Today we’re joined by the wonderful Bill Wood, who is a content creator, former bookseller and the bestselling author of Let’s Split Up, a queer slasher-inspired horror-thriller that snuck into readers’ hearts and shot to the top of the charts. He returns to give readers fresh nightmares in the sequel Be Right Back.
Hi Bill, thank you for joining us again to chat all things Be Right Back. Could you briefly introduce yourself and your latest book?
Hello! I’m Bill Wood, author of the Let’s Split Up trilogy. Be Right Back is book two and ups all the stakes while introducing a ton of new faces, as well as a creepy Halloween festival.
What were your inspirations for this sequel?
So many! It’s funny because I don’t actively go into writing these books with a laundry list of inspirations… they just happen. For Be Right Back, there’s definitely a big Scooby-Doo and the Witches Ghost line throughout. That creepy, fall-time festival that doesn’t seem quite normal. On the opposite side, Urban Legend was also a big inspiration. It’s no secret that this series is my take on a ‘90s horror movie, so that’s something that happened subconsciously.
What other great horror sequels would you recommend?
My favourite question. Aliens is the first that comes to mind. Clearly, very different from Let’s Split Up, but love it either way. In terms of Let’s Split Up adjacent, I loved Halloween (2018), Pearl, Hellraiser 2, and Childs Play 2.
How did you approach writing this sequel and did your style change from Let’s Split Up?
The gap between the first drafts of book one and two was about three years, and I can really see the growth. Not just in the writing, but in how I approached the story. With Be Right Back, I plotted everything in advance, which took a while to get used to, but has since become my favourite way to work. However, I never stick to it completely. The outline is just a guide, so I can let myself deviate when it feels right because that’s when some of the most exciting twists happen. \
Yet again, the characterisation is stellar and really is the beating heart of the books. How did you want them to evolve as we drop back into their lives?
Thank you! I don’t think these books would work if it weren’t for these characters. They’re all distinct and work off of each other really well, so I knew I didn’t want to mess with that. If anything, I wanted to explore that. I won’t spoil anything, of course, but in Be Right Back I got to play with the extent of these characters relationships. When something horrendous happens in someone’s life, how would each of them react? Would most of them be supportive? Would one of them have something to say?
It was a really fun thing to explore because they’re a year older now, they’re in college, they’re meeting new people. Everyone’s life is different.
What is one key message or thought you would like readers to leave Be Right Back with?
When readers finish Be Right Back, I think my stance on the sensationalisation of true crime will be pretty clear. Even though the book is set in 2002, I didn’t struggle to weave that theme into the story. Obsession with tragedy existed long before the boom of social media, YouTube, and podcasts. It just looked a little different back then.
What other horror (could be TV, film or books) would pair well with Be Right Back?
Other than the ones I’ve already mentioned, I think the Clown in a Cornfield books pair super well with this series. Another one is Bury Your Gays by Chuck Tingle—this one is adult, so warning—because it’s so meta and movie-like. In terms of film, I’m always going to recommend You’re Next. An incredible survival, final-girl story.
What, if anything, can you tell us about One Last Scare?
I’ve never been more excited about something I’ve written! It’s super out there, and I mean that literally too. We’re moving away from Sanera in the finale, and you may want to bring your mittens. Haha. Every horror author says that their sequel ups the stakes and the spectacle, but I really mean it here. I can’t wait for it to be out in the world.
What books are you eager to pick up this year?
There’s quite a few! I’m dying to read Juno Dawson’s new book, Survival Show. It sounds right up my alley. Mothsblood by Lynn D. Jung sounds phenomenal as well. I’ve been following her Youtube for quite a while, so I’m thrilled that she’s releasing her debut novel. And for nostalgia sake, I’m excited for Cassandra Clare’s newest. The first book in the final Shadowhunters trilogy! Final!!!
Finally, what five words would you use to describe Be Right Back?
You. Can’t. Trust. Anyone. Period.
