• Q: Where do you draw your inspiration from?
  — submitted by Gregory M. Thacker
• A: I have many muses. Much of the time, I get my best ideas while looking at art or reading. Sometimes it’s an image or just a sentence that sets the gears in motion. Just browse through a few books of Japanese or Chinese art and see if your imagination isn’t stimulated. Also, nightmares have always been a favorite thing for me to include in my work.
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• Q: Much of your book seems morbid. Are you morbid?
  — submitted by Rhonda Gordo
• A: I have my fair share of morbid thoughts and sick twisted fantasies, but probably no more than the average person. Don’t be fooled by the all black clothing, the coffin in my bedroom, or the fact that I lurk about graveyards at night. I am the average boy next door.
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• Q: Are the characters in your stories based on real people?
  — submitted by Rev. K.R. Young
• A: Yes and no. Some characters may be loosely inspired by an acquaintance while others are composites of several people I know, but no character is an exact replica of an actual person. Note the story “The Red Hen.” The main character is based on a friend of mine. I also like to hide names of my friends in background details. On occasion I have put their faces here and there in unexpected locations. If you check the details you might be surprised what you come across.
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• Q: I have noticed that there are lots of characters in your art that resemble the picture of you on your Biography page. Are these other images also of you? If you’re the model for the vampire in the unfinished work “Mr. Tepes, A Vampire in Nashville,” then I must say, you have great legs.
  — submitted by D.L, RN
• A: Why, thanks! Yes, I throw my own image in as often as possible. It’s a horror book, so my mug intensifies the fear factor.
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• Q: Do you do book signings or make public appearances?
  — submitted by Lord Dennerdrawl of Mordorf
• A: I have signed my share of books but I haven’t done a book tour. The thought has crossed my mind but I am busy right now. I do appear publicly, usually at my favorite Chinese restaurant. Really though, I haven’t really explored that avenue yet, but I hope to in the future.
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• Q: Are you married? I noticed your bio stepped around your personal life. We fans need to know!
  — submitted by Becky Rae Turgis
• A: No, I am not married. It’s illegal in this state. ^_~ I don’t like to give out lots of details about my private life. Otherwise, it wouldn’t be private anymore.
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• Q: Do you do other kinds of art besides pen and ink drawings?
  — submitted by Hoyt Clydesdale
• A: Rarely. I do a lot of Chinese and Japanese-style art, sometimes color. I have also designed some tattoos for friends. I truly enjoy that.
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• Q: I noticed that your art seems to be a bit like Edward Gorey’s art. Is it?
  — submitted by Frank Nitty
• A: Mr. Gorey is one of my favorite authors/artists. I do share some of his techniques but I try very hard to be original. I could never be another Edward Gorey and I won’t try to be. I do like his art and I have a vast collection of his work, but I just do my own thing.
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• Q: Do you do commissioned works?
  — submitted by Lucinda P. Summers
• A: Yes. Again, mostly for my friends, but I would consider any offer. I have made journals of washi paper, painted hand fans and made cards and invitations. Being a jack of all trades is the only way for a striving artist to stave off starvation.

© 2004—2009 Ben Wu. All rights reserved.