Gary Buller is an author from Manchester England where he lives with his partner Lisa and daughters Holly and Evie. He grew up in the Peak District where the hauntingly beautiful landscapes inspired him to write. He is a huge fan of all things macabre, and loves a tale with a twist. He is a member of the Horror Writers Association.
KR: Could you tell me a little about yourself please?
I’m a thirty something horror writer who grew up in the Peak District. I’ve since moved to Manchester where I live with my other half and our two girls. I’m also the scourge of twitter. 😆
KR: What do you like to do when not writing?
I used to be into gaming. I treated myself to a Nintendo Switch on launch day last year, but I’ve hardly played it since. Zelda is so good from what I have played. I always try to make time for my family and we like the occasional day out. I can often be found at farms and petting zoo’s.
KR: What is your favourite childhood book?
Probably something by Roald Dahl like The Witches. He was such a fantastic writer, so imaginative. I’ve since bought my eight year old most of his books. I was delighted when my short story collection was second to his ghost stories at one point on Amazon.
KR: What are you reading now?
90% of my book consumption is Audible. I don’t really have much time to sit and read, so I listen. I’ve recently finished a revisit of Skeleton Crew by Stephen King and started A Head Full of Ghosts by Paul Tremblay after hearing very good things.
KR: What is your favourite album, and does music play any role in your writing?
That’s a tough one. Music doesn’t play a role in my writing because I find it only distracts me. My favourite album would be something like ‘Enema of the State’ by Blink 182, or ‘The Colour and the Shape.’ By The Foo Fighters, but I’ll probably read this back and kick myself for missing something really good out.
KR: Who were the authors that inspired you to write?
Stephen King is an obvious one. Also Edgar Allan Poe and the aforementioned Ronald Dahl.
KR: Do you work to an outline or plot or do you prefer to just see where an idea takes you?
I’m too lazy to work on an outline plot, though an idea might be swirling around my head for months and finally arrive on the page with some sort of basic structure. I’m a pantser for sure.
KR: What kind of research do you do, and how long do you spend researching before beginning a book?
I might spend ten minutes on Google here and there to ensure what I’m writing is accurate or to clarify something in my mind. I’m not at a stage where I feel like I’m ready to write novel length stories so I’m concentrating on short form stuff in hope that I improve first. That makes research a lot simpler.
KR: Describe your usual writing day?
Get up, bus to my day job. 30 to 60 minutes writing on my laptop and then another hour at lunch. I get home and try to squeeze another hour in after putting the little ones to bed.
KR: Do you have a favourite story/short that you’ve written (published or not)?
PET Shop, published on Gallery of Curiosities podcast is right up there. They did such a good job with it. My most recent story Porcelain Skin in Unnerving is also one I’m very fond of.
KR: Do you read your book reviews?
I’m a writer, of course! Anything that feeds my ego! Lol
KR: Any advice for a fledgling author?
Don’t start off trying to write a novel. You might have good ideas, but your writing will be crap. Work on short stories, avoid passive sentences and flowery prose. Do enough drafts to make it right and read it aloud. If you’re stumbling over the words then that’s how it’ll come across in the readers mind. Join a writing group or get friends to read your stuff and give an honest opinion.
KR: What scares you?
I had a terror fear of death (don’t we all?) but when my mum passed away last year it sort of went away. I’m not keen on underwater beasts. Anything below the surface you can’t see.
KR: E-Book, Paperback or Hardback?
Audio all the way, though I’ll collect first edition hardbacks from writers I really like, if I can afford it. I have an attic full of boxed books.
KR: Can you tell me about your latest release please?
My latest release is Porcelain Skin, a short story in Unnerving Magazine. It’s about an impatient woman who plans to murder her aunt to get at her inheritance. Her aunt’s doll collection has other ideas, though.
KR: What are you working on now?
A piece of flash fiction due for submission at the end of this month, and a short story I’ve been working with on and off for almost a year. I’ve always got numerous stories in various stages of completion.
KR: You find yourself on a desert island, which three people would you wish to be deserted with you and why?
You can choose…
a) One fictional character from your writing.
b) One fictional character from any other book.
c) One real life person that is not a family member or friend.
(a) Harry Stubaker from Silencing the Bell. (Aphotic Realm) Such a tragic character who did such a terrible thing.
(b) Paul Sheldon, post Misery. I bet he’d have some stories to tell, and he’s a fellow writer.
(c) Evil Dead actor, Bruce Campbell. What a guy. So funny. He understands the fans.
KR: Thank you very much Gary.
You can follow Gary on Twitter @garybuller
To find out more about Gary please visit his official website www.garybuller.com
You can read a short by Gary via the fantastic Aphotic Realm Silencing The Bell
Welcome to the Mechanisms of Despair. In this chilling collection of horror shorts, you will find tales of the macabre, stories of suicidal tendencies, and moments of acute psychological torment. This collection will raise money for two very good causes- the publisher is donating its proceeds to The Alzheimer’s Foundation in the USA, and Gary Buller will be donating his to Sarcoma UK- A charity that helps people suffering with bone and soft tissue cancer- people like his mum.
All proceeds from Mechanisms Of Despair will be donated to two great causes the Alzheimer’s Foundation and Sarcoma UK. So please pick up a copy and show your support.
You can buy a copy of Mechanisms Of Despair from Amazon UK & Amazon US
Unnerving Magazine: Issue #5 can be bought from Amazon UK & Amazon US
You can listen to PET Shop @ Gallery of Curiosities here
KR: I do believe this is the longest I’ve ever interacted with Gary and he’s not come out with the filthiest of innuendo. I hope he’s ok!
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