Sley House Presents

We welcome Dennis Mahoney, author of Our Winter Monster, to talk about the craft of characters. We talk about how he thinks of character, how he thinks about conflict, story, and plot, and why he writes to break archetypes in his fiction while still remaining authentic to the human messiness of art.You can find Dennis Mahoney online at www.equinoxsociety.com, and you can find Our Winter Monster at your local library or favorite book retailer now from Soho Press. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hana Lee, author of the Magebike Courier duology, joins Trevor to talk about the two novels, Road to Ruin and Flight of the Fallen. Together, they talk about her worldbuilding, inspiration from Mad Max: Fury Road, and why fiction is useful in addressing real-world conflicts, plus a whole lot more.You can find Hana Lee online on most social media platforms, and you can get the Magebike Courier duology at your local library or your favorite bookstore, available now from Saga Press. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this interview, Trevor sits down with author Patrick Barb to talk about his novella Night of the Witch-Hunter, available now from Shortwave. They talk about the politics of horror, about writing characters with empathy, and about witches and witch hunters, plus a whole lot more.You can find Patrick Barb online at patrickbarb.com and you can find Night of the Witch-Hunter with exclusive swag from Shortwave Publishing at shortwavepublishing.com. Become a member at https://plus.acast.com/s/sley-house-publishing-presents-litbits. https://plus.acast.com/s/sley-house-publishing-presents-litbits. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week, Trevor visits with New York Times and Sunday Times best-selling author Sarah Pinborough to talk about her latest novel, We Live Here Now, available now from Flatiron Books. Together, they talk about her book's Gothic roots, about why she writes psychological thrillers and their importance to women readership, and about her philosophies of human psychological nature, plus a whole lot more pertaining to the book.You can find more about Sarah Pinborough through her social media platforms @sarahpinboroughbooks, and you can find We Live Here Now in any of your favorite book retailers or your local library. Become a member at https://plus.acast.com/s/sley-house-publishing-presents-litbits. https://plus.acast.com/s/sley-house-publishing-presents-litbits. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Trevor visits with author Matt Serafini about his new book Feeders, available May 20 from Gallery Books. They talk candidly about their feelings on social media, about how the book presents horror, about transgressive literature and its ability to speak to real human issues, plus a whole lot more.You can find Matt Serafini at mattserafini.com and get Feeders from your local library or your favorite book retailer on May 20, 2025. Become a member at https://plus.acast.com/s/sley-house-publishing-presents-litbits. https://plus.acast.com/s/sley-house-publishing-presents-litbits. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Trevor is joined by author Emily Tesh to talk about her new book, The Incandescent. Listen in as they discuss the book, the origins of dark academia, how The Incandescent plays with familiar expectations, and how the book reflects on the craft, labor, and importance of teaching.You can find Emily Tesh at emilytesh.net and The Incandescent at your local library or book retailer on May 13 from Tor. Become a member at https://plus.acast.com/s/sley-house-publishing-presents-litbits. https://plus.acast.com/s/sley-house-publishing-presents-litbits. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Gothic author extraordinaire Paulette Kennedy is back to talk about her latest book, The Artist of Blackberry Grange. Alongside Trevor, she talks about caretaking and dignity in aging, about history and the need for a dialogue with it, about how art shapes us and how we need to think about shaping art in the coming age, and a whole lot more.You can follow Paulette Kennedy at paulettekennedy.com and get The Artist of Blackberry Grange now from your local library or your favorite bookseller. Become a member at https://plus.acast.com/s/sley-house-publishing-presents-litbits. https://plus.acast.com/s/sley-house-publishing-presents-litbits. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Trevor sits down with author and artist Collin Armstrong to discuss his debut novel Polybius, available April 29 from Gallery Books. Together, they talk about the origins of the novel in urban legend, about the nature of art and our aspirations for it, about the way we think about and confide in media as information, and more.You can find Collin Armstrong at collinarmstrong.com and get Polybius today from your favorite local bookseller or at your local library. Become a member at https://plus.acast.com/s/sley-house-publishing-presents-litbits. https://plus.acast.com/s/sley-house-publishing-presents-litbits. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Nat Cassidy is back, this time to talk about his novel When the Wolf Comes Home, published in April 2025 by Tor Nightfire. Alongside Trevor, he talks about chase novels and shapeshifting, about acting, masks, and improvisational meaning-making, about how we live by saying "yes, and" to life, and a whole lot more about the changing nature of fear and our reactions to it. You can find Nat Cassidy at his website natcassidy.com, and you can get When the Wolf Comes Home at your local library or from your favorite book retailer on April 22, 2025! Become a member at https://plus.acast.com/s/sley-house-publishing-presents-litbits. https://plus.acast.com/s/sley-house-publishing-presents-litbits. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, Trevor speaks with Ai Jiang, the award-winning author of novellas I Am AI and Linghun about her new novella A Palace Near the Wind. They converse about alternative futures, about the importance of science fantasy as a genre in addressing human problems, about the novella's concerns about the conflict between ecological preservation and industrial progress, and a whole lot more.You can follow along with Ai Jiang's literary career by following her at aijiang.ca, and you can find A Palace Near the Wind available April 15, 2025 from Titan Books at your favorite book retailer and your local library. Become a member at https://plus.acast.com/s/sley-house-publishing-presents-litbits. https://plus.acast.com/s/sley-house-publishing-presents-litbits. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Join in with S.A. Barnes as she explores all of the good, the weird, and the weirder in her latest book, Cold Eternity. Together with Trevor, she explores how the book frames a contemporary moment in life, power, and politics, as well as dives into all of the weird and wonderful elements fleshing out the novel's sci-fi horror worldbuilding.You can support S.A. Barnes by following her at staceykade.com and by reading Cold Eternity at your local library or your favorite book retailer, available April 8, 2025 from Tor Nightfire! Become a member at https://plus.acast.com/s/sley-house-publishing-presents-litbits. https://plus.acast.com/s/sley-house-publishing-presents-litbits. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Trevor is joined by Stoker Award-winning author Christa Carmen to talk about Beneath the Poet's House, her recently released second novel. Together, they talk about the book, about the legacy of Sarah Helen Whitman and Edgar Allen Poe, how the book acts in conversation with established history and its residual hauntings, and a whole lot more.You can find Christa Carmen at christacarmen.com and you can get Beneath the Poet's House today from your local library or your favorite book retailer. Become a member at https://plus.acast.com/s/sley-house-publishing-presents-litbits. https://plus.acast.com/s/sley-house-publishing-presents-litbits. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of the show, Trevor sits once again with author KC Jones, this time to talk about his new novel White Line Fever. They dive into what makes the book's terrifying road trip so fun, talk about the book's origins and its road to getting published, about the road trip as metaphor for life's journeys, confronting change and fear, and heaping praise on what is one of Trevor's favorite books to date this year.You can find more about KC Jones at his website kcjonespnw.com, and you can find White Line Fever available now from Tor Nightfire at your local library or your favorite book retailer. Become a member at https://plus.acast.com/s/sley-house-publishing-presents-litbits. https://plus.acast.com/s/sley-house-publishing-presents-litbits. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Trevor is joined again by best-selling author Erika T. Wurth to talk about her new novel, The Haunting of Room 904, now available from Flatiron Books. Together, they talk about the book and its ideas regarding history, about indigenous futurism as a creative impulse, about the importance of craft and how craft is addressed within various fictions, and a whole lot more.You can support Erika by requesting The Haunting of Room 904 from your local library or finding the book from your favorite book retailer. Become a member at https://plus.acast.com/s/sley-house-publishing-presents-litbits. https://plus.acast.com/s/sley-house-publishing-presents-litbits. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Joining Trevor this episode is Saratoga Schaefer, the debut author of Serial Killer Support Group, available from Crooked Lane Books on March 18! Together, they talk about the book's serial killer surprises, about how the book posits ideas about the American justice system, about our cultural fascination with true crime and serial killers, and about who we tend to overlook in addressing instances of violent crime. You can help support Saratoga Schaefer by following them on saratogaschaefer.com and by borrowing Serial Killer Support Group from your local library or buying the novel from your favorite book retailer. Become a member at https://plus.acast.com/s/sley-house-publishing-presents-litbits. https://plus.acast.com/s/sley-house-publishing-presents-litbits. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, Trevor visits with Leslie J. Anderson, author of The Unmothers, which released from Quirk Books in August 2024. They talk about the book's major themes and ideas, including a dive into its anger and anxiety over issues pertaining to small towns, closed secrets, pregnancy, and parenthood. They also talk about the importance of demystifying the secrets everyone keeps surrounding birth and death, about building community and fighting back against the oppressive forces that continue to take away our rights, and a lot more.For more information about Leslie J. Anderson's literature, you can find her at lesliejanderson.com, and you can find The Unmothers at your local library or from your favorite bookseller. Become a member at https://plus.acast.com/s/sley-house-publishing-presents-litbits. https://plus.acast.com/s/sley-house-publishing-presents-litbits. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Trevor and Sley House intern Amelia Hirsch join in for a conversation with Rebecca Thorne, the author of the best-selling Tomes & Tea cozy romantasy series to talk about her novels and publishing goals. Together, they explore what makes a book cozy, how Rebecca transitioned from self-publishing to traditional publishing, how her books evolved from online criticism, and a preview of the conclusion of her Tomes & Tea series. You can find more about Rebecca Thorne at rebeccathorne.net, and you can find the Tomes & Tea series now available from Bramble at your local library or your favorite booksellers. Become a member at https://plus.acast.com/s/sley-house-publishing-presents-litbits. https://plus.acast.com/s/sley-house-publishing-presents-litbits. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Trevor and Sley House intern Anna Bisbee are joined by author Amal El-Mohtar, whose new book The River Has Roots is available from Tordotcom on March 4, 2025. Together, they talk about the book, about its origins as an audio project and its relationship to music, about the structure and nature of art, about magic as mundane and wonderful, and a whole lot more.For more joyous things from Amal El-Mohtar, you can follow her at her website amalelmohtar.com, and you can find The River Has Roots at your local library or your favorite independent bookseller, available from Tordotcom. Become a member at https://plus.acast.com/s/sley-house-publishing-presents-litbits. https://plus.acast.com/s/sley-house-publishing-presents-litbits. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, Trevor talks to Kerstin Hall about her latest novel, Asunder, published by TorDotCom in 2024. Kerstin shares her ideas about complex fantasy worldbuilding, about honesty and authenticity in telling the story you want to tell, and with Trevor explores how art as metaphor can address complex issues with nuance while remaining fun and engaging intellectually and creatively. You can (and should) support Kerstin Hall by finding her at kerstinhall.com (her newsletter is amazing) and by buying Asunder from your favorite local bookseller or by requesting it from your local library! Become a member at https://plus.acast.com/s/sley-house-publishing-presents-litbits. https://plus.acast.com/s/sley-house-publishing-presents-litbits. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, Trevor sits down with author Emily H. Wilson to talk about Inanna, the first novel in her Sumerians trilogy, published in 2023 and 2024 by Titan Books. Together, they talk about rereading one of the world's oldest extant epics, The Epic of Gilgamesh, and about Wilson's work in bringing the epic alongside other ancient Sumerian myths to modern audiences.You can find more from Emily H. Wilson at her website, www.emilyhwilson.com, and can find Inanna and Gilgamesh (Books 1 and 2 of the Sumerians trilogy) available now from Titan Books wherever books are sold or from your local library. Book 3, Ninshubar, is due out Summer 2025. Become a member at https://plus.acast.com/s/sley-house-publishing-presents-litbits. https://plus.acast.com/s/sley-house-publishing-presents-litbits. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, Trevor sits down to talk with Clay McLeod Chapman about his new book, Wake Up and Open Your Eyes, available January 7, 2025 from Quirk Books. They talk about flailing in the dark, about not knowing what the future might hold and the importance of striving for good anyway, and share intimate fears about what this book means to Clay and to one of his readers.Content Warning: This episode contains references to self-harm and mental illness. Please do not feel you need to listen if these issues are difficult for you to handle. If you are thinking of self-harm or worse, please seek professional counseling. You are valuable and shouldn't go through anything alone. Become a member at https://plus.acast.com/s/sley-house-publishing-presents-litbits. https://plus.acast.com/s/sley-house-publishing-presents-litbits. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this mega super long episode, Anna Dupre joins Trevor from fanfiaddict.com and her own YouTube channel Anna Rose Reads to talk about their favorite books of the year. They go through their top ten favorite books from 2024, as well as reflect on their feelings about literature and the year.Content Warning: There is a very frank discussion in this episode about suicide and suicidal ideation, so please listen with care if this is a difficult topic for you. If you find yourself struggling with thoughts of self-harm, please reach out to a professional and seek help or counsel. For more information about Anna, you can follow her reviews at fanfiaddict.com or you can listen to her own series of interviews at Ann Rose Reads on YouTube. Become a member at https://plus.acast.com/s/sley-house-publishing-presents-litbits. https://plus.acast.com/s/sley-house-publishing-presents-litbits. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, we host David Corse and Alex Ebenstein to talk about Corse's Mother Is Coming Home, a novellette featured in Split Scream Vol. 6, edited by Alex Ebenstein and published by Tenebrous Press. Together, they talk about the niche appeal of the novellette as a form for literature, about writing unlikable characters, and touch on the repeatability of reading unpleasant stories.You can find more about the Split Scream series at tenebrouspress.com. Become a member at https://plus.acast.com/s/sley-house-publishing-presents-litbits. https://plus.acast.com/s/sley-house-publishing-presents-litbits. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Lora Senf is back to talk about her novel The Loneliest Place, the conclusion of her Blight Harbor Trilogy. Together, they talk about awe, about neurodivergence and loneliness, about their love of story and the place for authenticity in literature, plus a whole lot more.You can find more Lora Senf online at lorasenf.com and order books like The Blight Harbor Trilogy at your local bookseller or request them from your local library. Become a member at https://plus.acast.com/s/sley-house-publishing-presents-litbits. https://plus.acast.com/s/sley-house-publishing-presents-litbits. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, Trevor sits down with Angela Sylvaine to talk about Chopping Spree, her newly updated and re-released novella from Dark Matter Ink. Together, they explore the need for horror and comedy and community, and they reflect on how personal growth can reflect on one's art and one's reaction to art. Above all, they explore their friendship and reiterate its importance in what feels like a difficult time.You can find more from Angela Sylvaine at her website, angelasylvaine.com, and you can find her novella (and novel!) from Dark Matter Ink at your favorite retailer or online directly at darkmattermagazine.shop. Become a member at https://plus.acast.com/s/sley-house-publishing-presents-litbits. https://plus.acast.com/s/sley-house-publishing-presents-litbits. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, Trevor talks with author Sarah Henning about her latest novels, Monster Camp (a nominee for the Bram Stoker Award) and The Lies We Conjure, available in bookstores now from Tor Teen. Together, they talk about the meaning of art to young audiences, the thrill of writing for youth and teens, the challenges of writing for younger audiences in today's publishing climate, and a whole lot more about Sarah's passion for storytelling across multiple genres and categories.For more information about Sarah Henning, you can visit her website at www.sarahhenningwrites.com. You can also find her books, including Monster Camp and The Lies We Conjure at your favorite bookseller or from your local library. Become a member at https://plus.acast.com/s/sley-house-publishing-presents-litbits. https://plus.acast.com/s/sley-house-publishing-presents-litbits. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Join in with award-winning author A.C. Wise as we discuss her novella Out of the Drowning Deep, published by Titan Books on September 3, 2024. In this episode, we discuss what it means to seek truth in a world of divergent perceptions, talk about deity and divinity and how these systems interact with human civilizations, and contemplate the performativity of self in acts like prayer--alongside many other topics!You can find more from A.C. Wise at acwise.net and find her novella Out of the Drowning Deep at your local library or wherever books are sold. Become a member at https://plus.acast.com/s/sley-house-publishing-presents-litbits. https://plus.acast.com/s/sley-house-publishing-presents-litbits. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of the show, Trevor sits down with Brenda Peynado, the award-winning author of The Rock Eaters andTime's Agent, her new novella available from Tor Dot Com. They talk about writing near-future science fiction, about daring to have hope, about navigating the cooption of art and academia for other purposes, and much more. You can find more from Brenda Peynado at her website, brendapeynado.com, and you can find Time's Agent wherever you buy or borrow your books. Become a member at https://plus.acast.com/s/sley-house-publishing-presents-litbits. https://plus.acast.com/s/sley-house-publishing-presents-litbits. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, Trevor talks with Katrina Monroe about her latest novel, Through the Midnight Door. They talk about dealing with its heavy themes, about writing characters with authenticity, and also about Katrina's forthcoming writing projects and the joy they bring to her creative process.Content Warning: This episode contains a frank discussion about dealing with depression and self-harm, and may not be suitable for all listeners.If you are dealing with depression or ideations of self-harm, help is available through the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline by calling or texting 998. Please take care of yourself by seeking professional help in times of crisis. Become a member at https://plus.acast.com/s/sley-house-publishing-presents-litbits. https://plus.acast.com/s/sley-house-publishing-presents-litbits. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Join Trevor this week as he talks to Emma E. Murray, the author of recent books When the Devil and Crushing Snails, both available from Shortwave Books and Apocalypse Party (respectively). Together, they talk about Emma's psychologically complex characters and themes, the exercise of empathy in horror fiction, about chasing utopian longings through disturbing media, and how transformative simple kindnesses and love can be.For more from Emma, you can check out emmaemurray.com, where you can find news about all of her upcoming fiction.Content Warning: This episode does deal with some heavy subjects including psychological trauma and mental illness. If you or someone you know is struggling with mental illness, please consider calling a professional for help. Become a member at https://plus.acast.com/s/sley-house-publishing-presents-litbits. https://plus.acast.com/s/sley-house-publishing-presents-litbits. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this week's episode, Trevor converses with author Matthew Lyons about his new book A Mask of Flies. They talk about the beauty and importance of awe in feral places, in what differentiates niceness versus kindness, and about giving a damn in fiction and in life. You can support Matthew Lyons by following him at matthewlyonsauthor.com or by reading or requesting A Mask of Flies, now available from Tor Nightfire at your local library or wherever books are sold. Become a member at https://plus.acast.com/s/sley-house-publishing-presents-litbits. https://plus.acast.com/s/sley-house-publishing-presents-litbits. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, Trevor sits down with Lor Gislason and Shelley Lavigne, the authors of The Flesh of the Sea, a novella of pirate adventure and goopy monsters, now available from Hedone Books. Together, they talk about writing a novella in tandem, about their love of queer and goopy horror and monsters, about Trevor's peculiar reading habits, and about why horror remains so important to both Lor and Shelley as writers.You can find more from Lor Gislason at lormaggot.ca and Shelley Lavigne via social media (@shelleysghoul), and you can find their book The Flesh of the Sea through the direct link below:https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CW1BCSC3?ref=cm_sw_r_cp_ud_dp_AM6M31HM3W6TQ71K12WV&ref_=cm_sw_r_cp_ud_dp_AM6M31HM3W6TQ71K12WV&social_share=cm_sw_r_cp_ud_dp_AM6M31HM3W6TQ71K12WV Become a member at https://plus.acast.com/s/sley-house-publishing-presents-litbits. https://plus.acast.com/s/sley-house-publishing-presents-litbits. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this week's conversation, Trevor is joined by author Ally Russell, whose latest middle grade novel It Came from the Trees is full summer scares and trips into the woods. They talk about writing for younger audiences, about trusting in the wisdom of young readers, and about discernment in horror readership among other topics. It Came from the Trees is now available wherever you buy your books, and you can find more from Ally Russell at https://allyoutthere.beehiiv.com/. Become a member at https://plus.acast.com/s/sley-house-publishing-presents-litbits. https://plus.acast.com/s/sley-house-publishing-presents-litbits. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Trevor visits with author Cynthia Gómez to talk about her new collection of short stories, The Nightmare Box and Other Stories. Together, they explore some of the deeper ideas embedded within Gómez's anti-capitalist fiction, alongside what it means to write anti-capitalist art in an age of ever-present capitalist ideology, and the importance of maintaining craft in service to the art as opposed to merely in service to the message. The Nightmare Box and Other Stories is available now from Cursed Morsels Press and can be purchased online wherever you like to buy books, and can also be requested at your local library. Become a member at https://plus.acast.com/s/sley-house-publishing-presents-litbits. https://plus.acast.com/s/sley-house-publishing-presents-litbits. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, Trevor sits down with Paulette Kennedy, the bestselling author of Parting the Veil, The Witch of Tin Mountain, and the recently-released The Devil and Mrs. Davenport. Together, they explore the importance of the Gothic and how The Devil and Mrs. Davenport responds to both midcentury Gothics and contemporary politics. They talk about women and agency, the importance of community, and using art for both entertainment and politics. You can find more from Paulette Kennedy at paulettekennedy.com and find books like The Devil and Mrs. Davenport at your favorite booksellers or your local library. Become a member at https://plus.acast.com/s/sley-house-publishing-presents-litbits. https://plus.acast.com/s/sley-house-publishing-presents-litbits. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, Trevor is joined by writer and poet Ananda Lima to talk about her debut collection of short stories, Craft: Stories I Wrote for the Devil. They talk about the significance of art as a reader and an artist, about the meaning of craft in both fiction and as applied to meaning-making in life, about the source of the Devil's wisdom in guiding the creation of story, and much more.Craft: Stories I Wrote for the Devil is available on June 18, 2024 from Tor, and can be found wherever you purchase your books. You can also find more about Ananda Lima at her website, anandalima.com. Become a member at https://plus.acast.com/s/sley-house-publishing-presents-litbits. https://plus.acast.com/s/sley-house-publishing-presents-litbits. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Trevor is joined by author Constance Fay, whose novels Calamity and Fiasco are now available from Bramble. They talk about space adventure and romance, about constructing heroines that exist within and outside of traditional romance tropes, and about building believable narrative tension between strong heroines and their romantic counterparts. You can find more of Constance Fay's work at her website www.constancefay.com, and you can find Calamity and Fiasco (out June 4, 2024) from most booksellers wherever you enjoy your books. Become a member at https://plus.acast.com/s/sley-house-publishing-presents-litbits. https://plus.acast.com/s/sley-house-publishing-presents-litbits. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dinosaurs on the loose! Come join with Alex Ebenstein as he talks about his latest novella, Reanimated Rex, published May 14, 2024. We talk about dinosaurs, about rediscovering wonder and joy through literature, and about why that recovery matters.Alex Ebenstein can be found at alexebenstein.com, where you can also order your copy of Reanimated Rex. Become a member at https://plus.acast.com/s/sley-house-publishing-presents-litbits. https://plus.acast.com/s/sley-house-publishing-presents-litbits. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Join in with L.P. Hernandez as he explores some of the bigger themes and ideas of his latest novella In the Valley of the Headless Men. Alongside Trevor, he talks about the loss of frontiers and concepts of self, how art impacts life and meaning making, and about his show Dog-eared Nightmares. You can find more information about L.P. Hernandez at lphernandez.com and you can find Dog-eared Nightmares on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever else you enjoy finding podcasts. In the Valley of the Headless Men is available now from Cemetery Gates Media. Become a member at https://plus.acast.com/s/sley-house-publishing-presents-litbits. https://plus.acast.com/s/sley-house-publishing-presents-litbits. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Liz Kerin returns to talk about her latest novel, First Light, the sequel to Night's Edge. Together with Trevor, she talks about how the book approaches complex issues of guilt and grief, about how it handles its revenge arc, and about the way the book reflects on empathy and radicalization over trauma. You can find more from Liz Kerin at her website, lizkerin.com, and you can get your copy of First Light from Tor Nightfire wherever you buy your books. Become a member at https://plus.acast.com/s/sley-house-publishing-presents-litbits. https://plus.acast.com/s/sley-house-publishing-presents-litbits. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, Trevor talks with author and RPG writer Meredith Katz about their unique blend of speculative romance fiction. They talk about representation of queer communities, the problems with and capabilities of using metaphor to write about real-world issues, and how Meredith incorporates community through collaborative, interactive writing activities every year.You can find more from Meredith Katz at www.softcryptid.com, including all of their current and upcoming projects. Become a member at https://plus.acast.com/s/sley-house-publishing-presents-litbits. https://plus.acast.com/s/sley-house-publishing-presents-litbits. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

S.A. Barnes returns to the show to talk about her latest novel, Ghost Station, available April 9, 2024 from Nightfire. Alongside Trevor, she explores themes of capitalism in horror set in space, about character conflict--both exterior and interior--and the purpose and function of art in human lives. She also shares a whole lot about Ghost Station and some details about her next novel (it's top secret, don't tell).You can find more about S.A. Barnes at staceykade.com and find Ghost Station on April 9 from your favorite book retailer. Become a member at https://plus.acast.com/s/sley-house-publishing-presents-litbits. https://plus.acast.com/s/sley-house-publishing-presents-litbits. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, Trevor is joined by author Jennifer Thorne, author of Lute, Night Music, and together with Lee Kelly, The Antiquity Affair. They discuss her new novel Diavola, available from Tor Nightfire on March 26, 2024. Jennifer explores some of the ideas behind the book, including identity construction, people's resistance to change, and how she feels about art as creator and reader.You can find more from Jennifer Thorne at jenniferthorne.com and can find Diavola at your favorite bookseller on March 26, 2024. Become a member at https://plus.acast.com/s/sley-house-publishing-presents-litbits. https://plus.acast.com/s/sley-house-publishing-presents-litbits. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, Trevor is joined by Stoker Award-winning author Robert Ottone as they talk about bagels, Blue Beetle and Booster Gold, the importance of building community and attending StokerCon, as well as some writerly advice from Robert about dialogue, filling the well, and maintaining momentum as an author. Sit back, enjoy an intimate conversation with Robert, and don't forget to follow him at Spooky House Press, where you can find all news about Robert's newest, like his chapbook Transgressions--now available from Horrotica Publications. Become a member at https://plus.acast.com/s/sley-house-publishing-presents-litbits. https://plus.acast.com/s/sley-house-publishing-presents-litbits. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, Trevor sits down to talk with Gwendolyn Kiste, the multi-time Bram Stoker Award winning author of Reluctant Immortals and The Haunting of Velkwood. Gwendolyn shares some of the inspiration behind her latest book, The Haunting of Velkwood, and delves into the way art and media has the potential to help communicate healthy ways of escaping our hauntings. She also talks about bisexuality and its representation in literature, about bi-erasure, and the importance of art reflecting back our journeys toward identity-making and acceptance.You can find more about Gwendolyn Kiste at gwendolynkiste.com, and find The Haunting of Velkwood available at your favorite booksellers on March 5, 2024. Become a member at https://plus.acast.com/s/sley-house-publishing-presents-litbits. https://plus.acast.com/s/sley-house-publishing-presents-litbits. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, Trevor talks with S.E. Porter, the author of Projections, now available from Tor. They talk about the book's origins in a story that explores toxic masculinity, its transformation over several revisions, the influence of Spiritualists on the book's many drafts, and how the book addresses issues of toxic masculinity and feminism from both contemporary and historic lenses.You can find more from S.E. Porter by following her at her website (https://www.sarahporterbooks.com/). You can also visit her solo gallery of art at the Delight Factory website at https://www.delightfactorynyc.com/artsarahporter. Become a member at https://plus.acast.com/s/sley-house-publishing-presents-litbits. https://plus.acast.com/s/sley-house-publishing-presents-litbits. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, Alexis Dubon joins Trevor to talk about love, its representation in media, and how we miss what we should be celebrating by focusing too much on the wrong kind of intimacy. They also discuss how love and its representation shows up in her own fiction and art, like in her limited-edition chapbook Nineteen Little Stab Wounds. For a short time, you can find Alexis Dubon's collection of flash- and micro-fiction Nineteen Little Stab Wounds from Dread Stone Press. All proceeds from purchasing the chapbook will go to Brown Dog Foundation, an organization that provides assistance for people who otherwise couldn't afford medical care for their pets.We would like to thank Dread Stone Press for hosting the collection, Alexis Dubon for resurrecting it for this discussion, and Schatzi, who really is the best. Become a member at https://plus.acast.com/s/sley-house-publishing-presents-litbits. https://plus.acast.com/s/sley-house-publishing-presents-litbits. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, Trevor speaks with Sunny Moraine, the author of Your Shadow Half Remains, a novella published by Tor Nightfire on February 6, 2024. Together, they talk about how the book tackles dystopian psychological horror, reflecting on how the pandemic continues to shape generational headspaces, why dystopias seem so common with readers, the utility of addressing common generational horrors, and how the book deals with mental health and neurodivergence.You can find more about Sunny Moraine at their website, sunnymoraine.com, and you can find their book Your Shadow Half Remains from Tor Nightfire at your favorite book retailer. Become a member at https://plus.acast.com/s/sley-house-publishing-presents-litbits. https://plus.acast.com/s/sley-house-publishing-presents-litbits. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week, Trevor sits down to talk to Emily Ruth Verona, the author of Midnight on Beacon Street, a novel now available from Harper Perennial. Emily shares about her experience with anxiety and OCD and how that experience reflects on the characters in the book, as well as what compels her about character-driven fiction. Trevor and Emily both talk a bit about the babysitter subgenre of thrillers and horror, and about how her novel approached telling a story with heart and authenticity.You can find more about Emily Ruth Verona at emilyruthverona.com and can find Midnight on Beacon Street at any of your preferred bookstores. Become a member at https://plus.acast.com/s/sley-house-publishing-presents-litbits. https://plus.acast.com/s/sley-house-publishing-presents-litbits. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, Trevor joins with Amy Avery to discuss her novel The Longest Autumn, available January 2024 from Flatiron Books. They talk about current tropes in the fantasy genre, distinctions between literary fantasy and other forms of popular fantasy, and the way her book addresses delicate issues of identity-making central to its character-driven story. You can find out more about Amy Avery's literature by following her at averyames.com. The Longest Autumn is available from Flatiron Books starting January 16, 2024. You can order it or find it at your favorite book retailer.(Editor's note: A technical issue in this recording has resulted in a limitation of Trevor's audio quality. The editor apologizes for this issue.) Become a member at https://plus.acast.com/s/sley-house-publishing-presents-litbits. https://plus.acast.com/s/sley-house-publishing-presents-litbits. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, Trevor sits down for a talk with author and business owner Jenny Kiefer, whose new novel This Wretched Valley is available from Quirk books on January 16, 2024. They talk about graduate education in writing, the technical aspects of rock climbing, and the origin story of some of the most horrifying elements of This Wretched Valley.For more from Jenny Kiefer, you can follow her journey online at jennykiefer.com. Order her book through your favorite book retailer! Become a member at https://plus.acast.com/s/sley-house-publishing-presents-litbits. https://plus.acast.com/s/sley-house-publishing-presents-litbits. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.