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Send a textThis week we're joined by Kerry Mondragon, the writer and director behind the haunting and thought-provoking film Wetiko.
This week, The Scene Snobs Podcast welcomes special guest Heidi Christopher for an in-depth conversation about her chilling new horror novel Lies The Dirt Keeps. We'll dive into:
In today's Halloween episode of Set Lusting Bruce, Jesse Jackson hosts Ashe Woodward, author and podcaster of 'Spooky Scholars.' They delve into Aisha's background, growing up with diverse musical influences, and her love for horror movies and literature. Aisha shares her journey from teaching to writing horror novels, including her series 'BlackRock High.' She discusses the cathartic power of horror and her unique views on Bruce Springsteen's music. Tune in for an engaging conversation that bridges Bruce Springsteen, storytelling, and the darker side of culture. 00:00 Welcome to Set Lusting Bruce 00:31 Meet Ashe Woodward: Podcaster and Author 00:55 Ashe's Musical and Literary Journey 02:40 The Love for Physical Books 07:18 Memories and Connections with Bruce Springsteen 13:59 Ashe's Writing Journey 17:21 Teaching and the Love of Reading 22:01 The Journey to Becoming a Writer 23:09 BlackRock High: A Novel's Genesis 24:43 Exploring 'A Cemetery for Zoe' 25:58 The Allure of Dark Themes 27:55 Buffy, Horror, and Storytelling 34:37 Podcasting and Creative Ventures Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Once upon a midday talkshow, 'fore we hear Sean Carlson read Poe — Halloween tradition, you know, if you have tuned in before — hear about the works enduring, of bleak Edgar, dark and churning; how he set the tone for wording tales that chill us to the core. Dr. Amy Branam Armiento, former president of the Poe Studies Association for the USA and editor of the essay collection Poe and Women: Recognition and Revision, shares her scholarly insights on Edgar Allan Poe.
This week in honor of Halloween, we discuss the use of religion and spirituality in horror writing. We are joined by leading horror writers Tananarive Due, Juan Martinez, and Matt Ruff. This conversation originally took place October 10, 2025 and was recorded live at the University of Chicago Divinity School. We hope you enjoy entering [...]
This week in honor of Halloween, we discuss the use of religion and spirituality in horror writing. We are joined by leading horror writers Tananarive Due, Juan Martinez, and Matt Ruff. This conversation originally took place October 10, 2025 and was recorded live at the University of Chicago Divinity School. We hope you enjoy entering the Mind of a Writer. This episode is presented in conjunction with the American Writers Museum's forthcoming exhibit American Prophets: Writers, Religion, and Culture. This exhibit and programming series explores the profound ways writing reflects and influences our understanding of religion. American Prophets opens November 21, 2025. AWM PODCAST NETWORK HUB About the authors: TANANARIVE DUE is an award-winning author who teaches Black Horror and Afrofuturism at UCLA. A leading voice in Black speculative fiction for more than 20 years, Due has won an American Book Award, an NAACP Image Award, and a British Fantasy Award, and her writing has been included in best-of-the-year anthologies. Her books include The Reformatory (winner of a Los Angeles Times Book Prize, Chautauqua Prize, Bram Stoker Award, Shirley Jackson Award, World Fantasy Award, and a New York Times Notable Book), The Wishing Pool and Other Stories, Ghost Summer: Stories, My Soul to Keep, and The Good House. She and her late mother, civil rights activist Patricia Stephens Due, co-authored Freedom in the Family: A Mother-Daughter Memoir of the Fight for Civil Rights. She was an executive producer on Shudder's groundbreaking documentary Horror Noire: A History of Black Horror. She and her husband/collaborator, Steven Barnes, wrote “A Small Town” for Season 2 of Jordan Peele's The Twilight Zone on Paramount Plus, and two segments of Shudder's anthology film Horror Noire. They also co-wrote their Black Horror graphic novel The Keeper, illustrated by Marco Finnegan. Due and Barnes co-host a podcast, “Lifewriting: Write for Your Life!” She and her husband live with their son, Jason. JUAN MARTINEZ is a writer and an associate professor of English at Northwestern University. He is the author of the horror novel Extended Stay (University of Arizona Press / Camino del Sol, 2023) and of the story collection Best Worst American (Small Beer Press, 2017). He is also the fiction editor for Jackleg Press. Juan lives with his family near Chicago. MATT RUFF is the award-winning author of eight novels, including Fool on the Hill, Set This House in Order, Bad Monkeys, The Mirage, 88 Names, and the bestselling Lovecraft Country, which was adapted as an HBO series. His most recent book is The Destroyer of Worlds: A Return to Lovecraft Country.
In this podcast, Jacy Morris talks about early life lessons, his current writing routine, horror writing, and much more. About Jacy Morris Jacy Morris was born in 1979 in Richmond, Virginia. At the age of ten he was transplanted to Portland, Oregon, where he developed a love for punk rock, horror movies, and writing, all … Continue reading
Join hosts Ed Voccola (Rick and Morty, Bless The Harts) and Chris Cullari (Blumhouse, The Aviary) for a wild trip through the world of what scares them. This week, the guys are joined by Executive Producer and 2nd Unit Director of BLACK PHONE 2, Maggie Levin, to discuss the spiritual side of telecommunications. Don't love every word we say? Ok, weirdo. Here's some "chapters" to find what you DO love: 00:00:00 - Intro 00:01:51 - Housekeeping 00:11:57 - We're Talking Black Phone 2 with Maggie Levin 00:31:17 - We're Talking Haunted Telecommunication 00:36:48 - The Haunted Telegraph 00:49:00 - History of the Telephone 00:54:40 - Haunted Hot Springs Hotline 01:04:56 - Personal Phone Hauntings? 01:06:14 - The King's Phone 01:09:25 - Edison and the Dead 01:11:10 - Horror Writing and Afterlife Aside 01:14:36 - Edison and the Dead Continued 01:19:30 - Edison's Weird Ideas 01:23:50 - Phone Calls From the Dead 01:33:00 - Phone Grief 01:36:58 - Viola Tollen 01:42:06 - 911 From the Morgue 01:45:24 - The Fear Tier NOTE: Ads out of our control may affect chapter timing. Visit this episode's show notes for links and references. And the show notes for every episode can now be found on our website. Want even more out of SATT? Now you can SUPPORT THE SHOW and get NEW SATT content EVERY WEEK for as little as 5 BONES — which includes our bonus video show New Fear Unlocked — by joining SATT PREMIUM.
I have been writing this essay for 2 days! And I've FINALLY figured it out. I could not figure out why this chapter was so captivating to me. I wrote about how I thought it was the most action packed chapter in the whole story. I wrote about the tales of Moria. I wrote about the characters and their own personal journeys through this chapter, but I COULD NOT FIGURE IT OUT, until I reread the stinking title of the chapter and it all clicked.
Can horror be healing? In this compelling episode of Healthy Mind, Healthy Life, host Avik Chakraborty speaks with author Risa Patterson, who shares how her supernatural thriller Firebug channels trauma, grief, and ancestral wounds into creative storytelling. From quitting her full-time design job to navigating imposter syndrome and the world of self-publishing, Risa dives deep into how horror can serve as a metaphor for transformation. Discover how metaphor, emotion, and messy first drafts can ignite true healing and creative freedom. Whether you're a writer, mental health advocate, or someone navigating deep emotions, this episode offers raw insight into reclaiming your story—even the darkest chapters. About the Guest:Risa Patterson is a graphic designer turned full-time writer. She's the author of Firebug, a dark, supernatural thriller that explores generational trauma and emotional repression through horror. With a background in design and a passion for storytelling, Risa brings metaphor, creativity, and psychological depth to her fiction. Key Takeaways : Horror as a Healing Medium: Risa shares how horror fiction like Firebug can surface universal truths like grief, shame, and generational pain through powerful metaphor—monsters, ghosts, and curses are never just what they seem. Unintentional Truths: While she didn't start with the intent to explore trauma, Risa realized after finishing her novel that it reflects her own healing from family patterns and emotional repression. Writing as Emotional Release: Drawing from authors like Anne Lamott (Bird by Bird), she champions the “shitty first draft” and how embracing imperfection allows writers to express the inexpressible. The Courage to Leap: Her decision to quit her job and pursue writing full-time came from trusting her instincts and honoring her voice, even in the face of uncertainty and fear. The Reality of Self-Publishing: Risa debunks the myth that traditional publishing is the only valid path, sharing how she's taking creative control, managing her own book design, and preparing for launch independently. Connect with the Guest:Website: risapatterson.comTikTok: @risawritesInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/authorasbury/ Want to be a guest on Healthy Mind, Healthy Life?DM on PodMatchDM Me Here:https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/avik CHECK PODCAST SHOWS & BE A GUEST: Tune to all our 19 podcasts: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/healthymindbyavik Subscribe To Newsletter: https://healthymindbyavik.substack.com/ Join Community: https://nas.io/healthymind OUR SERVICES: Business Podcast Management - https://ourofferings.healthymindbyavik.com/corporatepodcasting/ Individual Podcast Management - https://ourofferings.healthymindbyavik.com/Podcasting/ Share Your Story With World - https://ourofferings.healthymindbyavik.com/shareyourstory STAY TUNED AND FOLLOW US!Medium: https://medium.com/@contentbyavikYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@healthymindbyavikInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/healthyminds.pod/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/podcast.healthymindLinkedIn Page: https://www.linkedin.com/company/healthymindbyavikLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/avikchakrabortypodcaster/Twitter: https://twitter.com/podhealthclubPinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/Avikpodhealth/ SHARE YOUR REVIEW Share your Google Review - https://www.podpage.com/bizblend/reviews/new/ Share a video testimonial - https://famewall.healthymindbyavik.com/ #podmatch #healthymind #healthymindbyavik #wellness #mentalhealth #traumahealing #writingcommunity #horrorbooks #selfpublishing #emotionalhealth #StorytellingAsMedicine #PodcastLife #PersonalDevelopment #CreativityHeals #MentalHealthAwareness #HealingThroughHorror #authormindset #FirebugNovel #podcasting #newpodcast #writingtherapy #generationaltrauma #creativitymatters #selfbelief #empowerment
Join host Edith on Book Lovers Companion as sheinterviews James Longmore and Xtina Marie, fellow podcasters, authors, andco-founders of Hellbound Books Publishing. In this episode, they delve intotheir journey of starting a horror publishing house, discuss their passion forthe horror genre, and share their experiences in writing, editing, andpublishing. The conversation also touches on the significance of audiobooks,the impact of changing audiences, and provides valuable advice for aspiringauthors. Tune in for an insightful discussion on the world of horror literatureand independent publishing. Find outmore about Hellbound Books, James and Xtina here:https://hellboundbookspublishing.com/If you like what we do, you mightconsider buying us a coffee. You can do so here: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/booklovercom or here: https://ko-fi.com/bookcompanion You can also support us via Paypal: https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/bookcompanion or via Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/bookcompanion Follow us: Web: https://book-lovers-companion.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/book_companion Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ez.fiction.7/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/book_companion/ Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC6vyAyrh3zzsxNeexfyU0uA Feedback is always welcome: bookcompanioncontact@gmail.comMusic: English Country Garden by Aaron Kenny Video Link:https://youtu.be/mDcADD4oS5E
Send us a textIn this episode of Horrific Podcast, we sit down with Francesca Maria and Mark Causey, the creative duo behind the brand-new horror anthology Black Cat Tales—a chilling collection of short stories, all centered around the mysterious and macabre world of black cats.
Hey Horror Fans!!!This week on Mostly Horror, Steve and Sean dig into some intriguing horror headlines! They discuss rumors of Robert Eggers possibly directing a Labyrinth sequel with the Jim Henson Company, Bret Easton Ellis casting doubt on the legitimacy of Austin Butler playing Patrick Bateman in a new American Psycho project, and some surprising CGI updates to Alien: Romulus for its physical release.Then, they sit down with the incredible Eric LaRocca to discuss his chilling new novella At Dark I Become Loathsome. Eric opens up about the catharsis of horror, how long-held fears like cancer and mortality evolve into recurring themes in his work, and why he's fascinated by the monstrous things humans do to one another. They also dive into his influences, from Clive Barker to Universal Monsters, and the delicate balance between beauty and depravity in his storytelling.Finally, Eric takes on the Spook'em Scare'em Starter Kit with some delightfully twisted prompts inspired by giallo, monsters, and more!This episode is incredibly insightful, unsettling, and a whole lot of fun so...COME HANG OUT!!!Follow Us on Social Media:Instagram & Threads: @mostlyhorrorpodTikTok & Twitter/X: @mostlyhorrorSteve: @stevenisaverage on all socialsSean: @hypocrite.ink on IG/TikTok, @hypocriteink on Twitter/XEnjoy this episode? Don't forget to subscribe, rate and leave a review on your favorite podcast platform! For early Access and ad-free episodes, subscribe on Wondery+.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
My guest this episode is Angela Yuriko Smith, a poet, author, and publisher of Space and Time magazine. She's a two-time Bram Stoker Award winner, president of the Horror Writers Association, and founder of the Authortunities Hub, where she mentors indie authors. I'll let Angela Yuriko Smith tell her story. Find more author advice, tips, and tools at our Self-publishing Author Advice Center, with a huge archive of 2,000+ blog posts, and a handy search box to find key info on the topic you need. We invite you to join our organization and become a self-publishing ally. Sponsor Inspirational Indie Authors is proudly sponsored by Bookvault. Sell high-quality, print-on-demand books directly to readers worldwide and earn maximum royalties selling directly. Automate fulfillment and create stunning special editions with BookvaultBespoke. Visit Bookvault.app today for an instant quote. About the Host Howard Lovy has been a journalist for 40 years and now amplifies the voices of independent author-publishers and works with authors as a developmental editor. Find Howard at howardlovy.com, LinkedIn, and X.
In this episode of The Truth In This Art, I had the pleasure of speaking with horror scholar and freelance writer, Lea Anderson. Lea's work, especially at the intersection of Black feminism and monster theory, brings a fascinating and unique perspective to the genre. We dive into her FANGORIA column Eaten Alive, where she explores the devouring Other in horror, film, myth, and literature. Lea also shared her academic background and how Black feminist thought shapes her approach to analyzing horror films. We talked about the role of monsters in storytelling, touching on everything from Gremlins and Blade to the deeper human experiences that horror can reveal. This conversation was truly thought-provoking and offered an intriguing look into how horror helps us explore societal fears and tensions. If you're into the art of fear and cultural critique, this episode is one you won't want to miss! This program is supported in part by a grant from the Robert W. Deutsch Foundation.If you have a story about art, culture, or community in Baltimore, share it with us at rob@thetruthinthisart.com for a chance to be featured on "The Truth In This Art" podcast. This is a unique opportunity to contribute to the arts and culture podcast scene and showcase your insights on "The Truth In This Art" with Rob Lee.Follow The Truth In This Art on Twitter, Threads, IG, and Facebook @truthinthisart Original music by Daniel Alexis Music with additional music from Chipzard.Episode illustration by Alley Kid Art.About "The Truth In This Art"Hosted by Rob Lee, "The Truth In This Art" podcast dives into the heart of creativity and its influence on the community. This arts and culture podcast from Baltimore highlights artists discussing their ideas, sharing insights, and telling impactful stories. Through these artist interviews, listeners gain a deeper understanding of the creative economy and artistic life in Baltimore. Support the show:Merch from Redbubble | Make a Donation ★ Support this podcast ★
Derek Luptak talks with author Spun Counterguy to talk about the inspirations behind the horror anthology Nest of 'Em. Including Skeleton Key, Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, Picture of Dorian Gray, Southern Gospel, Chinese folklore and more.
“Comedy and scares are so similar. I've found that in a lot of my scripts, it's almost like you're taking the peaks and valleys of humor, and the peaks and valleys of scares, and flipping them on each other. So, you have the scare that you come down from for a moment of brevity and humor, or just character work, and then you do another scare. You've relaxed them and then scare them again. The effect is that you're making the audience have a good time,” says Seth Sherwood, author of The Scary Movie Writer's Guide. In this episode, we speak with Seth Sherwood, writer of horror movies like Leatherface and Hell Fest. He was also nominated for an Emmy for writing the TV show Light as a Feather. I chat with him about the long process of making Hell Fest with producer Gale Ann Hurd, the difference between internal and external horror, and his definition of grounded horror that's so popular these days. He also gives his advice on what he thinks is the single best thing an emerging horror writer can do to help their career. “Right now, the industry is in a retraction, there's an implosion and streaming is dying. When people ask me now how to break in, I say I don't know, but I think you'll never go wrong in actually trying to make stuff like short films. I know it's a whole other path and it's a difficult thing to do but people will always watch stuff before they read stuff if they're not writers. And those people are the gatekeepers. I always wanted to make my own films, but my writing career took off and I'm actually in a spot where I'm going backwards, where I have done so many writing assignments in the last few years but things aren't getting made – so, I'm going to go make a microbudget horror film on my own with my friends. The thing that I wanted to do when I was 20 years old. Because at least it's a thing that can be seen. And that has more weight than a script right now,” he says. To hear more about horror writing from Seth's perspective, listen to the podcast.
Join host Jim Phoenix as he delves into the chilling world of horror with Lauren Jane Barnett, author of “Death Lines: Walking London Through Horror Cinema”. Discover the eerie connections between London’s landmarks and classic horror films, explore Barnett’s “London Horror Movie Book Club” podcast, and get exclusive insights into her upcoming movie “Darner”, featuring […]
Brett Talley, is the co-host of The Prosecutors Podcast and an author of several bestselling novels and anthologies, including He Who Walks in the Shadows, That Which Shall Not Be, and The Fiddle is the Devil's Instrument.We're going to talk about the world of mysteries, from classic literary whodunits to modern-day true crime. Brett shares his journey from being a fan of classic mysteries to becoming a true crime enthusiast, and discusses why humanity has an innate fascination with the unknown. We also explore some of the most unsettling cases including the disappearances of the Jack family and Brianna Maitland.Check out the Silver Linings Handbook website at:https://silverliningshandbook.com/Check out our Patreon to support the show at:https://ww.patreon.com/thesilverliningshandbookVisit the Silver Linings Handbook store to support the podcast at:https://www.bonfire.com/store/the-silver-linings-handbook-podcast-store/Episode art by Hannah Hill who is the talented artist who produces art for every episode of The Prosecutors podcast, which Brett co-hosts with Alice LaCour. To check out and support Hannah's art, check out her Instagram at @serious_moonlite or her website at https://linktr.ee/HannahHillArt.
The Writers Advice Podcast is bought to you by Booksprout. Booksprout is my go-to platform to share my stories with readers to engage with reviewers before they are launched with the rest of the world. Head to booksprout to increase your online reviews today! and THE WRITERS JOURNAL. Grab your copy here. && The AUTHORS BUSINESS JOURNAL All my other downloadable writing resources This week on the Writers Advice Podcast I am joined by author and screenwriter Christian White: On this episode Christian and I talk about: - His 20 years to becoming an overnight success - The importance of sharing your work - Writing thrillers, horrors and killer twists -Literary competitions -Balancing screen writing and novel writing -What books make a great movie -And all of Christian's advice for up and coming writers. -Check out Christian's brand new book here Grab a copy of my latest release - Adventure of a Lifetime HERE JOIN THE WRITERS ADVICE FACEBOOK GROUP Become a part of my ARC TEAM HERE Join us on Instagram: @writersadvicepodcast Contact Christian:Website: christian-white.com Contact Me:Website: oliviahillier.comInstagram: @oliviahillierauthorTikTok: @oliviahillierauthor
On this episode, we're joined by Josh Domanski of the Liminal Horror writing team to discuss tips and tricks for writing short form horror content for both your home games and publication. Find Liminal Horror here: https://liminalhorrorrpg.com/ Find Case Files here: https://unenthuser.itch.io/case-files-vol-1 Find the Horrors of the Americas Jam here: https://itch.io/jam/horror-of-the-americas-jam Join the Liminal Horror discord here: https://discord.gg/ptHUNSVDrJ 0:00 Start 0:17 What is LH writing seminar 2 about? 2:10 Hungry Hollow, Twisted Classics, and Horror of the Americas 6:11 What is short form horror? 8:14 Examples of short from horror content 26:24 Tables 36:00 Plot Hooks 41:50 Creatures 50:36 Creating Horrors 59:06 Example lesser horror stat blocks 1:00:42 Example greater horror stat blocks 1:03:08 Resonant Artifacts 1:11:41 NPCs 1:20:12 Example NPCs 1:21:08 Example Key NPC 1:25:04 Factions 1:31:34 Example Faction - The Bureau 1:36:46 Scenarios 1:43:12 Example Scenario - Second Dawn 1:47:44 Key to the Second Dawn Scenario 1:50:39 Second Dawn Scenario setting and locations 1:52:56 Q&A 2:05:07 Wrap up 2:07:39 Shilling All our links here: https://linktr.ee/theweeklyscroll Live Streams on Twitch: https://www.twitch.tv/theweeklyscroll Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the.weekly.scroll Twitter: https://x.com/Weekly_Scroll YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@theweeklyscroll
Jessica Bross: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessica-bross/ https://www.ciderspoonstories.com/
On this episode, we're joined by the Liminal Horror writing team to discuss the tips and tricks for taking existing adventures and stories and adapting them for use in your home games and third-party supplements. 0:00 Start 3:21 Presentation Begins 2:17:04 Questions 3:00:09 Outro Click for > The Parthenogenesis of Hungry Hollow Join the > Twisted Classics Jam All our links here: https://linktr.ee/theweeklyscroll Live Streams on Twitch: https://www.twitch.tv/the.weekly.scroll Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the.weekly.scroll Twitter: https://twitter.com/Weekly_Scroll YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@theweeklyscroll
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-His daughter texted the following: -"It's a shock to us all. My mom had checked in on him at 2AM and he was his usual self, then he wasn't responsive a few hours later. I'm glad to hear that he was able to be with you guys recently--I know that brought him so much joy." -More information here, below my video on the website page: https://lovecraftzine.com/2024/04/30/our-dear-friend-rick-lai-passed-away-in-his-sleep-last-night/ -This is the audio version of the YouTube video from earlier this week (Tuesday, April 30, 2024). -If you want to leave a comment for us or for Rick's family, please go to the YouTube video: https://youtu.be/3gcdetneeiM -Rick's final episode: https://www.youtube.com/live/vgm8bkS58oA —————
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To WATCH this episode, go here: https://youtu.be/q4Ea92fpkkg -
In this episode of First Draft Friday from Authors A.I., Authors Alessandra Torre and Kathleen Fine will discuss steps, advice, and tips on how first-time novel writers can get their book published. In this episode, she'll share the inside scoop of what worked for her (and what didn't) to ignite you into authorhood!This is an unedited chat loaded with questions and answers. Listen in! you know you can get an expert analysis of your novel in just minutes?Get your book analyzed here > https://authors.ai/
This week we welcome horror film writing legend Dennis Paoli on the show, writer of such cult classics as Re-animator and From Beyond, to talk about his latest feature Suitable Flesh which he has been shopping around since the eighties, after that we play another round of You're The Expert, enjoy! Watch Liz's new short film Witchy on youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gk5WtIOz5do Watch Alrik's new short film Parka on Vimeo: https://vimeo.com/357898693 Watch The Alternate on Tubi Out Now: https://tubitv.com/movies/702632/the-alternate Check out the ISA at: www.networkisa.org Don't forget to support us on Patreon! www.patreon.com/mmihpodcast
Happy Halloween! Author John James Minster returns to the podcast to share his experience with the paranormal and how he instills authenticity in his horror writing. Speculative Sandbox is for entertainment purposes only. This is a volunteer-run program. Opinions expressed by individuals on the podcast are their own. Main cover art illustrated by Sofia Hansson Individual episode covers feature royalty-free photography from Pexels.com or Canva. Links: Guest form Merch store Curated episode playlists on Spotify Social media: Follow on Instagram Follow on Tik Tok Follow on Twitter
Introduction: Introduction of the podcast episode. Host: Jr Sparrow Guest: Colin Leonard, horror author from County Mead, Ireland. About the Guest: Colin Leonard, a horror author from County Mead, Ireland. Colin's background and upbringing. Early interest in reading and writing, influenced by family, teachers, and a love for literature. Origin of Halloween in Ireland: Discussion about the origins of Halloween in Ireland. Mention of fire festivals and hilltop celebrations in ancient times. County Mead's role in Halloween history. Journey into Writing: Colin's introduction to writing through school essays and competitions. Transition from being an avid reader to a writer. Encouragement from teachers, family, and friends. Balancing writing with other life activities. First Writing Success: Colin's experience of getting his first story published. The significance of having his work published. The transition to taking writing more seriously. Country Roads: Overview of Colin's book "Country Roads." Inspiration from rural Ireland, local myths, and spooky elements. Themes of horror, mythology, and small-town life in the novel. Other Writing Projects: Mention of Colin's contributions to anthologies, including Horror Library and Calls from the Veil. Exploring horror, fantasy, and Irish folklore in his stories. Writing Process: Colin's writing process using a tablet and Google Docs. Overcoming writer's block and staying productive. Dealing with feedback and criticism from editors and publishers. Defining Success: Colin's perspective on success as an author. The fulfillment of having a published novel and leaving a legacy. Balancing personal ambitions with the love of writing. Early Literary Influences: Colin's early literary influences, including "Asterix and Obelix" comics. The appeal of adventure, comedy, and magic in those stories. Future Writing Aspirations: Colin's interest in writing intricate crime and mystery stories. Expressing a desire to expand his writing skills to different genres. Acknowledgments and Gratitude: Expressing gratitude to family, friends, and mentors who supported Colin's writing journey. Importance of encouragement and inspiration from various sources. Conclusion and Contact Information: Wrapping up the podcast episode. Invitation to connect with Colin Leonard online and check out his works. Mention of Colin's website: colinleonard.com. Note about show notes including ebook links, author contact information, and other relevant details. Make sure you check out Nebula Capsule and its great projector offerings https://nebula-us.pxf.io/c/3892135/999468/13098 Check out XGIMI Official Store US! They are offering a special deal so you'll get $30.00 off! https://invi.tt/y86O3GUJ?s=58112342
With pretty much all of our bad guys dead following the climax of the story, we take a look back at all of the antagonistic forces from the book and rank them from dumbest to best. Other topics include whether or not we inadvertently made our main character a Thanos, Jeff's asinine internal battle of efficiency versus originality, and Ethan's deep-seated fears concerning other men, bourbon, and barbecue.
In the Season Two finale, we take a final, comprehensive look at our spooky multidimensional caveman epic: Beyond the Mirror. Other topics include figuring out which “big energies” we tapped into over the course of the story, other titles that didn't make the cut, and why Ethan decided to make the book's final antagonists an army of gentrifying sadness monsters.
Because we have dragged our protagonists back to their miserable home world, we explore the idea of homecoming in our real lives and try to figure out which of our personal traumas we have projected onto the story. Other topics include the futility of trying to explain magic, finding the right balance between being corny and sensible, and how all of Ethan's early courtships started and ended at Applebees.
Forced to use an "eerie" Fate Index submission on one of our protagonists, we discuss how we would cope with similar weird changes in our real lives. Other topics include how farts are a great catalyst for transformation, deciding when a story needs to slow down the pace, and big sacrifices like Randy Quaid in the blockbuster film Independence Day.
Which animals would we follow into a deep, dark hole? We discuss which of nature's children are the most trustworthy. Other topics include whether or not Ethan is actually a bunch of bugs in a man suit, playing fast and loose with our Fate Index rolls, and not wanting to overwrite a gross scene because someone will inevitably use it to scratch a kinky itch.
Now that we're in the back half of the story, it's time to go back and look at the original rolls from the first episode to see how well we've been following directions. Other topics include the fun of creating insidiously creepy chapters, making fast friends with an UltraBacon at the bar, and the introduction of a new, unexpected pet: former US president Grover Cleveland.
Being forced to write an awkward social faux pas into the story is the perfect excuse to talk about our own devastating personal embarrassments. Other topics include using Fate Index rolls to become an edgelord, creating the Skeleton Bible, and being fine with tropes in our story as long as they were someone else's idea.
Who has the hot looks and perfect life and how do we get into those bodies instead of our crummy ones? Ethan wants to be the tallest guy in the neighborhood and Jeff knows he'll never cut it as Beyoncé. Other topics include whether or not we should care about "good storytelling" over fun, getting creative with suboptimal rolls, and having to level up our story challenges as we level up our characters.
Animals can be scary! In this episode, we create a tier list that determines once-and-for-all which animals are the most terrifying. Other topics include Ethan deciding that a brand-new character is unnecessary, how Elden Ring is still infiltrating our creative nodes, and characters who mysteriously know all of the story's secrets.
Inspired by a trans-Atlantic viewing of Indiana Jones, we explore the idea of a "leap of faith" and whether or not we're the type of people to take big risks. Other topics include the unstated peril of not naming characters, whether or not we've got too much magic in the story, and an introduction to a sexy bug waifu Bionicle named Zethra.