The ARC Party

Buy Sam's Books and preorder GALLOWAY'S GOSPELSomething's Wrong in the Hudson ValleyGuys, if there's one thing I've been consistent on when it comes to author Sam Rebelein, it's dragging my ass — to my own detriment. Back when his debut novel EDENVILLE released last about a year ago, I heard great things about it, listened to Sam talk about it on podcasts, and failed to actually read the thing. So when I heard THE POORLY MADE AND OTHER THINGS was imminent and ostensibly a prequel, I knew this time around, I wasn't going to miss my chance to get Sam on to talk. And hell, I can see why Becky Spratford raved about this collection on my 2025 Horror Preview episode! This book is a collection of short stories centralized in Renfield County in upstate New York, where things, at some point, went sour. There are legends of a brutal killing that may have cursed the land. Or at least things aren't always what they seem in the area. Whether you believe the rumors or not, just be sure to avoid the old fella who sits in the bathtub on the roadside. In this episode as we talk about the book, we explore the idea of spoiled earth narratives and the concept of spoiled land — be it hungry or angry. We talk about author shared universes and how Sam wrote his books to all work together in the same geographical locus. And of course, we talked about punching nazis a bit. How's that saying go? If you see one, punch one. I think that's right.Ah! But back to the original point. Dragging my ass. This conversation was recorded in the beginning of March (a month marked by intense podcast recording activity, which pushed the inevitable release of this great conversation out by weeks and weeks. Apologies everyone for keeping this gem from you. It's a doozy.) But it all works out! Because even though this is a discussion about THE POORLY MADE, really it's also promotion for GALLOWAY'S GOSPEL which drops this September. So it all shakes out, see? And with that, I hope you enjoy this episode.Here you go, YouTube snobs: This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.thearcparty.com/subscribe

Preorder signed copies here!Hey, neighbor!When I heard Todd Keisling — an author I knew as a writer of Appalachian horror/cosmic horror — was writing a book about a widower moving to a retirement home… I couldn't resist. There was no way this was going to be anything but awesome. And I was right, but Todd also plunged his hand into my chest and ripped my still-beating heart out. Which is to say that even though I knew what I was in for, I didn't know what was coming. I know I tend to dwell on the more emotionally significant aspects of stories, and man, this was a Venus fly trap for my sentimental mind. Grief, control, dignity, all explored in this talk of an old man who just wants to be left alone to die. From the first few pages, Todd had me feeling the grief of a man who lived a full life with his love, and lost her. A grief I didn't earn, but I felt anyway.But it's not all doldrums. In this interview, we talked about bunch about the classic film The ‘Burbs, and how it was an inspiration for the “something's not quite right” vibe in this sleepy retirement community… with a meteorite smack-dab in the middle of it. Todd describes it as a pulpy story, and I gotta agree. All in all, Todd balances the pulp, the feels, and the cosmic madness perfectly, leaving you at once very emotional, a little off, and just fully satisfied from such a great reading experience. Be sure to follow the preorder link above to get yourself a copy of this amazing book. You'll be supporting a small publisher, and you'll get some extra goodies too, I believe.For the YouTube folks: This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.thearcparty.com/subscribe

Preorder directly from This Is HorrorI was on ‘Naked Attraction'Michael David Wilson has established himself as a horror institution over the last decade and a half, and so naturally when there's a new novel out with his name on it, it's gonna be horror right? Nah. But don't let that deter you, horror heads, because this is a dame fine read even if it's lacking in vampires or werewolves. DADDY'S BOY opens with a down on his luck thirty year old on line at the bank to get a loan to pay his landlord, as well as for his legal expenses for his recently lost custody battle over his cat. Things couldn't get much worse for Wentworth. Until Norman comes into his life with promises of a windfall that nobody could refuse. Only, it's not that kind of story, and Norman isn't much good at much. Especially cooking sausages. Michael David Wilson weaves a story of clumsy heists, dangerous neighbors, poorly cooked food, and the worst of family ties. Does anybody come out of it better? You'll have to read it to know. What I can tell you is that it's a cheeky, fun read and you'll have a good time with it even if you don't know why Jeremy Corbyn is. If you're looking for a dark wit, absurd humor, and poignant thoughts about what life is all about, and what it means to be a father, this is your book. For the YouTube folks: This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.thearcparty.com/subscribe

Buy this book and support the podcast!This guy walks into a bar…Nick Kolakowski has been in the writing business for a long time, and his come up has been sort of split between horror and crime. He's got impressive credentials in horror and crime anthologies and magazines, as well as his own published works. The book of the hour, however, is solidly, fantastically a crime book. Detective, to be more specific. So I got to chat with Nick about the scene, working with Datura as a publisher, and of course, a former Hollywood fixer turned failed comedian, who decides to find redemption as a private dick. To mixed results. Nick's life experience as a Hollywood reporter adds delightful cynicism and a layer of grime to the depiction of celebrities in the book, and a plucked from the headlines plot line about remains found in barrels in drying up lakes pushes us north into California wine country where things get hot (because of wild fires) and heavy (because of murders.)I thought this book was great, and I'm obsessed with the concept for another book in this little universe, so you all know what to do. Go buy a billion copies, leave reviews, and make this book a success so we get more in the future!For those who like YouTube-ing: This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.thearcparty.com/subscribe

Buy Jon's Books!Reunited after all these yearsThe last time I interviewed Jon Bassoff about a book, Barack Obama was president. Yeah. Jon has had a rewarding career of great book releases since then, and when I saw the synopsis for THE MEMORY WARD, I knew I had to read it and get him back on a call to catch up. This book is going to invite comps like crazy, to stuff like Stepford Wives, Truman Show, and other classic stories about manipulation, control, and the fallibility of our own memories. I even added Memento and The Number 23 to the list in this conversation. So naturally if those things interest you, you should immediately buy this book and tear through it. But know that it's a story that is its own beast, and doesn't ape other stories or sit in a trope. It's a deftly crafted timeline of suspicion, paranoia, deception, and the need to feel in control of our own lives. The setting feels very 1950s, but it's also modern, giving it an eerily manufactured setting which starts you and keeps you on edge. I thought it was delightful, and Jon didn't just hand us a story, he gave us a puzzle to try to figure out, all the way to the last sentence. Just great stuff.Coming up on the podcastI have a lot of irons in fires and so here are some of the names you can look forward to seeing/hearing soon: Nick Kolakowski, Sam Rebelein, Michael David Wilson, Drew Huff, Tim Waggonner, and a lot more!For those who prefer YouTube: This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.thearcparty.com/subscribe

Get your copy of Death on the Swayback (hopefully)Shop for Chris' other books on my Bookshop pageLove At First Day of the ConventionI want to tell you a story about a boy and a boy. It all started one afternoon in the most romantic of locations, the Renaissance St. Louis Airport Hotel. I was attending Authorcon 4, my first Authorcon. And there, across the sea of tables filled with horror books, was a dreamy man in a plaid shirt looking a little too much like Chuck Palahniuk or a “cool” teacher… Chris Panatier. Anyway I had heard him on podcasts talking about his novel THE REDEMPTION OF MORGAN BRIGHT, and not only did the book sound awesome, he just sounded like a good dude. And I'm here to tell you he is. And if this little chapbook that we eventually got around to talking about after an hour or so of banter is any indicator, dude is a hell of a good writer too. So I left St Louis with lots of feelings. Feeling sleepy, much poorer, and like there were some podcasts that needed to happen. Clay McLeod Chapman was on the list, Jonathan Janz was (and is) on the list, and Chris Panatier was most fucking certainly on the list. But I have gone on long enough without acknowledging a few things about this episode that you absolutely must take into consideration. * Dude watches birds like it's his job.* His job is actually practicing law. * We have a mutual and significant hatred for nazis/fascists/these bully bitches in office, and we didn't hesitate to talk about it FOR. A. WHILE.Bob Pastorella once crowned me the King of Conversational Podcasting, and this is the most obvious of attempts to retain jealously grip that crown against my head (over the hat, natch). I hope you enjoy this conversation, and when the situation presents itself, that you fill your fist with love - and let those Nazis have it.For those of you who prefer watching the YouTubes (the Ted Stevenses of the world if you will): This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.thearcparty.com/subscribe

Preorder Special Backstage Package from TrubornPreorder the regular edition from TrubornPunk is horror. Horror is punk.Though there seems to be a particular empathy between punk music and horror, the concern could be, if you were to collect a bunch of horror stories themed to punk rock songs, wouldn't they all just be the same thing - more or less?Not when William Sterling and his band of scribes get together, because one of my favorite things about this anthology is how unique of an approach each author took to the assignment. A particular standout is Liz Kerin's story Down By the Water (inspired by the PJ Harvey song?) In which a girl rebels against her controlling parent - which seems pretty foundational punk - only the whole story seems set on some fairy tale seaside community with witches and sea monsters (maybe). Such a creative approach to the theme of the book! There are fourteen more songs beside, and I'll let you discover them on your own. Suffice to say, I really enjoyed the book, and loved to have William Sterling and Brian McAuley on to give some insight into the book's inception through it's upcoming release.I'll plug once more ordering from one of the above links directly from Truborn. In times like these, creative folk need all the direct support they can get. If you order the Backstage Package, I think you even get a backstage pass!For the YouTuberly folks: This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.thearcparty.com/subscribe

Preorder THE STAIRCASE IN THE WOODSFive friends go into the woods, four come out.I've been reading Chuck Wendig books since the early 2010s, when he had back to back releases of BLACKBIRDS and MOCKINGBIRD, the first two books in the Miriam Black series of (six) books. Since then, I've read piles of his stories adding up to thousands of pages. Psychics, AI, Jedis, Pandemics, Serial Killers… he's covered a lot of ground. But there's something about this story. Something more than it appears. Something beneath the surface.This is a story that is best read unspoiled, so our main conversation avoids anything that would taint the read. Even so, we talk about friendship, parenting, trauma, and of all things Homestar Runner. It is a captivating talk! But that's not all!Let's Get SpoiledIt's not even hard for me to say that this is my favorite book of Chuck's. THE STAIRCASE IN THE WOODS is an impressive achievement. So much so that I felt compelled to get Chuck to do an episode of The After Party, the spoiler-rich series that is available exclusively on this site. So once you've read the book, be sure to check out the Chuck Wendig episode of The After Party!Buy lots of Chuck Wendig booksFor the YouTube folks out there: This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.thearcparty.com/subscribe

Introducing: Three Chapters a Day with Ryan McRaeMy good friend Ryan McRae is an avid reader like myself, but he goes in for a different type of story. While I'm mucking around in horror and crime, Ryan is traveling to other worlds and universes and realities in the pages of Sci-Fi and Fantasy books. Recently, Ryan had an opportunity to get an early look at the new book by TJ Klune, called THE BONES BENEATH MY SKIN and chat with Mr Klune about it. It was Ryan's first time conducting an author interview, and if you ask me he killed it. The Bones Beneath my skin is available today! Buy it HERESupport Ryan!If you're into conversation with great sci-fi and fantasy authors (more to come soon!), advice on reading and writing, and more, you should support what Ryan is doing, and here are a few ways you can do that:Subscribe to his Substack: https://substack.com/@ryanmcraeSubscribe to his YouTube: Three Chapters a DayFor the folks who prefer YouTube: This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.thearcparty.com/subscribe

Streamin and DreaminIn the looming orange-tinged shadows of the current political situation, six lovers-of-story got together to have a chat about books. Why? Because first of all: they love books. Second of all: Because books shine light on darkness, give voices to those silenced, record history for those erased, recognize those unseen, and punch fucking nazis. So, six people, ten books each, two hours and fifteen minutes. Strap in folks, because it's a massive download of information in a relatively short amount of time, and you're going to want to pay attention, because you're getting recommendations from some of the most refined palates in the world of book tastemaking that are making taste these days:* Sadie Hartmann (Mother Horror)* Haley “Spoonie Reads”* Peg/Marguerite Turley* Tiffany “Conlibros” Gonzalez* Greg Greene (igreggreene)* and… myself. Robb OlsonAll The Books MentionedOrder all these books!* VICTORIAN PSYCHO by Virgina Fieto* THE LAMB by Lucy Rose* THE CONTORTIONIST'S HANDBOOK by Craig Clevenger* ROSE OF JERICHO by Alex Grecian* BETA VULGARIS by Margie Sarsfield* THE LEAST OF MY SCARS by Stephen Graham Jones* THE CRIMSON ROAD by A. G. Slatter* WHEN THE WOLF COMES HOME by Nat Cassidy* THE POORLY MADE AND OTHER THINGS by Sam Rebelein* THE THIRD RULE OF TIME TRAVEL by Philip Fracassi* THE COVEN TENDENCY by Zoe Hana Mikuta* THE ONES WHO GOT AWAY by Stephen Graham Jones* THE LIBRARY AT HELLEBORE by Cassandra Khaw* THE HAUNTING OF ROOM 904 by Erika T. Wurth* THE LEAST OF MY SCARS by Stephen Graham Jones* BREATHE IN, BLEED OUT by Brian McAuley* FREAKSLAW by Jane Flett* THE BUFFALO HUNTER HUNTER by Stephen Graham Jones* BLOOD ON HER TONGUE by Johanna Van VeenEat* THE ONES YOU LOVE by Sarah Maria Griffin* NIGHT OF THE WITCH HUNTER by Patrick Barb* ANGEL DOWN by Daniel Kraus* THEIR MONSTROUS HEARTS by Yigit Turhan* MAPPING THE INTERIOR by Stephen Graham Jones* THE POSSESSION OF ALBA DÍAZ by Isabel Cañas* POLYBIUS by Colin Armstrong* THE SUNDOWNER'S DANCE by Todd Keisling* VANISHING DAUGHTERS by Cynthia Pelayo* BAT EATER AND OTHER NAMES FOR CORA ZENG by Kylie Lee Baker* KILLER ON THE ROAD/THE BABYSITTER LIVES by Stephen Graham Jones* THE LAMB by Lucy Rose* FEEDERS by Matthew Serafini* THE STAIRCASE IN THE WOODS by Chuck Wendig* ANOTHER FINE MESS by Lindy Ryan* BURY OUR BONES IN THE MIDNIGHT SOIL by VE Schwab* LOST IN THE DARK AND OTHER EXCURSIONS by John Langan* THE BEWITCHING by Silvia Moreno-Garcia* THE BUTCHER'S DAUGHTER by David Demchuk* EL DORADO DRIVE by Megan Abbott* ARTIST OF BLACKBERRY GRANGE by Paulette Kennedy* THE FACELESS THINGS WE ADORE by Hester Steel* CATHEDRAL OF THE DROWNED by Nathan Ballingrud* THE UNSEEN by Ania Ahlborn* PLAY NICE by Rachel Harrison* FIEND by Alma Katsu* FERAL & HYSTERICAL: MOTHER HORROR'S ULTIMATE GUIDE TO DARK AND DISTURBING FICTION BY WOMEN by Sadie Hartmann* MOONFLOW by Bitter Karella* LITTLE HORN: STORIES by Gemma Files* THE GHOST WOODS by C. J. Cooke* THE UNWORTHY by Augustina Bazterrica* THE NIGHT THAT FINDS US ALL by John Hornor Jacobs* NIGHT BIRDS by Christopher golden* THE MEAN ONES by Tatiana Sclote-Bonne* FIEND by Alma Katsu* JULIE CHAN IS DEAD by Liann Zhang* MAYRA by Nicky Gonzalez* CATHEDRAL OF THE DROWNED by Nathan Ballingrud* THE LONG LOW WHISTLE by Laurel Hightower* CRAFTING FOR SINNERS by Jenny Kiefer* THE AUTUMN SPRINGS RETIREMENT HOME MASSACRE by Philip FracassiOrder all these books!For those of you who prefer YouTube: This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.thearcparty.com/subscribe

Buy THE CONTORTIONIST'S HANDBOOK here!Craig Clevenger is a hell of a writer. But don't take my word for it. Chuck Palahniuk has praised The Contortionist's Handbook. Irvine Welsh has. Jordan Harper has, Donnie Darko director Richard Kelly has, Stephen Graham Jones has, Paul Tremblay has… many people have. And for good reason. It's a fucking great book. And what follows, in my humblest, is a fucking great conversation. We talk about the book, we talk about life, we talk about struggles, we talk about families, we talk about the Waffle House. We talk about things that we are out of our depth talking about, but we talk about them because there are some struggles where, even if we can't experience them, we can recognize them. We can say “I don't know what that pain feels like, but I've had some pain that tells me that what you're going through is fucked.”But it's not all the doldrums. There's some great writing advice sprinkled about, and you'd better fucking pay attention because if there's one thing Craig knows, it's how to make words work. I've been reading this book for years, and each time I get to read it again, I like it more, and that's got to mean something, right? When it's not old, or stale, or outdated. When it has a timeless poignancy to it, that's a book you keep special. That's an author you keep special. I hope you enjoy this conversation with a man I call brother, and I hope it inspires you to buy his books, inspires you to try a little harder to make the words into music, and inspires you to find a way to get out the things that you so bad want to keep inside, because maybe that's a little bit like healing, and maybe that's a good thing.For those of you who like the YouTube version: This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.thearcparty.com/subscribe

Preorder HereAt Dark, I Have HopeIt may seem like a contradiction that someone who can write such brutal things is such a lovely and sweet human being, but I think that in this episode, we tapped into a possible reason that it's not a contradiction at all that Eric Larocca will destroy you with the most stark and frightful words, and smother you with happy thoughts when you talk to him. The truth is, we all have these dark, extreme thoughts in our minds. We have all been driving down the road and envisioning that moment where we intentionally swerve into oncoming traffic to disastrous results. It lives in all of us, these intrusive thoughts. It's what we do with those thoughts that speaks to our character. And I'd argue that it's terrifically healthy to take these thoughts that we all have, and to have a discussion about them, or to cause ourselves or others to think about them, and to understand them, and to process them. So, while a story like this book tells isn't necessarily for everyone all the time, it's a crucial story to be told, and nobody is doing it better than Eric does. And while we originally planned to talk about a book with a plot about a character that performs live burial rituals to give hopeless people a chance at rebirth, what we ended up talking about was far more human, and far more healing, and it was still about this book, because I think at the heart of this story is someone who hurts so much and cannot conceive of anything other than the weight of his own misery. High Praise for Subtle GiantsEric dedicated this novel to Daniel Kraus, and we started the episode talking about that. I love how Daniel has had such a positive impact on Eric's career and Eric as a person. I share my observation about Daniel, which is that he casts a far bigger shadow than his humble shape suggests. So if you don't know much about Mr. Kraus, I suggest you start researching. I particularly enjoyed Whalefall (read it, then listen to my interview with Daniel HERE), but he's written dozens of books including two posthumously finished coauthorings with George freakin Romero. Coming SoonI had a small panic attack today as I was corresponding with folks, and just kept replying to emails. And kept replying. And kept replying. Suddenly, I feel quite busy as a podcaster. You can count on a discussion soon with Craig Clevenger about his reissue of THE CONTORTIONIST'S HANDBOOK. Other authors in the next few months include: Chris Panatier, Sam Rebelein, Chuck Wendig, the folks from PUNKS GOES HORROR anthology.I'm also having conversations about featuring Jon Bassoff, Cynthia Pelayo, and also having Jesse and Greg back on for more Stephen Graham Jones talk! So, lots in the works that hopefully will be reaching you soon. For you YouTube folks: This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.thearcparty.com/subscribe

Get Clay's books here!Welcome to my new show, Couchsurfing Critics!The ever-talented and amazing Clay McLeod Chapman has returned for another epic round of conversation with yours truly. This time, we're smashing duration records and defying interview conventions. It is, I would say, the closest to just us grabbing coffee and chatting that we could have hoped for, and I am very pleased with the result. For those of you looking for a concentrated discussion of Clay's delicious upcoming release WAKE UP AND OPEN YOUR EYES, might I direct you elsewhere. But! If you want to know what we think about some of the best authors working today, our thoughts on looking at people's book shelves, and some getting really serious about cancer and the pitfalls of belonging to a family, I've got just what the doctor ordered. (and apparently for Nat Cassidy the doctor ordered some Beano, because he is certainly labeled a car farter in this episode. Sorry Nat. I think it was out of love?)In addition to Clay's amazing examination of the culture of radicalization in contemporary America, I would like to recommend that you listen to his top quality podcast called FEARMONGERS. He gets on the best of horror guests, has delightful conversations, and even cajoles them into reading for us all. It's a great little library-backed bit of entertainment.Coming up on The ARC PartyI've got a lot on the books for the next few weeks. I will be recording a discussion with Eric LaRocca in a few days to support the release of his new novel AT DARK I BECOME LOATHSOME, which everyone needs to read. It's grief horror done so so so so so so so well. Also, I'll be talking with Craig Clevenger about the reissue of his debut novel THE CONTORTIONIST'S HANDBOOK. I'm really stoked about this one, as it's been one of my favorites for a while now.I've just recently confirmed with Chuck Wendig that he will be joining me at some point to discuss THE STAIRCASE IN THE WOODS, which I loved!I am planning something called MALERMONTH, where I have on a guest or guests to talk about some awesome Josh Malerman novels, including hopefully DAPHNE, PEARL, and maybe another. GOBLIN? We'll see. I've also started talks with Cynthia Pelayo's representation, and have some tentative plans with Joshua Hull, and many more. I'm also very excited for Shortwave Publishing's first quarterly shipment for 2025 to its Kickstarter backers. The box looks insane and I'm so excited! I'm so scared!Finally for you YouTuberssssss: This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.thearcparty.com/subscribe

Welcome to 2025!This is the semi-annual Horror Preview episode, with my treasured guests Becky Spratford and Emily Hughes. Every six months, we gather to share with you all the extensive list of books we're looking forward to in 2025. As is tradition, we talk about six months at a time, so I'm so excited to share with you all 36 books that we talked about in this episode, covering January to June of 2025. Emily and Becky are the guests for these episodes because they are unrivaled in knowledge of horror literature. Emily as the legendary curator of her annual list of horror publications (CLICK HERE), and Becky because she's the Horror Maven of the library world. She often hears about it first, reads about it first, and talks about it first. She's no oracle, she works so hard to anticipate, read, and shout praise for all of the books that are changing the world of horror (CLICK HERE).Buy These BooksPreorder all of the 2025 Horror Preview books on Bookshop.org.The ListJanuaryWitchcraft For Wayward Girls by Grady HendrixAt Dark I become Loathsome by Eric LaRoccaWake Up and Open Your Eyes by Clay McLeod ChapmanOur Winter Monster by Dennis MahoneyThe Contortionist's Handbook by Craig ClevengerMetamorphosis by Ross JeffreyFebruaryListen To Your Sister by Neena VielThe Poorly Made and Other Things by Sam RebeleinBeauty in the Blood by Charlotte CarterJunie by Erin Crosby EcksteinThe Pink Agave Motel by V CastroLittle Mysteries by Sara GranMarchVanishing Daughters by Cynthia PelayoThe Haunting of Room 904 by Erika T Wurthrekt by Alex GonzalezThe Unworthy by Augustina BazterricaThe Memory Ward by Jon BassoffThe Buffalo Hunter Hunter boy Stephen Graham JonesAprilWhen The Wolf Comes Home by Nat CassidyThe Staircase in the Woods by Chuck WendigFreakslaw by Jane FlettThe Cut by CJ DotsonThe Sundowner's Dance by Todd KeislingSenseless by Ronald MalfiMayThe Starving Saints by Caitlin StarlingThe Butcher's Daughter: There Hitherto Untold Story of Mrs Lovett by David Demchuk and Corrine Leigh ClarkBelow the Grand Hotel by Cat ScullyOvergrowth by Mira GrantThe Night Birds by Christopher GoldenMaXXXine by Tim WaggonerJuneThe Nut House by Patrick BarbI Gave You Eyes and You Looked Toward Darkness by Irene SolaEcstasy by Ivy PochodaGirl In The Creek by Wendy N WagnerThe Small Hours by Bob PastorellaKing of Ashes by SA CosbyBuy These BooksPreorder all of the 2025 Horror Preview books on Bookshop.org.I hope you enjoy this episode! 2025 is going to be packed with exciting new books, so get out there and start reading. If you have a book you're excited about, let me know! Comment here, or on social media. I love to share things, so I love to hear about new things. Finally, if you're more of a YouTube type of listener/viewer, this link is for you: This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.thearcparty.com/subscribe

It's been a big year for the Stephen Graham Jones fans out there. It started with a couple of new novels, and then it was a reissue. Then it was five more reissues. Then there was that short story on Tor. And it just kept going. So, I convened the SGJ nerd triumvirate to talk about all of the goings on in 2024… and beyond. Presented more or less chronologically, we cover the deep dive episodes we've done, all of the releases this year, SGJ Day, the Scare Up The Vote stream, and Greg's trip to Texas Tech to view the collected papers of Stephen. It's all about sharing the storyWe're big fans, and we collect stuff, and we search online, and we share things, and we talk and talk and talk. And maybe that could seem like it doesn't amount to much. And hell, to some people it probably doesn't. But as we talk about in this episode, sometimes great things come from the fandom and the talking and the research and…And just doing the thing. I knew that this was a different kind of year in the SGJ universe. So did Jesse. So did Greg. And out of that hatched SGJ Day, which got tons of attention. And next thing you know, we're in Fangoria and Publisher's Weekly. And then as things are dying down a text leads to a call leads to oh shit me and Greg are running Tech for Scare Up The Vote. So yeah. My big squishy message about everything that's happened for me in the book world recently is that if there's something you care about, do something with it. It's not likely that someone is going to come along and give you permission to do the thing. Just go for it, and maybe something cool with result.Finally I'll say that you better get your wallets ready, because 2025 is looking like it's going to be just as wild of a ride for the SGJ fans of the world.For those of you who are into the YouTube thing: This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.thearcparty.com/subscribe

I'm not going to give a beat by beat, but I want to start by sharing how I got involved with Scare Up The Vote. I am driving in highway traffic when I get a text from Becky Spratford. It just says: “Can you talk. It's big. Call when you can.”I never thought of myself as an awfulizer, but a vague text like that gets me nervous. So I immediately called back Becky and when she answered I asked the obvious question “Big good, or big bad?”I'd seen Tananarive tweeting about how there should be a horror community stream for Harris/Walz, and in my mind I agreed. Horror is a great community, and can really come together for a cause, because horror people care. A few days after Becky's text I was sitting in the parking lot of a book store, on a phone call with Tananarive Due talking about how to put on a live stream. There were some vague ideas and a lot of positive energy. I told her I would love to be involved in tech in whatever capacity, and when we hung up I got started researching. From there, I was the tech team for this stream. Tananarive had pulled together a committee to run the event, including Linda Addison, Christopher Golden, Maxwell Ian Gold, and Cynthia Pelayo. And we had two weeks to go live time.That two weeks is a blur of Zoom calls, emails, advice from respected peers, nerves, successes, and a very minor amount of failures. It was all momentum and enthusiasm, and practice practice practice.The guest list blossomed from a dozen or so awesome names to over twenty. The tech team responded in kind. I brought on someone who brought on several other someones. Tananarive brought in several amazing folks who had experience with cons and streams and who are brilliantly talented.Everyone contributed their skills, experience and knowledge to make this stream something I was terrified to say for fear of jinxing everything (until we finally ended the stream): a huge fucking success!Folks, if that stream looked nearly flawless, and felt like we really knew what we were doing, it's because it was and we did. This team that got pulled together in the small window of time that we had executed essentially perfectly.Some of them didn't get added to the team until the day of the stream! The guest speakers similarly crushed it. Spooky writers telling scary stories, entertaining, informing, inspiring. Folks of all variety of backgrounds and experiences, coming together because sometimes the scariest story is real life. But as Rachel Harrison said, we will be battered, bloody, crawling through the dirt wielding whatever weapon we can find - and the weapon we have now is our vote. I think another weapon we have is each other. And the more we talk about it, and come together, and make noise, the more power we will see that we truly have. The “me” of this election cycle is starting to feel a lot like “us”, which gives me hope.But back to the stream. Stream day was me sitting at a desk for 13 hours, consistently communicating with the team, guest speakers, etc. Skipping lunch, drinking way too much coffee, and generally feeling anxious. Fearing the worst. But the worst never came, and fifteen minutes before the scheduled launch, I started pre-roll. Nearly three hours later, twenty six (I think) passionate folks had spoken their mind, and aside from a muted mic in the beginning and shifting two guest spots, more than 1,300 people had watched, and our little operation raised over $21,000.Thanks are due to all of the committee and volunteers. Everyone worked hard, and it wouldn't be the production it was without everyone's effort. I'm especially grateful for my friend Greg Greene, who I asked to hop on a call for some advice running a stream. Not only did he join the team, his organizational and planning skills were crucial to the flow of the event. He also brought on Jason Ragosta to do a lot of the art, and Amber Reu to run the green room. There are countless beautiful moments in the stream. One of my personal favorites, as a massive fan of the TV show Hannibal, was Bryan Fuller's rebuke of Trump on the topic of Hannibal Lecter. Chef's kiss, Bryan. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.thearcparty.com/subscribe

Order your copy here!The ages-old tradition. The last night as a free man. Some of us have participated in this tradition. Some, more than others. Usually it's going to include some booze, some lewd behavior, some macho nonsense, and maybe the drunken utterance “I'd die for you, man.” But. Would they? In this book, Dan Howarth marries (heh) the concept of a bachelor/stag party with a fabricated small town's generations-old tradition of a new groom earning his nuptials by hunting and killing a prize. The twist? The hunted are another stag party.And it's great! It's a twisted, rural, dirty, nasty race to a gruesome end, and along the way, this terrified group of hunted groomsmen fight to survive while old cracks and fissures in their friendships threaten to sabotage their chances. I highly suggest picking this book up, and especially using the direct link here, to buy it from Dan himself.For those of you who prefer YouTube: This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.thearcparty.com/subscribe

THE DEVIL BY NAMEI know, I know. You're wondering why I'm posting an interview with Keith Rosson after the book is already available. Sometimes in life, plans change. In this case I was originally planning to talk to Keith several weeks earlier, but circumstances changed plans, and as we're busy important folks, it took us a while to get a new date on the books. But there was no way I was going to miss a chance to talk about this book just because the timing doesn't fit my usual format. So here we are. During this conversation I hit on a point with Keith that is resonating with me. He is doing something that I really don't see other people doing. FEVER HOUSE and THE DEVIL BY NAME are an epic horror stew of rock n roll, zombies, supernatural entities, crime, secret government agencies, and lots of evil. It's not a wonder that Stephen King has been raving about them. So it's easy for me to encourage you folks who haven't checked out these books yet to do so at your earliest convenience. They are well-told, entertaining stories, and under all that gristle is a hearty amount of heart, humanity, and hope. SGJ DayAt the time of writing, it's a little less than two weeks from #SGJDAY! What's that? Well, it's the day that Open Road Media is releasing five reissued books by Stephen Graham Jones. All five books are long out of print, and their return is a boon for fans of Jones. These include extremely rare books such as IT CAME FROM DEL RIO, and THE LONG TRIAL OF NOLAN DUGATTI. Celebrate SGJ Day by picking up these books, and follow the SGJDAY hashtag on social media for other exciting things such as limited edition button sets, giveaways, and more. For the folks who prefer YouTube: This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.thearcparty.com/subscribe

PREORDER REST STOPNat Cassidy was kind enough to join me once more on the podcast to talk about his upcoming novella, out on Shortwave, called REST STOP (preorder link above the cover image). While REST STOP is a quick read, and pretty chock-full of violence and creepy crawlies, we managed to get pretty deep into a conversation about generational trauma and survival - themes that are present throughout this depraved story. We also talked about Nat's upcoming novel from Tor Nightfire, WHEN THE WOLF COMES HOME, out on April 22nd of 2025, and a little bit about Nat's two chapbooks that he also released through Shortwave, which you should absolutely go buy immediately. Coming soon on the podcast: Keith Rosson returns to talk about the closing title in his FEVER HOUSE duology - THE DEVIL BY NAME. Later, I'll be talking to Tim Waggoner about his novelization of Ti West's X trilogy, of which I've read X and it's fan-fucking-tastic.For folks that prefer YouTube: This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.thearcparty.com/subscribe

Pre-Order HEREContent Warning: In this episode, we discuss suicide, depression, and self harmSofia Ajram joined me to talk about COUP DE GRÂCE, her upcoming novella, an intense, personal, existential, liminal nightmare that will make you think deeply about what life is all about. In our talk, we cover myriad topics including liminal spaces and stories and how things like depression can be liminal, we talk about book covers and the creative process, I compliment the dense and poetic use of language in the book, the Elevator Game, body horror, and a lot more. It's a lot of talk for a book that's 130 pages. I feel like we both went to some personal places in the conversation, and got vulnerable, and I feel like I needed to talk about things like how someone's story can make you feel seen or understood. So, if you like when people get vulnerable and real, this is going to work out for you, I think. We also talked about the COUP DE GRÂCE book trailer, which is fantastic and you should watch right now!Sofia reading from COUP DE GRÂCEAFTERPARTY!This episode did spin off an Afterparty discussion which, if you'd like to hear it, you'll need to be a paid subscriber (any amount) here on my Substack. The paywall is my way of protecting people from hearing spoilers they maybe didn't intent to hear. If you make it to an Afterparty, you had to do some work to get there. It should go without saying, but the afterparty episode does contain spoilers for the book, but it was an amazing conversation and I really hope you choose to listen.Finally, here's the YouTube version of the main episode, for you YouTube lovers: This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.thearcparty.com/subscribe

David James Keaton is a brilliant and hilarious author. He's put out a hefty stack of books, and created some of the most entertaining podcast moments I've captured in the thirteen years I've been doing this. For this episode, we're looking at his upcoming release, SHALLOW ENDS, which may or may not ask “what would you do if you were on the back of a fire truck party bus and you realized that this bus has no plans to stop?” Is there even an answer to this question? The book switches between a night of ill-fated revelry, and flashbacks to the partygoers' early lives, stories that challenge our sympathy for their plight in the current day. From shark people to prison crank calls, bar heists to assembly line mishaps. SHALLOW ENDS is jammed with wild stories and ridiculous situations, all anchored by Keaton's ability to write stories that we all deeply relate to. We also talk about a movie that is an influence on the book even though he wrote the book before learning the story even existed. It's a film called THEY SHOOT HORSES, DON'T THEY? Which has also been a book, and I believe a play. It's about the dancing marathons that happened back in the post-depression era. Wildly exploitative, dangerous, and cruel never-ending events of misery. I highly encourage you all to order SHALLOW ENDS now, and once you're hooked on DJK, THE LAST PROJECTOR is an epic experience not to be missed!Finally, I'll be posting an Afterparty episode here on the website, which will be available for paid subscribers at any level. In it, we take a walk down memory lane, and talk about some of the writers we've known and readings we've attended over the years. For the folks that prefer YouTube: This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.thearcparty.com/subscribe

So many podcasts!I thought I could make one podcast episode where I talked to some folks who podcast about horror, and it would be a one-stop-shop for folks looking for a new favorite commute time killer (hmm. commute-time killer? commute time-killer?)Well, as is often the case, it wasn't until I was in the middle of it that I realized two things:* There are so many podcasts talking about horror books.* Podcasters love to talk - so my 15-20 minute target often ended up going way longer than that.* (I know I said two, but heck this deserves a bullet) There's a ton of podcasts where the only topic is Stephen King and his books.Episode OneClick above to check out the first episode, if you haven't already. For this first installment, You'll hear from Stephanie Gagnon from BOOKS IN THE FREEZER, followed by Michael David Wilson from THIS IS HORROR.The GuestsBooks In The Freezer - Stephanie GagnonThis is Books in the Freezer, a podcast dedicated to the deliciously disturbing world of horror fiction. Our topical, bi-weekly episodes will cover those scary books that you might want to put in the freezer. Don't forget to subscribe so you don't miss any of our recommendations!This Is Horror - Michael David WilsonThe This Is Horror Podcast is a weekly show for readers, writers, and creators hosted by Michael David Wilson and Bob Pastorella. We interview writers, artists, publishers, editors, and creatives every week. We have interviewed over 100 creatives including Chuck Palahniuk, Joe Hill, Joe R. Lansdale, Charlaine Harris, Ellen Datlow, David Moody, Jennifer Lynch, Gemma Files, and Josh Malerman.Episode TwoNeil McRobert kicks off the second episode, talking about his well respected podcast TALKING SCARED. Max Booth III follows, always fun to talk to Max, and we get into the various podcast projects they have going on. Finally, I included myself in this series - not out of vanity, but rather, in case a listener came to these episodes from an outside audience, I thought they might be curious about what I get up to at the ARC PARTY, so I brought in backup to interview me about this humble effort.The GuestsTalking Scared - Neil McRobertConversations with the biggest names in horror fiction. A podcast for horror readers who want to know where their favorite stories came from ... and what frightens the people who wrote them.Ghoulish & Dog Ears - Max Booth IIIGHOULISH is a weekly comedy podcast celebrating all things spooky, hosted by Max Booth III.DOG EARS is a podcast about publishing, writing, and dogs.The ARC Party - Robb Olson (with Ryan McRae interviewing)Your first look at upcoming books!My goal with the ARC Party is to connect readers with books before they release! Much of the success of a new book is connected to pre-orders and early sales numbers, but sometimes people don't hear about a book until long after it's been released.An episode typically consists of an author giving a quick description of their book, followed by a spoiler free discussion about it. We often talk about themes, characters, settings, etc.But I'm careful to not talk about anything that would ruin the reading experience!SubscribedHungry for more?I asked the internet for recommendations of podcasts that they like that talk about horror books, and here is a giant list of their responses. (descriptions borrowed and sometimes shortened from their websites)NOTE: I tried to focus on currently active podcasts and exclude any that seemed defunct, and I can't be 100% sure that all of these are still publishing episodes.* Behind Your Face There Is A Place: Host Johnny Compton has conversations with creative guests, broadly, but not strictly about one of three possible subjects: I LOVED THIS!, Author's Commentary, Studying the Scares.* Bleeding Page: A bi-weekly podcast wherein authors Chad Lutzke & Jason Brant discuss self-publishing dark fiction and the craft of writing with special guests.* Fearmongers: Bestselling author Clay McLeod Chapman hosts FEARMONGERS, featuring interviews with and readings by horror fiction's biggest stars.Produced in cooperation with Verso Studios at the Westport Library.* Geek's Guide to the Galaxy is a podcast hosted by science fiction author David Barr Kirtley. The show features conversations about fantasy & science fiction in books, movies, games, and comics, as well as related subjects such as science, history, and critical thinking.* Killer Mediums: Horror Podcast hosted by author William Sterling, examining how horror tropes manifest across different mediums of entertainment. Let'ss Get Spooky!* Lifewriting: Authors and screenwriters Steven Barnes and Tananarive Due (and guests!) on writing, the writer's life, Hollywood, the work/family balance and relationships - the tools writers need to make themselves the heroes/heroines of their own story.* Lovecraft E-Zine: A friendly horror podcast. Panelists are Bridgette Brenmark, Matthew Carpenter, Pete Rawlik, John Langan, Benjamin Handelman, Melissa Walsh, Michael DaBronzo, Stephen Mark Rainey, Alan Hughes, and Mike Davis.* Postcards From A Dying World: Postcards from a Dying has been my blog for the last decade with more than 1,000 book reviews to promotional bonuses for my fiction. This podcast feed collections all the audio bonus materials for the blog, interviews and will include a monthly digest of my book reviews.* She Wore Black: A gothic, mystery, and horror podcast.* Sley House Presents: Sley House Presents is a podcast offered by Sley House Publishing. Our episodes are dedicated to discussing the best in genre literature, interviewing notable professionals in the field, reviewing movies, producing radio dramas based on your favorite classic and new short stories, and deep dives into your favorite horror topics.And here are the ones that are, ostensibly, entirely focused on Stephen King and his writing:* Chat Sematary: Chat Sematary will dive into the works and adaptations of the King of Horror, Stephen King. Hosted by Deanna Chapman.* Dark Tower Palaver: Join hosts Tadd and Peter for in-depth discussion and analysis of Stephen King's Magnum Opus The Dark Tower series. Explore the Novels, comics, upcoming film/TV adaptations, and all things Dark Tower. Join in on both the Round Table Discussions covering the entire series, as well as the Book Club where each book is systematically read, analyzed and discussed in order from the first line to the last. Come let's Palaver Gunslinger!* Derry Public Radio: Welcome to the basement of the Derry Civic Center. Pay no mind to the strange sounds coming from behind the Unfound Door. It's just your ka-tet, who are here to provide you with a variety of perspectives on Stephen King's work - ranging from the comfortably familiar to the frighteningly fanatic. Derry Public Radio is here to keep you up-to-date with all that's happening in Derry, Maine and "beyond."* Just King Things: is a monthly podcast about reading the books of Stephen King in publication order. Join hosts Michael and Cameron, two cultural critics and horror fans who literally grew up reading this stuff, as they embark upon a quest to revisit and review a vast body of work spanning five decades, reading one book a month for… only ten years or so* Kingcast: is a Stephen King podcast for Stephen King obsessives hosted by former film bloggers and rabid horror fans Eric Vespe and Scott Wampler. Each week, the pair welcome a notable guest to the show to discuss the King adaptation (or unadapted novel/short story) of their choice. It's an unpredictable show, one that can turn on a dime between being legitimately emotional and outright hilarious, and always approaches the work of its legendary namesake with the love, respect, and top-shelf nerdery that it deserves.* Loser's Club: Founded in 2017, The Losers' Club® is an award-winning weekly series that chronologically digs through the work of Stephen King with humor, irreverence, and a critical eye. Each episode, the Losers gather together to read between the iconic pages and share the latest in King's Dominion, whether it's the author's oft-controversial tweets, the boldest Hollywood headlines, or his endless forthcoming projects. The series also regularly features special guests. In the past, the Losers have spoken to Mike Flanagan, Thomas Jane, Tananarive Due, Chapo Trap House, Owen Teague, Mick Garris, Mary Lambert, Jerry O'Connell, Wil Wheaton, Joe Bob Briggs, and even King himself. Suitable for readers both Constant and casual. King says check us out.* The Constant Reader Podcast: Everything Stephen King, from Carrie to The Institute, from the novels to the short stories, from the small screen to the big screen. Each month we take a deep dive into one book from the bibliography of the King of horror fiction, while also charting the byways of King's forays into other genres (The Dark Tower series, On Writing etc) and also casting an eye on the many TV and film adaptations of King's work.Recorded live from the UEA media suite, Richard Sheppard interviews writers, academics, superfans and anyone with a passion for the work of Stephen King.* The Year of Underrated Stephen King: This is a one-woman, (lecture style) Stephen King podcast that analyzes Stephen King's lesser-known novels and short stories in depth and explores why Stephen King is the greatest fiction writer alive!Applying what I teach my Fiction students, in this podcast we will examine: Strong Writing, Storytelling Principles, Genre, Literary Analysis, Stephen King Universe Nerdery and the Constant Reader Community at Large!* Tower Junkies: A podcast celebrating the work of Stephen King with an occasional focus on his magnum opus, The Dark Tower series.SubscribedFor those of you who prefer YouTube: This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.thearcparty.com/subscribe

So many podcasts!I thought I could make one podcast episode where I talked to some folks who podcast about horror, and it would be a one-stop-shop for folks looking for a new favorite commute time killer (hmm. commute-time killer? commute time-killer?)Well, as is often the case, it wasn't until I was in the middle of it that I realized two things: * There are so many podcasts talking about horror books.* Podcasters love to talk - so my 15-20 minute target often ended up going way longer than that. * (I know I said two, but heck this deserves a bullet) There's a ton of podcasts where the only topic is Stephen King and his books. Episode OneThis is now part one of what I'm guessing/hoping will be a series about horror podcasts. For this first installment, You'll hear from Stephanie Gagnon from BOOKS IN THE FREEZER, followed by Michael David Wilson from THIS IS HORROR.The GuestsBooks In The Freezer - Stephanie GagnonThis is Books in the Freezer, a podcast dedicated to the deliciously disturbing world of horror fiction. Our topical, bi-weekly episodes will cover those scary books that you might want to put in the freezer. Don't forget to subscribe so you don't miss any of our recommendations!This Is Horror - Michael David WilsonThe This Is Horror Podcast is a weekly show for readers, writers, and creators hosted by Michael David Wilson and Bob Pastorella. We interview writers, artists, publishers, editors, and creatives every week. We have interviewed over 100 creatives including Chuck Palahniuk, Joe Hill, Joe R. Lansdale, Charlaine Harris, Ellen Datlow, David Moody, Jennifer Lynch, Gemma Files, and Josh Malerman.Episode TwoNeil McRobert kicks off the second episode, talking about his well respected podcast TALKING SCARED. Max Booth III follows, always fun to talk to Max, and we get into the various podcast projects they have going on. Finally, I included myself in this series - not out of vanity, but rather, in case a listener came to these episodes from an outside audience, I thought they might be curious about what I get up to at the ARC PARTY, so I brought in backup to interview me about this humble effort. The GuestsTalking Scared - Neil McRobertConversations with the biggest names in horror fiction. A podcast for horror readers who want to know where their favorite stories came from ... and what frightens the people who wrote them.Ghoulish & Dog Ears - Max Booth IIIGHOULISH is a weekly comedy podcast celebrating all things spooky, hosted by Max Booth III.DOG EARS is a podcast about publishing, writing, and dogs.The ARC Party - Robb Olson (with Ryan McRae interviewing)Your first look at upcoming books!My goal with the ARC Party is to connect readers with books before they release! Much of the success of a new book is connected to pre-orders and early sales numbers, but sometimes people don't hear about a book until long after it's been released.An episode typically consists of an author giving a quick description of their book, followed by a spoiler free discussion about it. We often talk about themes, characters, settings, etc.But I'm careful to not talk about anything that would ruin the reading experience!Hungry for more?I asked the internet for recommendations of podcasts that they like that talk about horror books, and here is a giant list of their responses. (descriptions borrowed and sometimes shortened from their websites)NOTE: I tried to focus on currently active podcasts and exclude any that seemed defunct, and I can't be 100% sure that all of these are still publishing episodes. * Behind Your Face There Is A Place: Host Johnny Compton has conversations with creative guests, broadly, but not strictly about one of three possible subjects: I LOVED THIS!, Author's Commentary, Studying the Scares.* Bleeding Page: A bi-weekly podcast wherein authors Chad Lutzke & Jason Brant discuss self-publishing dark fiction and the craft of writing with special guests.* Fearmongers: Bestselling author Clay McLeod Chapman hosts FEARMONGERS, featuring interviews with and readings by horror fiction's biggest stars.Produced in cooperation with Verso Studios at the Westport Library.* Geek's Guide to the Galaxy is a podcast hosted by science fiction author David Barr Kirtley. The show features conversations about fantasy & science fiction in books, movies, games, and comics, as well as related subjects such as science, history, and critical thinking.* Killer Mediums: Horror Podcast hosted by author William Sterling, examining how horror tropes manifest across different mediums of entertainment. Let'ss Get Spooky!* Lifewriting: Authors and screenwriters Steven Barnes and Tananarive Due (and guests!) on writing, the writer's life, Hollywood, the work/family balance and relationships - the tools writers need to make themselves the heroes/heroines of their own story.* Lovecraft E-Zine: A friendly horror podcast. Panelists are Bridgette Brenmark, Matthew Carpenter, Pete Rawlik, John Langan, Benjamin Handelman, Melissa Walsh, Michael DaBronzo, Stephen Mark Rainey, Alan Hughes, and Mike Davis. * Postcards From A Dying World: Postcards from a Dying has been my blog for the last decade with more than 1,000 book reviews to promotional bonuses for my fiction. This podcast feed collections all the audio bonus materials for the blog, interviews and will include a monthly digest of my book reviews.* She Wore Black: A gothic, mystery, and horror podcast.* Sley House Presents: Sley House Presents is a podcast offered by Sley House Publishing. Our episodes are dedicated to discussing the best in genre literature, interviewing notable professionals in the field, reviewing movies, producing radio dramas based on your favorite classic and new short stories, and deep dives into your favorite horror topics.And here are the ones that are, ostensibly, entirely focused on Stephen King and his writing:* Chat Sematary: Chat Sematary will dive into the works and adaptations of the King of Horror, Stephen King. Hosted by Deanna Chapman.* Dark Tower Palaver: Join hosts Tadd and Peter for in-depth discussion and analysis of Stephen King's Magnum Opus The Dark Tower series. Explore the Novels, comics, upcoming film/TV adaptations, and all things Dark Tower. Join in on both the Round Table Discussions covering the entire series, as well as the Book Club where each book is systematically read, analyzed and discussed in order from the first line to the last. Come let's Palaver Gunslinger!* Derry Public Radio: Welcome to the basement of the Derry Civic Center. Pay no mind to the strange sounds coming from behind the Unfound Door. It's just your ka-tet, who are here to provide you with a variety of perspectives on Stephen King's work - ranging from the comfortably familiar to the frighteningly fanatic. Derry Public Radio is here to keep you up-to-date with all that's happening in Derry, Maine and "beyond."* Just King Things: is a monthly podcast about reading the books of Stephen King in publication order. Join hosts Michael and Cameron, two cultural critics and horror fans who literally grew up reading this stuff, as they embark upon a quest to revisit and review a vast body of work spanning five decades, reading one book a month for… only ten years or so* Kingcast: is a Stephen King podcast for Stephen King obsessives hosted by former film bloggers and rabid horror fans Eric Vespe and Scott Wampler. Each week, the pair welcome a notable guest to the show to discuss the King adaptation (or unadapted novel/short story) of their choice. It's an unpredictable show, one that can turn on a dime between being legitimately emotional and outright hilarious, and always approaches the work of its legendary namesake with the love, respect, and top-shelf nerdery that it deserves.* Loser's Club: Founded in 2017, The Losers' Club® is an award-winning weekly series that chronologically digs through the work of Stephen King with humor, irreverence, and a critical eye. Each episode, the Losers gather together to read between the iconic pages and share the latest in King's Dominion, whether it's the author's oft-controversial tweets, the boldest Hollywood headlines, or his endless forthcoming projects. The series also regularly features special guests. In the past, the Losers have spoken to Mike Flanagan, Thomas Jane, Tananarive Due, Chapo Trap House, Owen Teague, Mick Garris, Mary Lambert, Jerry O'Connell, Wil Wheaton, Joe Bob Briggs, and even King himself. Suitable for readers both Constant and casual. King says check us out.* The Constant Reader Podcast: Everything Stephen King, from Carrie to The Institute, from the novels to the short stories, from the small screen to the big screen. Each month we take a deep dive into one book from the bibliography of the King of horror fiction, while also charting the byways of King's forays into other genres (The Dark Tower series, On Writing etc) and also casting an eye on the many TV and film adaptations of King's work.Recorded live from the UEA media suite, Richard Sheppard interviews writers, academics, superfans and anyone with a passion for the work of Stephen King.* The Year of Underrated Stephen King: This is a one-woman, (lecture style) Stephen King podcast that analyzes Stephen King's lesser-known novels and short stories in depth and explores why Stephen King is the greatest fiction writer alive!Applying what I teach my Fiction students, in this podcast we will examine: Strong Writing, Storytelling Principles, Genre, Literary Analysis, Stephen King Universe Nerdery and the Constant Reader Community at Large!* Tower Junkies: A podcast celebrating the work of Stephen King with an occasional focus on his magnum opus, The Dark Tower series.For those of you who prefer YouTube: This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.thearcparty.com/subscribe

Pre-Order HEREI say it in the episode, and I'll repeat it now. I've been ride-or-die for Zoje's writing career since I read BABY TEETH in 2018. I think Zoje's writing voice is so charming and consequential and relatable. At some level, I'd always hoped to hear what's been going on with Hanna since BABY TEETH, but I never pushed it into he arena of hope. I guess Zoje has been so good at making all of her books as unique and powerful that I didn't know if it was even a thought in her head. Thankfully, it was. DEAR HANNA is a follow-up to BABY TEETH that takes place a good 15 or so year after the end of BT. Zoje wrote it in a way that it can be read on its own without having read BABY TEETH, which removes a big barrier to entry for readers that are new to Stage's work. But it still does make references to the first book, and references things that happened in the interim between books, so there's plenty to be had for a lover of BABY TEETH as well. In this interview, I mention another book of Zoje's which I truly and deeply love, and I really hope people read. It's a dark fairy tale about a tween girl who is confronted with becoming a woman. It's scary and sad and wonderful and hopeful and heartbreaking, and I can't say enough good about it. It's THE GIRL WHO OUTGREW THE WORLD, and I think you need to go get it immediately. Another moment in this conversation that I loved was when we were talking about the idea of people being good or bad, and how it seems the more we define people as “other” than us, the easier it is to do horrible things to them. Or conversely, the optimistic way I choose to approach life, the more we are able to see ourselves in other people, the better we will be to all people. It was a validating and uplifting conversation, for sure!Buy DEAR HANNA, buy THE GIRL WHO OUTGREW THE WORLD, and please do something to see the commonalities we all have, so we can love more and live more. For you YouTube watchers: This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.thearcparty.com/subscribe

It's a hell of a time for horror stories, and it seems like camp slashers are especially making a comeback. Josh Winning is out with his latest book, HEADS WILL ROLL. Set in a digital detox camp, it's a story of a sitcom star who gets cancelled for an off-color tweet, who decides to get away from the scandal for a little bit. What she's not aware of is that this may as well be called Camp Cancelled, and someone out there is carrying a deadly grudge.Josh is the fourth interview I've done since May where the author's name is Josh, which means I'll be taking a break from chatting with any more Joshes for a while. Apologies, other Joshes.This final Josh and I had a great chat about camp slashers, pop culture, getting cancelled, formatting a la Paul Tremblay, the increase in availability of marginalized author's stories, and more. Oh! We also spent a surprising amount of time discussing the movie Easy Rider.A final note for those of you who read these posts: I've recently submitted this podcast feed to YouTube Podcasts, so if you find your podcasts via YouTube, you can find the podcast feed there, in addition to my usual video posts on the channel.For you folks who like the YouTubes: Get full access to The ARC Party at www.thearcparty.com/subscribe

PREORDER HEREFirst, I have to acknowledge that there were some serious technical difficulties with the recording of this episode. After a couple failed attempts to use the platform I regularly use, we finally switched to some old school Skypin'. Thankfully, I was able to cobble all of the various recordings together and it sounds really good. What we did talk about is Josh's upcoming novel, LETTERS TO THE PURPLE SATIN KILLER. An epistolary novel consisting of a series of letters written to the titular killer. It manages to cover a lot of ground, sometimes very serious and creepy ground, other times light and funny. Looking at the cultural phenomenon of a notorious serial killer through the lens of admirers, family of victims, childhood pals, law enforcement, and family of the killer gives us an opportunity to consider the growing obsession in society with true crime, and what kind of impact a serial killer really has beyond his victims. Beyond the book, we talked about early negative reactions, glowing reviews, and how much a blurb on your book really helps. And finally, I have to acknowledge that Josh is very humble and vulnerable in his acknowledgements about his struggles with writing the book, and the self doubt he experienced in the process. It's refreshing to see someone confront the less-fun aspects of novel creation in a way that I think can be helpful for other writers. Please go preorder LETTERS TO THE PURPLE SATIN KILLER as soon as you're able to, and I hope you enjoy the conversation!For the YouTube watchers out there: Get full access to The ARC Party at www.thearcparty.com/subscribe

2024 is still here!I know I've been planning my reading for the year for a while now. How about you? Are you in need of some recommendations? I have just the thing! It's MORE of The ARC Party's Horror Preview!The reason this episode exists is because Emily Hughes aggregates a ton of information about forthcoming horror books every year, and posts a comprehensive, and frankly amazing list of them for everyone to use! You can find it here:Becky wanted to celebrate the launch of the list by diving into some of the titles we're excited about, so the three of us got together and did a month by month round table, talking about books we're looking forward to.Don't worry! I know you're going to want to do some shopping, so I made it super easy to pre-order these books, by putting together a list on bookshop.org. You can find it here, updated to include all of our new picks! Here are all the books mentioned, their authors, and their current publication dates. If you want to read more about them, go to Emily's list. If you want to preorder these books, go to my list!JulyMidnight Rooms by Donyae Coles - July 2ndBury Your Gays by Chuck Tingle - July 9thI Was A Teenage Slasher by Stephen Graham Jones - July 16thStay on The Line by Clay McLeod Chapman - July 30thIt Came From the Trees by Ally Russell - July 30thHeads Will Roll by Josh Winning - July 30thAugustLetters to the Purple Satin Killer by Joshua Chaplinsky - August 6thHouse of Bone and Rain by Gabino Iglesias - August 6thA Mask of Flies by Matt Lyons - August 6thThe Unmothers by Leslie J Anderson - August 6thDear Hanna by Zoje Stage - August 13thSacrificial Animals by Kailee Pederson - August 20thSeptemberHorror For Weenies by Emily Hughes - September 3rdThe Devil By Name by Keith Rosson - September 10thSo Thirsty by Rachel Harrison - September 10thThis World is Not Yours by Kemi Ashing-Giwa - September 10thSinophagia: A Celebration of Chinese Horror ed. by Xueling C. N - September 24thDevils Kill Devils by Johnny Compton - September 24thOctoberGood Dogs by Brian Asman - October 1stCoup De Grâce by Sofia Ajram - October 1stThe Bog Wife by Kay Chronister - October 1stAll the Hearts You Eat by Hailey Piper - October 15thAmerican Rapture by CJ Leede - October 15thMemorials by Richard Chizmar - October 22ndThree Miles Past by Stephen Graham Jones (reissue) - October 22ndZombie Bake Off by Stephen Graham Jones (reissue) - October 22ndThe Long Trial of Nolan Dugatti by Stephen Graham Jones (reissue) - October 22ndNovemberThe Keeper of the Key by Nicole Willson - November 12th Sundown in San Ojuela by MM Olivas - November 19thCandy Cain Kills Again: The Second Slaying by Brian McAuley - November 12thThe Map of Lost Places: A Horror Anthology ed by Thomas & Conner - November DecemberAfter the People Lights Have Gone off by Stephen Graham Jones (reissue) - December 4thThe Vengeance by Emma Newman - December 3rdPrivate Rites by Julia Armfield - December 3rdhope you enjoy our discussion, and it gets you excited about some of the books coming in 2024. Pre-ordering is crucial to the success of new books, so I encourage you to do so generously.Have a book you're really excited about for the first half of 2024? Share it with me! I'd love to learn about more more more! You can reach out here, or I'm on all the social medias as @thearcparty For all of you YouTube watchers: Get full access to The ARC Party at www.thearcparty.com/subscribe

Clay McLeod Chapman, for me, arrived at a time where I was in-between podcasts, and going through some health things, etc. Which is to say that I kinda missed his emergence onto the scene. So, I heard him on podcasts talking about his then-new book GHOST EATERS, and I became interested. Last year, it didn't work out to interview Clay for WHAT KIND OF MOTHER, which was disappointing. SO, when I caught wind that he had something coning out on Shortwave, I took it as my chance to finally get him… on the line. What you're about to listen to sounds a lot like old friends gabbing about things that they're excited about. Just know it's the first conversation I've ever had with Clay, which goes to show just how fun and open and comfortable it is to chat with the dude.And apologies to Nat Cassidy, but Clay's episode is like a minute and change longer than yours. I guess we'll just have to have you on again, to top your old pal. Do you want cake at your ARC Party? I know I do. For the folks that want a YouTube link: Get full access to The ARC Party at www.thearcparty.com/subscribe

What happens when a group of friends get their hands on a VHS tape that, when viewed, teleports you six feet away - arriving with a feeling of intense euphoria? SO much! The Third installment of Shortwave's Killer VHS series has a lot. Stoners, teleportation, urban myths, feral junkies, government agencies, creepypasta, friendship! It's a super-entertaining, quick read. In this episode, I chat with Josh about TELEPORTASM, friendship, horror, and what makes a story work, among other things. It's a fun conversation, and now we're friends! Please enjoy this conversation, and while you're listening, go ahead and pre-order the book!For all of you YouTube lovers: Get full access to The ARC Party at www.thearcparty.com/subscribe

Josh Malerman and Wow Town got together while I was up in Michigan, for a rehearsal of their June 23 performance commemorating the release of Josh's book INCIDENTS AROUND THE HOUSE. I was there, I recorded it, and now I'm sharing it with you all. For the YouTube folks (no video! Audio only): Quick noteThis recording was made at a racecourse, so you will regularly hear racing engine noises in the background. It's nothing that will impact the listening experience, but would be one of those “what the heck?” things if I didn't explain why it was going on....“Bela…”...“can I go into your heart?” Get full access to The ARC Party at www.thearcparty.com/subscribe

Part three! This time, we talk about Josh's recently-filmed documentary For All The Books. In case this title isn't familiar, for years Josh has been looking for something beyond social media where he can express the full experience of writing a book. I could go on, but I'll just let you listen to Josh explain it. It's a pretty cool story, and the documentary is great too! I got to screen the most recent edit, and I think people are going to enjoy it! Outside the documentary talk, we talk about what authors are in our areas, meeting peers at the end of the world, and more. Thanks for following along with this experience. I'm excited to share it with you all, and I hope you're finding value in it. Up nextI'll finish up this series with the rehearsal for the Incidents Around The House performance in June, and some fun original music inspired by the book, in my episode titled Incidents Around The Race Track.In the futureI've recently set up dates to record with Clay McLeod Chapman, Joshua Chaplinsky, and the second part of my 2024 Horror Preview with Becky Spratford and Emily Hughes. Farther out, I'll planning episodes with Brian Asman, Zoje Stage, Sofia Ajram, and many many more.For those of you who prefer YouTube (there's no video, but there are captions!) Get full access to The ARC Party at www.thearcparty.com/subscribe

If you're looking for a discussion about Josh's upcoming book INCIDENTS AROUND THE HOUSE, go back one episode. It's all about the book, and you get to hear Other Mommy speak! This time aroundWe have a few drinks and talk about super fandom, the lost art of writing letters, and the importance of capturing and archiving the creative process. It's a sloshy fun time, and especially considering the topic, I'm very thankful that I got it on the record! Next episodeWe talk about Josh's documentary For All The Books, and some other stuff along the way. In the futureA complete recording of the rehearsal of the Incidents Around The House stage performance.For the folks that prefer YouTube (there is no video, but there are captions): Get full access to The ARC Party at www.thearcparty.com/subscribe

This is the first in a series of episodes with Josh Malerman I'm calling Interviews Around The House, from my recent visit to Michigan for a weekend of hanging out with Josh. If you want to know more about what that weekend was like, check out this post. In this episodeWe primarily talk about Josh's awesome upcoming release INCIDENTS AROUND THE HOUSE. In future episodes, we talk about Josh's documentary, his nonfiction book, fandom and the importance of archiving, and the absolute worst idea for Josh's 41st novel.A couple notes about the audio: First, this series is audio-only. I managed to capture a ton of audio, but no video. Second, these recordings are literally interviews around the house, so there is often background noise like wind, dogs, tree frogs, cocktails, and Jim Morrison. Most of the discussion is good, but there will be occasions where it's a little tougher to understand exactly what's being said. All in all, I think it adds to the atmosphere, but apologies in advance if it has an impact on any of the experience. Next Episode:Josh and Robb talk about the Documentary that Josh recorded, how great Daniel Kraus is, what authors are in Chicago and Detroit, and a bunch more. Coming Soon: Josh and Robb get tipsy and talk about how important it is to capture the process of creation, and other things I really don't remember to clearly.Hopefully… I'll also be presenting a recording of the rehearsal for Josh's upcoming stage performance with the group Wow Town, for the release of INCIDENTS AROUND THE HOUSE. For the folks who prefer YouTube (there is no video, but there are captions.): Get full access to The ARC Party at www.thearcparty.com/subscribe

I'm giving away 25 bookplates signed by Paul Tremblay. All you have to do is pre-order your copy of HORROR MOVIE using my bookshop.org affiliate link, and tell me about it! Step 1: Pre-order using THIS LINKStep 2: Email robb@thearcparty.com and tell me your Bookshop order number, and your mailing address. The first 25 orders using my affiliate link will have a bookplate signed by Paul sent to them. Yay free stuff! *fine print: Because I'll need to do some back and forth shipping with Paul, these will likely ship out to everyone closer to the release date of HORROR MOVIE. No personalizations. The last time I talked to Paul was for the release of his book Survivor Song in 2020, and a lot of things have happened in the mean time. It was nice to get some time to catch up, talk about life, and dig into his amazing new book, HORROR MOVIE. It's almost 90 minutes. We talk about HORROR MOVIE, Eric Larocca, superfans, publishing way back in 2011, and a lot more. I know you're going to enjoy the conversation, and you'll love the book.Coming soon: A special episode with Josh Malerman!For the folks who prefer YouTube viewing: Get full access to The ARC Party at www.thearcparty.com/subscribe

FIRST LIGHT is coming out on April 23rd! It's the much-anticipated sequel to Kerin's debut novel NIGHT'S EDGE. First thing's first: Order FIRST LIGHT right now! And if you're new to Liz, you can also order NIGHT'S EDGE at the same time, on my Liz Kerin list on BookshopNow that that's taken care of. If you haven't done so, go back and listen to my interview with Liz for NIGHT'S EDGE. I don't know if you know, but vampires are back, in a big way. Leading the charge is Liz Kerin, with her breakout duology about a young woman named Mia, who is navigating a world where vampires are among us, but they're not welcome. And oh yeah her mom is one, but nobody knows, so she has to be mom's source of food or she'll go away. NIGHT'S EDGE established Mia and her struggles with her family secret, and FIRST LIGHT takes her out into the world. All Mia wants is to be a normal person, but she's haunted by her a past she can't let go of, and she wants answers. I really loved these books, and in this episode I got to dig into some of the themes of FIRST LIGHT with Liz. We talked about love, forgiveness, rebellion, and a lot more. And I say “really cool” in this episode enough times that, looking back, I'm a little embarrassed. I need to be better with my choice of words.Since it's a duology, I'll share links to both of the episodes on YouTube, for you visual types: NIGHT'S EDGEFIRST LIGHT Get full access to The ARC Party at www.thearcparty.com/subscribe

The trilogy is complete, so it's time to bring you our third and final deep dive into the books in the Indian Lake trilogy: THE ANGEL OF INDIAN LAKE. With this installment, that brings the deep dive talk time to about six and a half hours, and I must say that we could have talked so much more! For the sake of ease, here's all the YouTube versions of the episodes all together, so it's easy to access: MY HEART IS A CHAINSAWDON'T FEAR THE REAPERTHE ANGEL OF INDIAN LAKE (spoiler warning!)Hey, while you're here, why not but some of SGJ's books!Here's a little treat, since I'm gathering a bunch of stuff together. I thought it would be cool to look back at all of my coverage of Stephen Graham Jones over the years. Turns out, it's a lot! Since July of 2011, I have interviewed Stephen four times. Additionally, I've done ten full book reviews of SGJ books. However, I know there were other episodes where we talked about Jones' work, but it would take time to find those poorly-labeled episodes. Missing from the following list are conversations about THE ELVIS ROOM, THE NIGHT CYCLIST, ATTACK OF THE 50FT INDIAN, NIGHT OF THE MANNEQUINS, and probably others I've forgotten. All the SGJ episodes I could come up with: * Zombie Bake Off (2012)* The Last Final Girl (2012)* Zombie Sharks with Metal Teeth (2013)* The Least of My Scars (2013)* Not For Nothing (2014)* Mongrels (2016)* It Came From Del Rio (2019)* The Only Good Indians (2020)* All The Beautiful Sinners (2021)* Demon Theory (2018)* Interview 2011 (Booked.)* Interview 2014 (Booked.)* Interview 2020 (Booked.) * Interview 2023 (The ARC Party)There is so much more. I'll probably do a follow up post on Substack just to make sure I've gathered all of my thoughts. But for now, that's a lot to chew on! Get full access to The ARC Party at www.thearcparty.com/subscribe

Eric Larocca is a master of exploring the boundaries of horror, and often going beyond them. His upcoming collection THIS SKIN WAS ONCE MINE AND OTHER DISTURBANCES consists of two longer, novella length stories, and two shorter ones. If we're talking overall theme, Eric says that this book is looking into the concept of human connection. Along the way, we get some fetishes, some deaths in the family, visiting childhood trauma on others, and some elderly men doing unspeakable things. It's a great collection, and I can't wait for everyone to read it! Until then, please enjoy my conversation with Eric. In addition to talking about big scary things, we talk about inspirational authors (including a whole lot of Paul Tremblay), Moms who support us, and a lot more. For those who prefer video to audio, here's the YouTubes: Get full access to The ARC Party at www.thearcparty.com/subscribe

Stephen Graham Jones has two books out this year. One of them is the third book in the Indian Lake trilogy, THE ANGEL OF INDIAN LAKE. It's the epic conclusion to an amazing story. What better way to celebrate its arrival, than to take a closer look at all three of the books. So, that's what I decided to do.Greg Greene - a noted Stephen Graham Jones scholar. He's managed to collect all of Stephen's published books (not an easy task), and is working his way through finding collections, etc. that Stephen has been published in. Greg has read about half of SGJ's books.Greg's also the guy behind the Jade Daniels is my Final Girl shirt, which you can get at jadeshirt.comJesse Lawrence - Been reading SGJ since the early 2000s. In Jones' own words, Jesse has probably read more of Stephen's writing than almost anybody. Including things never published. Jesse has been enthusiastically championing SGJ for decades. We love the book, we love Jade, and we hope you love our conversation/celebration of the book.Stay tuned for our final deep dive! We will be recording a discussion of THE ANGEL OF INDIAN LAKE closer to the release date. Be warned, this is a full discussion, with spoilers, so please don't listen until you have read all of the books. Get full access to The ARC Party at www.thearcparty.com/subscribe

Cynthia Pelayo's love for Chicago and its history and people is on full display in this sweet, creepy, sad, entertaining novel. As a Chicagoland native, it was so fulfilling to be able to picture the places she mentions, know the culture of the people that fill the book. But, that's lucky me for knowing the area. You don't need to know Chicago to fall in love with this book. And I was lucky enough to get some time with Cynthia to talk about things it made me feel, some inspirations for the story, and how we need community, and family, and empathy, and love in our lives. I'm very grateful for the opportunity to have such a great conversation with someone I just met! I encourage everyone to get their pre-orders in for this asap, because it's a great book. While you're at it, you may also enjoy her other novels which also incorporate elements of Chicago and fairy tales. I've got a nice convenient list for you to shop right here!For the folks who like video over audio: Get full access to The ARC Party at www.thearcparty.com/subscribe

Chloe Spencer wrote a hell of a novella with MEWING. A young hopeful model and social media influencer finds her way into an influencer enclave, and will do anything to make her dreams come true. It's a commentary on ambition. It makes us think about what we sacrifice when we create our online personas. It turns our stomach - all while being an entertaining and fun story. Chloe has had a hell of a couple years, publishing two novellas already in 2024, and a couple last year too. She's one to look out for, and I'm especially looking forward to reading AN AFFINITY FOR FORMALDEHYDE. Pre order MEWING and buy Chloe's books here!Watch the video version on YouTube: Get full access to The ARC Party at www.thearcparty.com/subscribe

Stephen Graham Jones has two books out this year. One of them is the third book in the Indian Lake trilogy, THE ANGEL OF INDIAN LAKE. It's the epic conclusion to an amazing story. What better way to celebrate its arrival, than to take a closer look at all three of the books. So, that's what I decided to do. Greg Greene - a noted Stephen Graham Jones scholar. He's managed to collect all of Stephen's published books (not an easy task), and is working his way through finding collections, etc. that Stephen has been published in. Greg has read about half of SGJ's books.Greg's also the guy behind the Jade Daniels is my Final Girl shirt, which you can get at jadeshirt.comJesse Lawrence - Been reading SGJ since the early 2000s. In Jones' own words, Jesse has probably read more of Stephen's writing than almost anybody. Including things never published. Jesse has been enthusiastically championing SGJ for decades. Jesse is in the acknowledgements for MY HEART IS A CHAINSAW.We love the book, we love Jade, and we hope you love our conversation/celebration of the book. Stay tuned for more deep dives!The deep dive of DON'T FEAR THE REAPER will release in late February, and the deep dive for THE ANGEL OF INDIAN LAKE will release in March, in the lead up to the release. Get full access to The ARC Party at www.thearcparty.com/subscribe

2024 is here! I know I've been planning my reading for the year for a while now. How about you? Are you in need of some recommendations? I have just the thing! It's The ARC Party's first ever Horror Preview episode! The reason this episode exists is because Emily Hughes aggregates a ton of information about forthcoming horror books every year, and posts a comprehensive, and frankly amazing list of them for everyone to use! You can find it here:Becky wanted to celebrate the launch of the list by diving into some of the titles we're excited about, so the three of us got together and did a month by month round table, talking about books we're looking forward to. Don't worry! I know you're going to want to do some shopping, so I made it super easy to pre-order these books, by putting together a list on bookshop.org. You can find it hereHere are all the books mentioned, their authors, and their current publication dates. If you want to read more about them, go to Emily's list. If you want to preorder these books, go to my list!JanuaryThis Wretched Valley by Jenny Kiefer - Jan 16Womb City by Tlotlo Tsamaase - Jan 23The Best Horror of the Year vol 15 edited by Ellen Datlow - Jan 16Midnight on Beacon Street by Emily Ruth Verona - Jan 30The House of Last Resort by Christopher Golden - Jan 30You, Me, and Ulysses S Grant by Brad Neely - Jan 23FebruaryYour Shadow Half Remains by Sunny Moraine - Feb 6Eynhallow by Tim McGregor - Feb 22What Feasts at Night by T. Kingfisher - Feb 13The Butcher of the Forest by Premee Mohamed - Feb 27The Book of Love byKelly Link - Feb 13Mewing by Chloe Spencer - Feb 27MarchThe Haunting of Velkwood by Gwendolyn Kiste - Mar 5Bury Your Gays: An Anthology of Tragic Queer Horror edited by Sofia Ajram - Mar 19Forgotten Sisters by Cynthia Pelayo - Mar 19Mouth by Joshua Hull - MarAprilFirst Light by Liz Kerin - Apr 23Bless Your Heart by Lindy Ryan - Apr 9Indian Burial Ground by Nick Medina - Apr 16The Skin Was Once Mine and Other Disturbances by Eric LaRocca - Apr 2MayThe House That Horror Built by Christina Henry - May 14The Z Word by Lindsay King-Miller - May 7The Angel of Indian Lake by Stephen Graham Jones - Mar 26Supplication by Nour Abi-Nakhoul - May 7Ghostroots by ‘Pemi Aguda - May 7JuneIncidents Around the House by Josh Malerman - Jun 25Horror Movie by Paul Tremblay - Jun 11The Eyes Are The Best Part by Monika Kim - Jun 25Youthjuice by E.K. Sathue - Jun 4Cuckoo by Gretchen Felker-Martin - Jun 11 hope you enjoy our discussion, and it gets you excited about some of the books coming in 2024. Pre-ordering is crucial to the success of new books, so I encourage you to do so generously. Have a book you're really excited about for the first half of 2024? Share it with me! I'd love to learn about more more more! You can reach out here, or I'm on all the social medias as @thearcparty Get full access to The ARC Party at www.thearcparty.com/subscribe

Here is the sixth, and final, LitReactor ARChive episode. In this one, I chat with the two head honchos of LitReactor about the genesis of the site, the goals of the site, and some of the highlights over the years. Peppered throughout are some call-in audio clips from contributors. It's a nice little tribute to the site, and a fitting goodbye. I appreciate everything it worked for and represented over the years, and hopefully people like having this peek behind the curtain. You don't want to miss the next episode! It's the 2024 Horror Preview (Jan-June)! Becky Spratford and Emily Hughes join me to look ahead to the first half of the year, and talk about some of the books we're most looking forward to. It's a great conversation. Get full access to The ARC Party at www.thearcparty.com/subscribe

LitReactor, as we know it, is closing down. I'm reposting the episodes I hosted for Unprintable (their podcast) over here on The ARC Party, so that they don't go away when the site shuts down. This is the fifth of six episodes - a deep dive into grammar featuring LR's managing editor, and two LR columnists who both have written and/or taught classes on the topic of grammar. One more to go after this. I'm rounding out the series with my discussion with Rob Hart and Josh Chaplinsky - where they talk about how the site started, and some of the highlights of the first ten years. So keep an eye out for that, and also for my 2024 Horror Preview episode featuring Becky Spratford and Emily Hughes. It's not to be missed! Get full access to The ARC Party at www.thearcparty.com/subscribe

In this episode, I say this is the third of six episodes. It's the Fourth. Oops! Check out an awesome conversation between me and Brian Keene and Michael David Wilson, where we talk about the art of interviewing someone. We share some personal stories from our years of experience, share what really matters to us when it comes to respecting guests, cultivating engaging questions, and delivering a great experience for everyone. I encourage you all to check out This Is Horror, and Brian Keene's podcasting ventures as well. And if you're feeling it, you can go back into my past, and check out some of the interviews I've had on my former podcast, Booked.Two more to go! Up next is Grammar, featuring Josh Chaplinsky, John Ginegrich, and Taylor Houston! Then, finally, a LitReactor retrospective with Josh Chaplinsky and Rob Hart. Get full access to The ARC Party at www.thearcparty.com/subscribe

It's the third of six LitReactor Archive episodes. In this episode, Sadie Hartmann (Mother Horror), and Becky Spratford (The Horror Maven/RA For All) Joined my on LitReactor's Unprintable podcast to talk about the art of book reviews. If you were ever curious about what goes in to a book review, or what some of the dos and don'ts are, this is the episode for you! Hear a social media influencer talk about her take on reviews and how it's evolved over the years. Hear about a librarian who writes reviews for other librarians. And from me, who just did it on a podcast for a damn decade. I'll be posting three more of these! So keep your peepers peeled for episodes about Interviews, Grammar, and LitReactor's 10th anniversary. Thanks for supporting me, and I hope everyone has the best possible holiday season. Get full access to The ARC Party at www.thearcparty.com/subscribe

This is the second of six ARC Party episodes, where I'm reposting my small run of episodes of their Unprintable podcast. As LitReactor is closing down, I wanted to give my episodes a place to live on, because they were great conversations that should not be lost to the ages. In this episode, Rob Hart joined to cohost an interview with SA Cosby, about his then-latest book RAZORBLADE TEARS. Rob was also on the cusp of the release of PARADOX HOTEL, so there was a good deal of discussion about that as well. This episode originally posted on Unprintable on 2/15/2022Coming soon:There are four more episodes of the LitReactor ARChives to come! Grammar, Interviews, Reviews, and the LR 10th Anniversary episode. Also, tomorrow I'm recording the ARC Party Look Ahead episode for the first half of 2024, with Becky Spratford and Emily Hughes. Very excited for this! Get full access to The ARC Party at www.thearcparty.com/subscribe

With the lights at LitReactor going dark for good in the coming weeks, I wanted to find a way to archive the handful of episodes that I recorded from them back in 2021. This is the first of six episodes, where I “re-air” the talks I hosted on their podcast, Unprintable. In this episode, Rob Hart joins me as a cohost to speak with Alma Katsu about her then-newly released book RED WIDOW, and also her then-upcoming book THE FERVOR. It's a great conversation, and I hope that if you haven't read Alma's work before, you're inspired to now. She writes great historical horror, as well as epsionage books! Coming soon, I'll be posting the other five episodes that I recorded with Unprintable, including an interview with SA Cosby, episodes on Grammar, Interviews, Reviews, and a 10th anniversary retrospective with Rob Hart and Josh Chaplinsky. Also, this week I'm recording an episode with Becky Spratford and Emily Hughes where we look ahead to our most anticipated books of the first half of 2024. As you can see, lots to come soon from Arc Party! I hope everyone has a great holiday season, enjoys some throwback episodes, and that you're all as excited as I am for what's coming in 2024! Get full access to The ARC Party at www.thearcparty.com/subscribe

Pre order House of Bad Memories directly from Cemetery Gates MediaAnd grab Michael's other books, too!Here's the second part of my discussion with Michael David Wilson about his upcoming book HOUSE OF BAD MEMORIES. In this episode, we dive deep in to the story, and Michael get's very personal about some of his experiences that inspired parts of the books. In addition to chatting about the book, we also talked about interviewing people, the landscape of horror podcasts, and even friendship. I hope you enjoy our discussion, and I hope you check out HOUSE OF BAD MEMORIES, and I hope you give a listen to This Is Horror as well. Some horror podcast recommendations mentioned in the episode: This Is Horror with Michael David Wilson and Bob PastorellaTalking Scared with Neal McRobertShe Wore Black with Agatha AndrewsAnd here's the YouTube version: Get full access to The ARC Party at www.thearcparty.com/subscribe

Buy BECOMING THE BOOGEYMAN and the other books we mentioned on my Bookshop page! The problem with ending your podcast, and getting sick, then kinda starting a new podcast, and then stopping it, and then eventually starting a new one… is that you miss the opportunity to keep talking to awesome people.Case in point: Richard Chizmar joined me on Booked. back when he released the second book in the Gwendy series. Since that time, he and Stephen King wrapped up the Gwendy series with a third book, and both the Boogeyman books are now out! He's been a busy buddy.But thankfully we got to talking, and it was a wonderful conversation. We touched on the phenomenon that is true crime books, we talked about the importance of friendship, we talked about book promotion. It was a great chat, and I think you'll love it! I know it's a tight 56ish minutes, but we accomplished a lot in that time!BECOMING THE BOOGEYMAN is out now, and it's a banger of a book. Chizmar took me from thinking that CHASING THE BOOGEYMAN was a one and done thing, to wanting an ongoing series! You should check it, and all of his books out today!For the YouTube die-hards: Get full access to The ARC Party at www.thearcparty.com/subscribe

Pre-order NESTLINGS today! While you're at it, grab MARY as well!This book has it all! A creepy luxury building with secrets. An opportunity too good to be true. Something not feeling right. Some kind of monsters? While this book does tackle some serious topics, such as living with a disability after having just had a baby, dealing with loss and grief, and having shitty landlords, it is entertaining and well paced! It's a great read and really shines on many levels. This is my first time talking to Nat, though you'd never know it, from how we got along. It was almost instantly that I was opening up to Nat about things, and he was sharing his own difficult struggles that helped him to create this story. It was utterly delightful, inspirational, and I think it helped me want to confront some of my trauma of going through having cancer.I consider this book, as well as the conversation, as a way for us to all take a look at the shit circumstances we've found ourselves in lately, and say “what the fuck” and try to move past it. It's not all serious. We had plenty of jokes and fun, and a nice chunk of it is spent talking about Stephen King, who was celebrating his birthday the night we recorded. Maybe his birthday ears were ringing. Please, just immediately go buy Nat's books. He's a talent, and I think he's gonna be my best friend one of these days.For those who want to visual experience: Get full access to The ARC Party at www.thearcparty.com/subscribe