Christopher Golden is the co-author of the first Watcher's Guide. He has also written or co-written a great many books, both
novels and non-fiction, based on the popular TV series,
Buffy the Vampire Slayer. Golden's comic book work
includes the recent Wolverine/Punisher: Revelation, and
stints on The Crow, and Spider-Man Unlimited. Upcoming
projects include a run on Buffy the Vampire Slayer;
Batman: Real Worlds for DC; and the ongoing monthly
Angel series, tying into the Buffy television spinoff. He kindly took time out of his busy schedule to be interviewed by Claddagh. Check out his Website for more!
Buffy Shrine-rs: How did you become involved with the Watcher's Guides and Buffy novels?
Christopher Golden : From the very first time I saw the show, I loved it. Nancy Holder and I had been trying to come up with something to work on together, and we talked about Buffy, had our agents pursue it, and the rest is history. We were the most prolific of the Buffy writers, so when it came time to do the Watcher's Guide, we were the logical choice. Later, our schedules became difficult to coordinate because we were so busy, so we decided to split up and do separate projects. I think Pocket is pleased because I suspect they're actually getting more books out of us now.
Buffy Shrine-rs: Besides the Buffy-related books, what writing subject interests you the most?
Christopher Golden : Horror and fantasy, always, and usually in combination. : )
Buffy Shrine-rs: How much time goes into researching the Watcher's Guides?
Christopher Golden : Well, I didn't work on the second one. But the first took months of interviews, script research, and writing.
Buffy Shrine-rs: I'm sure the co-operation of the cast and crew is invaluable. To what extent are they involved in the content of the Guides?
Christopher Golden : In the first one, only to the point of doing interviews, with the exception of certain contributions, like photos from Todd McIntosh (makeup), and sketches from the stunt coordinator, wardrobe manager, etc.
Buffy Shrine-rs: Do you find it easier to collaborate with additional authors, than research and write alone?
Christopher Golden : Hmm. Not easier. But faster? Ooooh, yeah.
Buffy Shrine-rs: An obvious question here: are you an avid fan of the Buffy and Angel shows?
Christopher Golden : Wouldn't I have to be? : ) Yes!
Buffy Shrine-rs: So what are your favourite episodes and what do you like most about the shows?
Christopher Golden : Of Buffy, "Passion" and "Hush." Of Angel . . . hmmmm. Maybe "The Gift," where Cordelia finds out she has Doyle's vision, and Wesley arrives on the scene. (Doesn't he, in that one?) I've always loved horror and fantasy and mystery, and the shows combine all three. But the best thing about both is the depth of character and the interactions among them.
Buffy Shrine-rs: Will you be writing a Guide for the Angel show?
Christopher Golden : Nope. But I suspect Nancy will.
Buffy Shrine-rs: Are there any upcoming projects you wish to share with us?
Christopher Golden : October 1st, check out my new hardcover novel, Buffy the Vampire Slayer: Spike & Dru: Pretty Maids All in a Row. I'm very proud of that. Also, I have two new original novels in April of next year, STRAIGHT ON 'TIL MORNING, and PROWLERS, which is the first in a new series for teens.