Q&A with Bill Wood

 

 

 

Bill Wood is the author of the new young adult novel Let's Split Up. He is based in the UK. 

 

Q: What inspired you to write Let’s Split Up, and how did you create your cast of characters?

 

A: Funnily enough, I was inspired to write the book after rewatching the live-action Scooby-Doo movie in 2021. I was with my little brother and as it ended, I remember wishing there was an aged-up version.

 

That entire franchise really lends itself well to horror - the mystery of it all, the group of friends, the small town - so I sat down and tried to make it work.

 

At the same time, I was in university and doing all of these horror modules and the words wrote themselves. The cast of characters came pretty quickly too because I knew I wanted a satirical take on teen horror stereotypes.

 

For example, one of the main characters is Cam, who's technically the jock of the group. But he's also aware that he's the jock and makes comments on that. They were all constructed to be a classic stereotypical horror character, but twisted enough to bring something new to the table.

 

Q: The writer Lucy Rose said of the book, “An unmissable love letter to the spooks of Scream and Scooby Doo, this is a deeply atmospheric, tense and propulsive debut fuelled by horror.” What do you think of that description?

 

A: That was one of the quotes that really struck me because both franchises were integral to my youth. I was worried when I finished writing the book that my inspirations might have been lost in translation, but quotes like that make me realise I've toed the line quite alright.

 

Q: Did you know how the novel would end before you started writing it, or did you make many changes along the way?

 

A: I didn't! I had a general outline for the book, but the ending was something I kept a surprise, even to myself. I write a lot differently nowadays, but back then, I let the story take me, then realised halfway through who the killer was. After I finished the first draft, that was when I went back and weaved in the clues and made everything logical.

 

Q: What do you hope readers take away from the book?

 

A: It might sound cheesy and I said this a few times when the book first came out in the UK, but there really is something powerful about friendship.

 

As cliché as it sounds, when you look at most horror films or really any kind of media, there’s often a tight-knit group of friends at the centre of it all. I wanted to highlight that friendship can genuinely make a difference.

 

That said, while the book is meant to be fun and entertaining, it also explores deeper themes like self-discovery, coming out, and the way the press can distort reality. It’s a reminder not to take everything at face value.

 

Q: What are you working on now?

 

A: I'm currently putting the finishing touches on the sequel, Be Right Back, which comes out this October in the UK and next spring in the US.

 

This book is my pride and joy, I can't lie. It's bigger and more daring than the first book. There were so many things on my mind while writing it, especially the political climate of the world--it's hard to ignore--so that's definitely seeped into the story.

 

I'm also editing my first adult fantasy novel for fun. It's very rough around the edges, but I'm having fun with it!

 

Q: Anything else we should know?

 

A: I'm so excited for US readers to finally get a chance to pick up the book! And if you've missed the news, once you've finished reading, there's a television series adaptation currently in development. It's still early days, but it's exciting to think that the story will take on a new life on screen!

 

--Interview with Deborah Kalb