Author and filmmaker Ron Ford comes to Superior

Just in time for Halloween, the Mineral County Library will host a special guest who knows a thing or two about giving audiences goosebumps.

Filmmaker, author, and actor Ron Ford will appear for a book signing and Q&A session at the Mineral County Library in Superior on Thursday, Oct. 30 at 2 p.m. 

The event promises chills, laughs, and a behind-the-scenes peek into a career that spans decades in independent horror filmmaking and fiction writing. Ford, best known for penning the 1995 cult horror film “The Fear” and directing “Hollywood Mortuary” has been writing, directing and acting in genre films since the 1990s. While he once worked the Hollywood grind creating low-budget horror features for distributors, Ford now makes short films with fellow creatives in Spokane, where he lives with his partner Carma Briggs. Carma, who was raised in Superior, is the daughter of Doug and the late Neva Cummings, and her sister Shana Williams helped organize the upcoming event.

“I had never been to Superior before Carma and I got together,” Ford shared. “But I’ve visited at least a dozen times in the past six years. I’m very grateful to Shana for helping arrange this event.” 

During the event, Ford plans to talk about his experiences in filmmaking and writing, and will offer a live reading, either his award-winning Poe parody The Ravin’ or his terrifying short story Mr. Flap-Flap. 

“I’ll let the audience choose whether they want a laugh or a chill,” he said.

In addition to the reading, Ford will host a Q & A session and have copies of his books and films available for purchase and signing. 

“I’ll be selling everything for just $10 each and will be happy to sign them,” he added. 

Ford says his audience includes anyone who enjoys Halloween, horror or is curious about writing or filmmaking. 

“While all of my stories have horrific elements, I blend in a lot of humor — except for my novel “The Graverobbers,” which, despite the title, is actually a mainstream comedy about low-budget filmmakers in the 1950s.” 

When asked what led him down this career path, Ford said his love for movies started early. 

“I grew up in the 1960s during the monster craze. My brother and I would comb through the TV listings each week, circling every horror and sci-fi title. I was obsessed with monster magazines. My parents told me I’d grow out of it, but I never did. Sorry, mom and dad,” he laughed.

Ford encourages aspiring writers and filmmakers to dive in. 

“Don’t wait for permission. Write every day to develop your voice. If you want to make movies, shoot on your phone if that’s all you have. We live in a time when it’s never been easier or cheaper to create and share your work.” 

Though Ford admits some of his earlier projects in Hollywood were more paycheck than passion, like the infamous “Turborator,” a knockoff of “The Terminator” he directed under a pseudonym, he now focuses on smaller, more personal films. 

“I like the stuff I’m making now a lot more than what I did back in my old Hollywood days,” he said.

In recent years, Ford has found a renewed passion in acting and stage work and even ventured into animation. His stop-motion short “The Ravin’” has won multiple awards, adding another unique layer to his multifaceted career. 

“I’ve never done a book signing before,” he admitted. “But I love performing, and I’m a member of the Screen Actors Guild—so give me an audience and I’m happy. I’m really looking forward to this. Thanks so much to the Mineral County Library and to Florence Evans for all her help in making it happen.” 

The event is Thursday, Oct. 30 at 2p.m. at the Mineral County Library – 301 2nd Avenue East in Superior. Refreshments will be served.