An Interview with JC Bratton: Author of Things That Go Bump in the Night

Growing up loving horror and mystery tales, JC Bratton writes short stories that pay 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. She lives in San Jose, California with her husband, stepsons, and cats.

Tell us about your book.

JC Bratton’s Things That Go Bump in the Night, Volume One (Urban Legends) is a series of 4 campfire-like short stories that are fast and quicken the pulse. They are meant for a young adult crowd who appreciate ghost stories blended with a bit of sci-fi/fantasy.

The stories are largely dialogue-driven, so I am purposefully doing more “telling” rather than “showing.” It works for the way my stories are designed. You’ll notice that all the stories are intertwined, each giving you hints of what’s to come.

“Who’s Back at the Door?,” the last story in the book, is meant to be the direct sequel to “Who’s at the Door?” (the first story). However, you had to have read all the other stories to truly appreciate it. I built a universe of characters, and they finally get to meet up and attempt to silence the main villain (Bloody Mary) for good!

Why did you want to write a book?

I’ve been self-publishing since 2017. Growing up, I was a journalism student, so I always enjoyed writing; however, I wrote quick stories. I don’t think I’ll ever be a 1,000+ page novelist, like Stephen King. I don’t think I have the patience for that (and, I do have a day job!). So, I enjoy writing short stories and easy-to-digest blog pieces or magazine articles.

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?

I use Vellum; it’s been a great tool! I keep using it because it’s been a great experience; it helps me format ebooks and print publications very easily. I also use Amazon exclusively. Their KDP format has been very user-friendly, and it also allows my stories to be distributed globally.

Would you self-publish again?

Yep, that’s all I do!

What do you think are the main pitfalls for indie writers?

It’s tough because you have to market yourself. Be patient and persistent. Don’t give up your day job…yet (i.e., Netflix movie deal!).

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

Beta test your product first…but don’t just have your friends/family read your stories. Go on Fiverr or Upwork and find unbiased beta readers who will give you honest feedback. It’s critical.

What was your steepest learning curve during the publishing process?

There are a lot of things to think about. Do you only have an ebook? Do you have an audiobook? How much should you charge? It’s rewarding in that no one can block you, but you have to compete with the large publishing firms. I guess it’s best to keep your expectations low…and do this because YOU love it.

Who are your biggest writing inspirations and why?

I have always been a fan of flash fiction and short terror tales such as Slumber Party by Christopher Pike and Twisted by R.L. Stine. My biggest influence, however, is Richard Matheson. The pace and supernatural elements in my stories come from some of Matheson’s tales. For example, “Parasomnia” draws some of its romantic elements from Matheson’s Bid Time Return (aka Somewhere in Time). In addition, “Dollhouse” took some of its charm from Matheson’s Zuni Warrior doll from Trilogy of Terror.

I am a huge fan of J-Horror. I gave Bloody Mary an East-Meets-West twist, bringing in the legend of Hanako-San, the little girl who was murdered in a bathroom, and mixing it with a bit of Samara from The Ring.

Lastly, you’ll notice that within my stories the characters listen to a radio show/podcast called Things That Go Bump in the Night. It’s based on Coast the Coast AM, a radio show and podcast that I have listened to for years. The host in my universe is Pete Williams from the high desert in Nevada; he’s a lot like Art Bell and George Noory. I also have a podcast called Things That Go Bump in the Night – it’s a way to make my fiction become fact. I guess you can say that I am also “Pete Williams.”

What’s next for you as an author?

I plan to write some more short stories. It will be another volume in the Things That Go Bump in the Night series. The first story will be called “IT Knows,” a cyber/AI terror tale that will involve many of the people from Who’s at the Door? and “The Renter,” a “loosely based on a true story” ghost story.