An Interview with JC Bratton: Author of Who’s At the Door?

Growing up loving horror and mystery tales, JC Bratton’s Freshman effort in the world of fiction pays homage to the Point Horror novels she would read as a kid: stories such as Slumber Party by Christopher Pike and Twisted by RL Stine. Some of her biggest influences are Alfred Hitchcock, Lois Duncan, Stephen King and Richard Matheson. JC does have a day job but would really be excited if Netflix would make a movie based on her first short story. JC resides in the heart of Silicon Valley: San Jose, California.

Tell us about your book.

Recent high school graduate Jamie Patterson had to decline a Hawaiian cruise with her family and stay at home due to the fact that she got into a car accident that left her with a fractured leg. Jamie’s father installed a video-monitored doorbell to protect the home. After her parents leave for Hawaii, Jamie is just enjoying another day at home when it happened: at 3:33 PM, she receives a notification on her phone that the doorbell rang; however, there was no one at the door.

With the aid of her ex-boyfriend, Mark, Jamie becomes entangled in a terrifying supernatural mystery all to answer the one simple question: “Who’s at the door?” The story is very quick-paced. I leave much to the interpretation of the reader. I think the scariest stories are when evil just “is” – no need for logical explanations. Not to give too much away, but I also love urban legends, so to do a modern take on Bloody Mary was particularly fun.

Why did you want to write a book?

From 2015-2017, I split my time between Reno, NV and San Jose, CA so I could take care of my father who was very ill. When I stayed in San Jose, I lived with my boyfriend at the time, Ralph. He installed a “ring doorbell” to help catch package thieves in the neighborhood. When he showed me the app, I immediately commented that this could make the ultimate horror tale: imagine if the app says there was motion at the door but no one was there — or so you thought?! Anyhow, that became the inspiration.

I am a HUGE fan of horror and mystery tales. My target audience for this short story is Young Adult (12-17). I incorporate a number of urban legends as well: for example, Hanako-san, a Japanese urban legend of a creepy little girl who haunts bathrooms! It was really fun to write this story, and I have many more to write!

Why did you choose to self-publish?

It’s a quick way to get your stories out there for the public to enjoy! It also removes the “middle man” – you get complete freedom to be creative, take risks, etc. without having to worry about the interests of the publishing house or literary agency.

What tools or companies did you use, and what experience did you have?

Vellum is a great software to use. I actually compose my stories directly in the software. It gives me an instant preview and allows me to generate both print and ebooks on the fly.

Would you self-publish again?

Absolutely, yes!

What tips can you give other authors looking to self-publish?

Beta test your product first. For example, I posted the first 6 chapters of my story for my friends/family on Facebook to read. They gave me some great feedback to help me understand if I was heading in the right direction with the story (and, especially, if I had a real hit on my hands!).

Who are your biggest writing inspirations and why?

Some of my biggest influences are RL Stine, Stephen King and Richard Matheson. I love horror and mystery “masters.” Matheson, in particular, was a godsend. “Bid Time Return” / “Somewhere in Time” is the most haunting, romantic story ever written. It didn’t hurt that the most perfect man to have ever lived, Christopher Reeve, played Richard Collier in the screen version opposite the incredible Jane Seymour.

How do your friends and family get involved with your writing? What do they think of your book?

I had a number of friends read drafts. It was extremely helpful. I have some very intelligent friends who are avid book readers, so I knew they were going to give me the most honest opinion possible. When hearing so many positive reviews, I knew I had a hit on my hands!

What are your plans now your book is published?

Lots and lots of advertising! In March, I am going to head down to LA to pitch my story for Hollywood.

What’s next for you as an author?

In addition to promoting Who’s at the Door? I am working on a new short story: a time travel romance/mystery/thriller called “Parasomnia.” It centers around a recent divorcee who becomes obsessed with a man she sees in a hypnopompic hallucination (hypnopompic hallucinations can occur when going from sleep to wakefulness). She learns that they have a mystical connection and a thrilling mystery unfolds that leads to danger and intrigue. It’s going to be really fun to write!