Q&A with Todd Brown – Author Interview

Todd Brown is an author who understands how to create tension, atmosphere and emotionally driven storytelling that stays with readers long after the final page. In this Q&A interview, we sit down with Brown to talk about the inspiration behind When Shadows Burn, the creative process behind his writing and the themes that shape his work. Honest, thoughtful and engaging throughout, Todd offers genuine insight into both the challenges and rewards of bringing darker, character-driven stories to life.

From discussing the importance of suspense and emotional depth to sharing personal reflections on storytelling, this interview gives readers a closer look at the mind behind the novel. Whether you are already familiar with Todd Brown’s work or are searching for your next gripping read, the conversation offers an enjoyable and revealing look into the passion, creativity and dedication that fuels his writing.

About The Author

Tell us more about you.

I grew up all over as my father (and me) were professional baseball players. My freshman year in high school, I attended four different schools in three states (favorite color is black). At one point, my upstairs neighbor was a famous chimpanzee named, Zippy, so I would go hang out with him and eat breakfast at the table with him.

What are the three items you’d take on a deserted island?

A boat with plenty of fuel, water, and food to get off the island.

Who is your biggest role model?

My trans son, who is the bravest person I have ever met. He wakes up everyday knowing that people hate him for no reason but keeps smiling and working to make the world a more accepting and better place.

What is your favourite book and who is your favourite author?

I don’t think I can name just one author or book. But, here are my attempts: Non fiction would be either Jennifer Wright or David Grann. Favorite non fiction would have to be The Art Thief by Michael Finkel. Fiction author… I don’t think I have one, but Shirley Jackson and Mary Shelley come to mind. Favorite fiction book… oof.. Head Full of Ghosts by Paul Tremblay and HEX by Thomas Olde Heuvelt come to mind.

Do you prefer e-books, physical books or audiobook?

E-books because of how much I read. I don’t have enough space to keep physical books!

Is writing your full-time profession or a hobby?

Writing is a hobby that I wish was my full-time job (don’t get me wrong, I love my job), but alas, I need money to pay the bills. My full-time job is being a computational sociologist that works in the field of infectious disease. I co-founded a outbreak science company that spun out of the Broad Institute of MIT/Harvard.

What social media platform do you like and use the most?

Links to my socials:

Your Writing Process

How do you go about starting a new novel?

Because I write grounded psychological horror, I don’t have to look anywhere other than what is happening in the world around me. Homophobia/transphobia, poverty, systemic failure regarding severe mental illness… I write fiction about things that are happening but shouldn’t be.

Where do you like to write?

I write in my horror themed office that is full of real props from various horror movies and tv shows. My desk is a North wind writing desk from the early 1800’s, so it’s perfect for my headspace.

What do you like most about writing?

The freedom to create and bring stories to life in a way that hopefully sticks with readers long after they’re done reading my novels.

What do you find stops you from writing more?

Time!

What genres do you like to write and why?

Psychological horror that is generally set in rural areas. I’m more interested in people than the supernatural and holding a mirror up to society through evil deeds done by seemingly good people.

What’s one piece of advice you’d give to aspiring writers?

I’m very unorthodox in how I approach and write, so I’m probably not the best person to ask this. Haha. I write conversations between characters and build environment around those conversations sometimes… other times it isn’t anything like that. It’s a feel and don’t let anyone tell you that what you’re doing isn’t the ‘right way.” I like to write people and see where that takes me. I find that when I write, I treat it like a job by setting aside a block of time to write six days/week. I put the good and the garbage on paper and don’t hold myself to too high of a standard initially. I find that writing is a skill and we can all improve. We all can be a decent writers, but it seems like real super writers have a talent that can’t be created, only refined.

Showcase Your Book!

How many books have you written and if more than one, what’s your favourite?

I have written the award winning, When Shadows Burn (discrimination), and coming this October my newest, Anna So Knows ‘Ya (severe mental illness). I’m working on another one right now (decisions poverty forces people to make), and I’ve begun brainstorming on another one (media cashing in on other people’s trauma).

How long did When Shadows Burn take you to write?

When Shadows Burn took several months with Anna taking about five months (it’s much shorter). My poverty novel looks like an eight month haul for anything resembling a readable draft for my wife (she’s always the first person to lay eyes on my work).

Lastly, what is your favourite thing about being an author?

I love to create and being an author gives me an outlet to do. I’ve always wanted to write and I’m lucky enough to be in a place in my life that allows me to do so. I also love seeing and hearing from fans (for better or worse 😊).

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