When not writing, or helping new writers, he can be found playing the drums, watching football and eating chocolate. He lives with his long-suffering wife and three beautiful children in Swindon, Wiltshire UK.
Let’s get to know this multi-talented musician, amazing writer, and all around great guy, Jim Ody!
Tell me a little about yourself.
I grew up on a farm in the middle of nowhere. The isolation was part of what led me into books and movies, and thus creating my own worlds with friends I'd never had. I've always been obsessed with living in a town with friends next door, and a strong community. I work full-time as a Business Analyst (essentially a problem solver), and this is a job that completely suits me. Like when I think of an idea of a novel, I start with a problem statement of 'What if?' then I weave a story around that. My job surrounds people telling me what they want to happen and I find a way of making that happen. I have to think of an answer through the eyes of everyone, and again this has parallels with my books where the actions have waves of consequences for many people.
Why write horror? What is it about writing terrifying scenes that excites you?
The question could be, what is horror? For me when you are exposed to the news you are surrounded by horror. War, school shootings, drugs, break-ins, the financial decline - this are far more terrifying than ghosts and monsters to me, so what I create is pure escapism. It's a world where something awful happens, but characters who are relatable can be heroes. I also love how within the horror genre you hardly see books that are the same. There truly is something for everyone. The fact that you can produce such a strong emotion in people you've never met is a powerful thing. For me, I try to think about the things that make me uncomfortable. So isolation, loss and a lack of control are all things I try to amplify in various guises.
What’s the scariest book you’ve read? And why?
I don't often get scared by books, but probably Jack Ketchum's book Girl Next Door. The fact it was based on a true story made it really shocking, uncomfortable and scary.
What are you working on now? Is it a standalone? Part of a series?
I'm working on book that is best described as classic King meets classic Koontz with a contemporary twist. It's about a guy who is forced back to the small town he grew up in when his marriage breaks down. He reluctantly returns with his two children and very soon remembers why he escaped. The town is unique. Nobody usually leaves it so perhaps the evil there knew he'd return...and this time it will not let him leave.
Describe as best you can the first or most significant success you’ve had in your writing career.
One of my favourite moments was after I released my first book and my work colleagues bought a copy. They all individually wrote pieces inside saying how proud they were of me. To be appreciated by people who knew me at a time when I was suddenly selling books all over the country was amazing. I hadn't envisioned selling more than a handful of books, and now 7 years later I've released 20 books and sold them in 16 countries. But I appreciate how I felt back then.
Where can we find you?
Jim Ody’s Spooky Circus Street Team
EMAIL: jim.ody@hotmail.co.uk
Special thanks to the incredibly talented Jim Ody for getting a little close and personal with us today on MASTERS OF HORROR. Here’s what one reviewer had to say about Jim’s latest book, THE LAST WEEKEND
“Personally I always find horror to be Jim Ody's best work and this one was no exception! Absolutely loved this book. Gripped from start to finish and I pray I never have to go on any team building events in my lifetime! An easy 5* from me. Brilliant read for anyone who loves a good horror read!” - Amazon Reviewer
Why are you still reading this and not reading THE LAST WEEKEND? It sounds amazing, and if it’s even half as good as the reviewer claims you are in for an absolute gripping read!
These interviews have been a labour of love. I love learning about the lives of fellow horror writers. Where did they grow up? What jobs have they done? Or still do while they create these amazing stories? What scares them? What they’re reading? What drives them to create the stories we all love to devour? So thanks again to Jim for letting us peek behind the curtain on the life of an amazing talent!
If you are a horror writer who would like to be featured on MASTERS OF HORROR for some free publicity just click the link below, answer the 5 Questions as fully and completely as possible and soon, you too, will be a MASTER OF HORROR!