EP.02: Horror That Heals - John Palisano on Using Fear as Inspiration and the Future of Writing & AI

EP.02 – Horror That Heals: John Palisano on Fear as Inspiration and the Future of Writing & AIIn this episode of The Writers Ritual, host Brianna Winner talks with John Palisano, Bram Stoker Award–winning author, songwriter, and filmmaker, about using fear as inspiration, strengthening creativity, maintaining authenticity in the age of AI, and how horror and dark fiction can help us explore, transform, and heal.From a bullied childhood to touring nationally with punk and rock bands and writing acclaimed novels, John shares how storytelling became both survival and transformation. Together, they explore fear as a creative catalyst, the therapeutic nature of horror, the future and ethics of AI in writing, and the power of sincerity in a world of constant change.A conversation about fear as fuel, art as transformation, authenticity as survival, and why the best stories are always written through courage.Guest LinksWebsite: ⁠⁠johnpalisano.com⁠⁠Instagram: ⁠⁠@johnpalisano⁠⁠The Writer’s Ritual Website: ⁠⁠writersritual.com⁠Chapters00:00 – Introduction and Personal Connections02:36 – The Journey into Writing and Storytelling05:25 – The Influence of Music and Film on Writing08:21 – Transitioning from Music to Writing11:07 – Exploring the Horror Genre13:46 – The Evolution of Storytelling and Genre Blending15:22 – The Impact of Technology on Storytelling18:21 – The Role of Authenticity in Art20:44 – Navigating the Challenges of AI in Creative Fields22:59 – The Future of Storytelling and Community Engagement39:58 – The Evolution of Writing Technology41:53 – Navigating the Ethical Landscape of Technology43:40 – Advice to My Younger Self46:21 – The Emotional Toll of Writing and Reviews50:45 – Daily Writing Rituals and Techniques57:35 – The Therapeutic Nature of Horror01:01:11 – Advice for Aspiring Writers01:06:11 – The Importance of Community in WritingKeywordsJohn Palisano, Brianna Winner, The Writer’s Ritual, writing, storytelling, horror, dark fiction, gothic, AI, technology, creativity, authenticity, community, publishing, mentorship, artistic process, emotional connection, reviews, horror genre, fear as inspiration, future of writing, writing and AI, horror that heals, podcast for writers