We're joined by the lovely Benjamin Bradley to discuss the charms and not-so-much charms of small towns, leaving vs. staying in hometowns, and his latest release What He Left Behind. We also talk about New Jersey folklore, letting teenagers run the show in certain stories, and revisiting the stories we wrote as kids. Benjamin Bradley is a member of…

We're joined by the marvelous Alex Kenna to discuss various levels of musical ability, 'satisfying' television, and writing strong visualizations, and her book ⁠Burn this Night⁠. We also talk about artistic skills applied to different mediums, the research process for Burn this Night, and writing in different genres, and get a sneak peek at chapter…

We're joined by the amazing Alex Segura to discuss his books Alter Ego and Secret Identity, dive into comic book (and other) nerdoms, and writing about an industry without asking readers to sit through a 101 crash course. We also get a sneak peek of Alter Ego, discuss the process of writing a stand alone sequel, juggling different projects, and Ale…

We're joined by the fantastic A.M. Adair to discuss her novella Origin Story, translating fiction into different mediums, and diving headfirst into a character's frame of mind. We also get a sneak peek of Origin Story, representation of women in fiction, and the therapeutic benefits of creative outlets. A.M. Adair retired from active duty as a Chie…

We're joined by the lovely Lina Chern to discuss her novel Play the Fool and it's recently released sequel Tricks of Fortune, as well as neurodivergent co-morbidities, being "ready" for an editor, and vice fueled fury. We also get a sneak peek of Tricks of Fortune and touch on writing with a series in mind. Lina Chern’s debut mystery novel, Play th…

The phenomenal S.A. Cosby joins us to discuss his newest book King of Ashes, stepping into darkness as a writer, and exploring trauma and family ties through fiction. We also get a sneak peek of King of Ashes, the cameos in the S.A. Cosby universe, and touch on the dichotomy of the art vs business of writing and publishing. S. A. Cosby is a New Yor…

Our guest Libby Cudmore treats us to discussions on stories inspired by dessert dreams, lots of music references, and a dive into her latest book Negative Girl. We also get a snippet of her short story "We Hunger" published in Dark Waters Vol. 2, talk about actors escaping their teenage roles, writing across genres and different types of relationsh…

We're joined by Josh Mendoza to discuss switching between screenwriting and novels, $1,000 lego sets, and finding light in the darkness. We also get a sneak peak of his book Shadow of the Eternal Watcher, the fun parts of editing, and creepy Twilight Zone episodes. Josh Mendoza is a screenwriter, director, producer and author. Mendoza is the founde…

Noah Rymer joins us for a lively discussion of Catholic literature and morality, Flannery O'Connor fandom, and selecting the least-bad vices. We also get a sneak peak of denouement, now available from Anxiety Press. Noah Rymer is a poet, editor, and prose writer who runs the literary outhouse Pere Ube as editor-in-chief, and whose debut novella den…

Thomas Trang joins us to discuss nuances in villainous characters, balancing exposition in narration, and his book Dark Neon & Dirt. We also get a sneak peek of the book, talk second-person narrations, and the geopolitical considerations of Jafar. Thomas Trang is a French/Vietnamese writer currently living in the UK after stints in Australia, New Y…

The audio recording of our crowdcast for Dark Waters Vol. 2 - the podcast's second anthology of dark fiction. Guest host Bobby Mathews comes on board to talk through the anthology, and we're treated to some guest readings by several of the anthology's authors. We would also like to extend our congratulations to Jacqueline Freimor, whose story "Crue…

The wonderful Wes Browne joins us to discuss finding new books in unexpected ways, the perfect Bouchercon experience, and his new book They All Fall the Same. We also get a sneak preview of the book, touch on finding the ideal segments for author readings, and how taste can be incredibly subjective. Wes Browne lives within the Kentucky River Basin …

We're joined by the talented Nick Kolakowski to discuss his upcoming release Where the Bones Lie, stylistic choices for author readings, and dive into various rants including Chuck Palahniuk photographs, the 2008 writer's strike, and being shouted out of imposter syndrome. We also get a sneak peek at Where the Bones Lie, talk about the importance o…

We're joined by the awesome Jaima Fixsen to talk about her new book The Specimen, steminist literature, and 19th century medical ethics. Also, how to balance the supernatural and the human in stories, Edinburgh history, and the Pythagoras math cult. Jaima Fixsen is a USA Today and International best-selling author living and writing in Alberta, Can…

We're joined again by the incredible Jordan Harper to discuss the US release of The Last King of California, writing the stories you want to write, and having an impromptu meeting of the S.A. Cosby fan club. We also get a sneak peek at The Last King of California, discuss publishing across different countries, and whether or not the UK has a valid …

We're joined by the lovely ⁠Rob D. Smith⁠ to discuss his debut novel, numerous short stories, and French etymology in book titles. We also get a sneak peek of ⁠Good-Looking Ugly ⁠talk about editing for a press, the relevance/importance of humor in dark fiction, and how Rob became dubbed the "Funkle." Rob D. Smith is a common man attempting to write…

Debut novelist Sean Jacques joins us to discuss his book Doe Run, reading lists for high schoolers in 2024, the importance of indie publishing venues, and glimpses into the minds of former theatre kids. We also get a sneak peek of Doe Run, and touch on whether or not Into the Wild is tragic, turning diaries into movies, and the effects of children'…

We're joined by attorney and author Russell W. Johnson to his Mountaineer Mystery series to discuss some of our favorite topics - dark fiction in dark times, dealing with rejection, and whether Jessica Lange was secretly the real killer all along. We also get a sneak peek at the second book in the series, The Mountain Mystic, and discuss character …

We're joined by HWA NY chapter coordinator James Chambers and discuss his body of work, using horror as a way to process the world, and Lovecraftian writing in contemporary settings. We also get a sneak preview of his collection A Bright and Beautiful Eternal World and collectively wonder at how certain stories find their place in the children's se…

We're joined by the fantastic Jahmal Mayfield to discuss his incredible debut novel Smoke Kings, as well as the beauty of rom coms and Japanese philosophers. We also get a sneak preview of Smoke Kings and discuss tunnel vision in looking at political/socio-economic issues, and having honest conversations through a fictional lens. Jahmal Mayfield wr…

Our audio recording of our crowdcast with editor Barbara Byer and writers from Motel: An Anthology, celebrating the it's release. Featuring contributors: Casey Stegman Nils Gilbertson Cole Beauchamp Tessa Rossi and M.E. Proctor Barbara Byar is a working-class American (CT and CA) writer living in Ireland for over 25 years. Her critically acclaimed …

Our audio recording of our crowdcast with the crew from the fantastic mag Rock and a Hard Place celebrating the release of their anthology The One Percent: Tales of the Super Wealthy and Depraved Featuring the editors: Roger Nokes Jay Butkowski Albert Tucher Paul J. Garth R.D. Sullivan and Rob D. Smith And writers: James D.F. Hannah Curtis Ippolito…

We're joined by the phenomenal talent that is award-winning author Jordan Harper to talk about Everybody Knows, late stage capitalism, horseshoe theory, and universal guilt. We also discuss his other works She Rides Shotgun, and The Last King of California, his past experience in music journalism, and Western society being a catalyst for noir stori…

We're joined by the awesome Beau Johnson to discuss facial recognition skills, reading as a family activity, and his latest release The Abrum Files. We also talk about time travel, tackling heavy topics through a variety of mediums, and rawness in writing certain genres. Beau Johnson lives in Ontario, Canada and is the author of the Bishop Rider bo…

We're joined by the incredible talent that is Ai Jiang and talk about their projects both released and upcoming, whether AI will take over the world, and if the apocalypse can come before we've written the books we want to write. We also get a snippet of I Am AI and talk about using horror as a way to discuss grief. Ai Jiang is a Chinese-Canadian w…

We debrief from our first ever Bouchercon - talk about things we loved, people we loved, and books we're looking forward to. We are also opening for submissions for a Dark Waters anthology! Check our Twitter @podcastwaters for more info. Want to submit your writing for an episode? Email [email protected] Intro/Outro music: www.bensound.co…

We're joined by the wonderful Holly West and second-time visitor C.W. Blackwell to talk about Bouchercon 2023, editing anthologies, blind submissions, and efforts to widen submission pools to as wide a group as possible. We also talk about the Bouchcon anthology Killin' Time In San Diego, hear a sample of C.W.'s story within it "Hard Rain on Beach …

We're joined by the awesome Alexander James to go on many nerdy tangents and get a sneak preview of his debut novel The Woodkin. We also talk about complex timelines in writing, relative degrees of horror, and Nate's appalling lack of bookshelves. Alexander spent most of his childhood in southern Germany, and then went to culinary school in South L…

We're re-joined by the amazing Jack Moody to discuss the ins and outs of the writing process, from editing to submitting, marketing, and dealing with rejection in a "nose to tail" look at the parts of writing beyond getting words on a page. Jack Moody is a novelist and short story writer from wherever he happens to be at the time. He is the author …

We're joined by Peter Farris to discuss finding inspiration in unique places, transitioning from horror to thriller writing, and rural noir stories. We also get a snippet of The Devil Himself, and discuss both the French and US publishing worlds, the relevance of luck, and the importance of perseverance. Called a “serious new talent” by Barnes & No…

We're joined by fellow Midwesterner Scott Mitchel May to discuss the categorization of Ohio, the twisted origins of some Arthurian legends, allowing readers to feel uncomfortable, and finding out twists as readers do. We also get a sneak preview of his debut novel Breakneck: or, it happened once in America, discuss the pros and cons of trying to pl…

In which we discuss After The Lights Go Out by John Vercher, mental health, the toll that contact sports take, and one-star reviews. Also the cost of entertainment, conflicting character motivations, and balancing multiple issues within a story. If you want to hear from the author himself, check out his appearance on NPR's Fresh Air. Trigger warnin…

We're joined by author Adam Godfrey to discuss his novella, Narcissus, crossing genres, being a panster vs a planner, and myth retellings. There are also several side tangents involving music, movies, and music in movies. Adam Godfrey hails from Chesapeake, Virginia, where he lives with his wife and three daughters. He holds over twenty years of ex…

We are joined by the a brilliant new name on the horror scene, Rae Knowles, to talk about narcissistic love interests, the tragedy of plot butterflies fluttering away the second you have the ability to write, and taco bell erotica. We also get a sneak preview of The Stradivarius, talk about her nonfiction piece in Nightmare Magazine, and more accur…

We're joined by the wonderful James D.F. Hannah who regales us with tales of Mississippi tornado warnings, southern noir writers, if Falkner is a crime novelist, and his latest release Somewhere Outside Salvation (A Grifter's Song Book 32). We also get a sneak peek at the story and hear about the process of writing a piece in the Grifter's Song ser…

We're back to kick off a new season with the delightful Robert P. Ottone to discuss his new book, The Vile Thing We Created, friendships as they evolve over time, twisty or not-so-twisty endings, and supporting the indie writing community. We also get a sample of his new book and talk a lot about the decision to have children vs. being child-free. …

We are joined by Scott Blackburn to discuss his novel It Dies With You, the dichotomy of characters from different backgrounds, the line of preaching vs. storytelling, and proper baby shower etiquette. We also get a snippet of It Dies With You, talk about the boundaries of adolescent characters in adult fiction, and staying true to personal experie…

Our last book club episode of the season, Hide by Kiersten White. In which, we discuss turning books into drinking games, how much character development is enough character development, reinterpretations of Greek myths, trauma bonding, and class struggle. Also repetitions of ideas and repetitions of ideas and repetitions of ideas and..... Want to s…

We're joined by Hoosier and horror writer Mike DeFrench to discuss the lasting impacts of certain literature, different methods of editing and practicing writing, TikTok as a marketing tool, and the joys of discovering new genres. We also get a preview of his story "Lucy in the Sky with Demons" from his collection Amphetamine Daydreams Vol. 1. Mike…

In which we discuss that the reasons why Nate loves this story are the same reasons why Kirstyn does not. Also nuance in dissecting interpersonal relationships, decaying haunted houses as allegories, and screaming at characters to please, please, just leave the dangerous place. Also, proof that two people can read the same story and have completely…

We're joined by the fantastic Coy Hall to discuss his writing, historical magic, medicinal cannibalism, and whether or not all characters need an animal sidekick. We also get a peek at his book Grimoire of the Four Imposters and talk about his latest novel The Hangman Feeds the Jackal. Coy Hall lives in West Virginia with his wife, Olivia, and they…

We get the chance to talk with the great human being that is Jack Moody about his body of work, simultaneously writing and editing, whether being compared to Bukowski is a compliment, and sea-born killing machines. We also get a preview of his new novella The Monotony of Everlasting. Jack Moody is a novelist and short story writer from wherever he …

Editor, writer, and all-around fantastic person Paul J Garth joins us to discuss hoarding books from college, the character spectrum of dick behavior, family-appropriate DC trips, and spoiling book endings. We also get a preview of/talk about his storyThe Low White Plain. Paul J. Garth is a Best American Mystery and Suspense distinguished story aut…

The incredibly talented S.A. Cosby joins us to discuss his body of work, strong main character names, the condescension of rural characters and stories, and Southern appreciation vs fetishism. We also listen to a sneak peek of his current project, All The Sinners Bleed. S. A. Cosby is an Anthony Award-winning writer from Southeastern Virginia. He i…

Derek Farrell joins us to discuss the latest in the Danny Bird Mystery series, balancing narrative intent and integrity when presented with publishing opportunities, and overprotective family members. Derek Farrell is the author of 6 Danny Bird Mysteries including Death at Dukes Halt. The books have been described as “Twisty, gripping,” “Tight, int…

We talk about The Only Good Indians by Stephen Graham Jones, the differences in what we find nightmare-worthy, Nate's appreciation of nuance, and the importance of having many authors on your bookshelf. Intro/Outro music: www.bensound.com Disclaimer: Any and all opinions expressed are the opinions of the participants and not of the organizations or…

Amy Grech joins us to discuss the pervasiveness of New York, paranormal experiences, and the joys of horror poetry. We also get a sneak preview of her story “Bruised and Battered Nevermore” from the newly released anthology Even in the Grave. Amy Grech has sold over 100 stories to various anthologies and magazines including: A New York State of Fri…

The amazing Nikki Dolson joins us to talk about her latest works, the best way to exorcise dating frustrations, and "the hard truths of children and writing." We also get a sneak peek at one of her newest stories and discuss the importance of creating three-dimensional characters. Nikki Dolson is the author of the novel All Things Violent and the s…

The incomparable Ashley Erwin joins us to discuss the art and importance of oral storytelling, Kentucky politics of the 1930s-1990s, many tangents, and hatred of red pens. Ashley Erwin writes Southern Pulp. Sometimes, she does it well. Mostly, she peddles bourbon until the day comes that she doesn't. Living in sunny Los Angeles with the Man and her…

The ever-wonderful C.W. Blackwell joins us to discuss using fiction to cultivate empathy for societal issues, the crisis of homelessness in America, and various forms of writing self-care. We also discuss his new and upcoming works River Street Rhapsody and Song of the Red Squire. C.W. Blackwell is an American author from the Central Coast of Calif…