 Honestly, I don’t think we need to break past any assumptions – let people assume what they want. Horror, whether books, comics, or films - or any other artistic medium for that matter - is the most diverse of any genre. That is if you are willing to take the time to dive in with an open mind and discover the plethora of awesome material out there. Not everyone can be an outstanding writer or storyteller like Ray Bradbury and Mary Shelley, but there are a lot of creative voices yet to be heard, and horror can lead the way. Andy Kumpon is the Co-Founder of KillerBeam Entertainment. Kumpon has always been interested in sci-fi/horror/fantasy. He is a big fan of the old Godzilla movies, creature feature and of course Star Wars and the films of John Carpenter and the Novels of Stephen King. Kumpon has several feature length screenplays he is looking to develop, namely his upcoming Sci-Fi, zombie epic Seeds of the Dead featuring a take on GMO, and his Action/Sci-Fi screenplay The Pit, which he plans on adapting into a Graphic Novel sometime in 2020. He is of Mexican/American descent. WEBSITE LINKS Amazon link: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08C4BC5M4/ Amazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.com/Andy-Kumpon/e/B081DVKR7H Website and Book Trailer: https://www.killerbeamfilms.com/ebooks Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/killerbeam/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/killerbeamen Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/killerbeamentertainment/ Could you tell the readers a little bit about yourself? Well, I’m just an average guy, nothing special. There is nothing too interesting about me. I was born and raised in the Pacific Northwest, Mexican/American, and lived in New York City for a while. I like both the outdoors and the Big City life. I love video production/filmmaking, and everything I’ve written has come from a screenplay rather than an actual premise/outline for a novel. But unless you’re an oligarch or elitist, making films is very expensive endeavor. Regardless, being creative ultimately is what’s keeping me alive, so I guess that’s a good thing. And Seeds of the Dead is a great take on the awesome zombie genre in my humble opinion. Which one of your characters would you least like to meet in real life? Well, from Seeds of the Dead, I would say Jake. He’s one of those annoying, self-righteous hipster type dudes – you know the kind. He would feel right at home in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, glaring at you condescendingly as he sips his kombucha tea. But ultimately, even Jake has some redeeming qualities, so read the book and find out. (Wink-wink) Other than the horror genre, what else has been a major influence on your writing? METAL! I love metal, in particular Thrash, Doom, Death, and Black metal. The dark imagery it paints in your mind, just wonderful! If you love horror but don’t listen to metal, you are missing out. As a matter of fact, I wrote a majority of Seeds of the Dead to the awesome blasts beats of the death metal band Nile. The term horror, especially when applied to fiction always carries such heavy connotations. What’s your feeling on the term “horror” and what do you think we can do to break past these assumptions? Honestly, I don’t think we need to break past any assumptions – let people assume what they want. Horror, whether books, comics, or films - or any other artistic medium for that matter - is the most diverse of any genre. That is if you are willing to take the time to dive in with an open mind and discover the plethora of awesome material out there. Not everyone can be an outstanding writer or storyteller like Ray Bradbury and Mary Shelley, but there are a lot of creative voices yet to be heard, and horror can lead the way. A lot of good horror movements have arisen as a direct result of the socio/political climate, considering the current state of the world where do you see horror going in the next few years? I think it’s always good for horror to expand its horizons. There is nothing wrong with exploring social commentary, and interweaving that into the reality of the story you are telling. Sometimes it works, and sometimes it doesn’t work. I mean with “Seeds of the Dead” I touch on genetically modified food and corporate monopolies. But my story doesn’t center on that, the story centers around the characters and their relationships, their conflicts both internal and external. The social commentary is just icing on the cake. It’s what’s under the icing that really matters. Given the dark, violent and at times grotesque nature of the horror genre why do you think so many people enjoy reading it? It’s a release for many people, like the aforementioned Metal music. It allows us to tap our deepest, darkest fears. It can also be alluring and highly emotional, in its raw and stark, and at times violent beauty. And sometimes, it's just good, gory fun! It just depends on what you are looking for - like any genre - it truly has something for everyone if you look long and hard enough. What, if anything, is currently missing from the horror genre? Honestly, nothing I can think of is missing, because horror touches all. In one way or the other.… What new and upcoming authors do you think we should take notice off? Wayne Kyle Spitzer is cranking some great stuff horror genre, namely in the Dinosaur apocalypse type stories, namely Flashback. I also personally know him, and he is a great writer, so you won’t be disappointed. Are there any reviews of your work, positive or negative that have stayed with you? Nope, none that I can think of off-hand. But the night is still young…. What aspects of writing to do you find the most difficult? Good question. Probably just sitting down and finding your flow, the valve to creativity that you can turn on like a faucet and write. When you can’t find it, you challenge yourself to write anyway, even if it’s just a little at a time and complete crap, because eventually, you’ll find what you are looking for - eventually. It can be a challenge. Is there one subject you would never write about as an author? No. Nor should any author limit himself or herself, especially in the horror genre. I mean, it’s always a safe bet to write what you know, but for everything else, well, that’s what Google is for, so use it! It’s free even! Writing, is not a static process, how have you developed as a writer over the years? Again, you just find the time , everyday if you can, even if just a little, and get some writing done. Most of my stories are adapted from screenplays I’ve written. Would I love to make them into movies someday? Well yeah! But that’s my outline and treatment, and I develop it from there. I am not a traditional writer, nor do I want to be. But you do you, and find your own way to develop your skills and routine. What is the best piece of advice you ever received with regards to your writing? Just do it, man! And writing is rewriting. And rewriting some more, and some more…. Which of your characters is your favorite? Well, from Seeds of the Dead, I would say Alex. He’s wheelchair-bound, but that doesn’t stop him from meeting the threat - the conflict - head-on. He is also a part of Anonymous, a smart kid with a lot of guts, and an even bigger heart. Which of your books best represents you? For now, that would be Seeds of the Dead for its wicked sense of humor. It was really a fun script, and an even more fun book to write. Do you have a favorite line or passage from your work, and would you like to share it with us? I don’t know if it’s my favorite, but the line - “Eat the fruit, motherf**ker—Now!”- Cracks me up. Especially when you know WHAT that fruit will do to you if you do eat it! Can you tell us about your last book, and can you tell us about what you are working on next? My last book was titled Day Crosser - which highlights a poor migrant farming family from Mexico looking to escape the ruthless violence of the drug cartels. Not horror per say, but very intense, and a harsh look at the evils of racism and the beauty of empathy. The next book that I’m going to personally tackle, is titled The Pit - As genetically engineered Were Beast Gladiators (shapeshifting human-animal hybrids) fight to the death in the Pit, a young man amongst them leads a revolution against the evil Corporate Empire that created them all. It’s dystopian science fiction/action with elements of horror mixed in. If you could erase one horror cliché what would be your choice? I wouldn’t, not even the bad ones! I’m not into erasing (or cancelling) tropes and clichés. If you want t use it, that’s fine with me. What was the last great book you read, and what was the last book that disappointed you? The last great book I read was the Dark Elf Trilogy by R.A. Salvatore from Forgotten Realms. As far as disappointments, uh, I’ll just humbly keep that to myself. What's the one question you wish you would get asked but never do? And what would be the answer? Do you like to eat sardines? And the answer is “Hell Yes I do! Guts and all!” Seeds of the Dead will be available FREE to download exclusively from Amazon for FIVE glorious, gory days - starting July 22nd thru July 26th! Be sure to download your free copy NOW! Download Seeds of the Dead for free: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08C4BC5M4/  When his evil superiors create a new strain of genetically modified food (GMO) that transforms ordinary people into ravenous, bloodthirsty zombies, a disillusioned scientist turns whistle-blower and becomes their next target.... Seeds Of The Dead is a story about a man at a crossroads, one which will, in turn, jeopardize the very fate of humankind. On one hand, this man supports the creation of GMO (genetically modified organisms) to help feed the world. But to do so he must align himself with a nefarious corporation and the corrupt elitists who control it. Set against a zombie-apocalypse pandemic in small-town America, the story’s hero is Peter Malik, a promising young scientist employed by the dubious Moonstar Foods INC. When Peter learns the treachery his corporation is set to unleash upon the unsuspecting masses, he threatens to expose their dark secrets by becoming a “whistleblower”. The corporation retaliates, contaminating Peter’s hometown with the zombie virus through infected food. Can Peter save his hometown, his parents, and the woman he adores, plus warn the entire planet of the impending doom? Seeds Of The Dead explores controversial issues with elements of horror and gallows humor in this page-turning action and suspense novel! You are what you eat, and it may just eat you back!   THE HEART AND SOUL OF HORROR REVIEW WEBSITES
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