Blood on the Typewriter: A Podcast About Writing Dark Fiction

Today, I am joined by Grace R Reynolds to talk about her new honky-tonk slasher, Neon Moon! We talk about possum content warnings, Texas horror as a sub-genre, subverting slasher tropes, bachelorette parties in Fredericksburg, Texas, breaking your writing in half, the importance of a writing space, and writing with a chronic illness. Grace is a delight and Neon Moon should be on top of your TBR!Neon MoonHaunted Hallways by Ravven WhiteThe Fear by Spencer HamiltonDysautonomia International

Today, I am joined by AD Aro to talk about his newest book, Baby’s Breath. We talk about the absurdity of giving baby dolls to high schoolers, threads of anti-authoritarianism in Christopher Pike, how to measure pace in your story, the impact of deadlines on efficiency, the changing course of YA horror over the years, and much, much more. I had a blast talking to A.D. and you need to make room for Baby’s Breath in your TBR.Baby's BreathWillful Creatures by Amy BenderHappy People Don't Live Here by Amber SparksVery Violent Ghosts by RJ BenettiA Blackened Heart, A Blackened Soul by John Ward

Today, I am joined by Ellery Adams to talk about her first horror novel, Invasive Species. We talk about the definition of cozy horror, genre and sub-genre, generational differences, writing an antagonist, when not to quit, redefining and reinventing yourself as an author, and the fine line between exploration and exploitation. Invasive Species has plenty of teeth, and Ellery was an incredible guest. This was a great conversation!Invasive SpeciesWatching You by Helen Fields

Today, I am joined by Phillip Fracassi to talk about his new novel, Sarafina. We talk about writing morally grey characters, writing with care, choosing when and how to write a sequel, tackling big themes, and persevering as an author. Sarafina is both brutal and beautiful, and this was a great conversation.SarafinaThe Beautiful Thing That Awaits Us All by Laird BarronDaytide by Chris PanatierThe Last House on Needless Street by Catriona Ward

Today, I am joined by Tamika Thompson to talk about her debut novel, The Curse of Hester Gardens. We talk about the mother as perspective character, America as curse, cyclical violence, building dread, layering themes, starting a writing practice, watching out for bad contracts, and much more! The Curse of Hester Gardens is a must-read book, and I could have talked to Tamika for hours and hours.The Curse of Hester GardensLesser Known Monsters of the 21st Century by Kim FuDaymares by Kenya Moss-DymeDoll Seed by Michele Tracy BergerWe Came to Welcome You by Vincent Tirado

Today, I am joined by Donna Taylor to talk about her new book Monsters in the Mountains! We talk about writing series, the amount of trauma teenagers can endure, not knowing what you don’t know, reviewing other writer’s books, and when to just keep writing. Donna’s books are a blast, and it was great talking to her.Monsters in the MountainsHatchet Girls by Diana Rodriguez WallachCamp Lanier by Sylvester BarzeyGhostly, Ghastly Tales: Frights to Tell at Night by Anastasia Garcia

Today, I am joined by Angela Sylvaine to talk about her new novel, Cold Snap! We talk about the challenges of writing a sequel, how many references are too many, why deer are so scary, the trick to writing good dialogue, and how comparison is the thief of joy. Angela is such a delightful person and such a good writer, and I had so much fun talking to her.Cold SnapWith Friends Like These by VS LawrenceThe Film You Are About to See by Haley NewlinUnholy by JV Gachs

Today, I am joined by Paulette Kennedy to talk about her new novel, The Two Deaths of Lillian Carmichael. We talk about masks and disguises, mystery and reveals, when you need a prologue, the power of a routine, and prioritizing writing over social media. Paulette’s writing is intensely polished, which belies how much weight and strength it carries, both in story and theme. This was a great conversation.The Two Deaths of Lillian CarmichaelBromeliad House by Jessika Grewe GloverWhen the Reckoning Comes by LaTanya McQueen

Today, I am joined by Chris Panatier to discuss his new novel, Daytide. We talk about the tether of worldbuilding and mystery, using cultural references, finding the story, when to walk away to maintain momentum, finding the balance of writing hard scenes, and when experience tells you to rewrite a story. Daytide blew me away, and this episode is filled with invaluable insights.Headcheese by Jess HagemannThe Unkillable Frank Lightning by Josh RountreeIn the Valley of the Headless Men by LP Hernandez

Today, I am joined by Dawn Kurtagich to discuss her upcoming novel, The Seventh Sister. We talk about texture and tenses, power and control, daring to be yourself, eating fried chicken in the mountains, and how to rehab burnout. Dawn was a wonderful guest, and we had a great conversation.The Seventh SisterYou Let Me In - Camilla BruceThe Devouring Light by Kat EllisA Veritable Household Pet by Viggy Parr HamptonScuttler's Cove by David BarnettIn the House in the Dark of the Woods by Laird Hunt

Today, I am joined by William Sterling to discuss his new book, Our Beanie Beastie Nightmare! We talk about 90s nostalgia, sibling relationships, human monsters vs supernatural ones, collector’s items, balancing multiple projects, how to just keep writing, and working in a dangerous political climate. Will is a great writer and a great guest. Don’t miss this one.Our Beanie Beastie NightmareWrithe by Abby VailBed Rot Baby by Wendy Dalrymple

Today, I am joined by Stephanie E Jensen to talk about her new novel Acetamine! We talk about Florida changing before our eyes, naming drugs, dorky guitar music, the mental health challenges of writing extreme horror, and claiming ownership over em dashes! Stephanie is the first splatterpunk author on the show, and this chat with her was lovely!AcetamineThe Bloody Bucket by Douglas FordSaint Sadist by Lucas MangumKennel by Garrett CookReception by Kenzie JenningsThe Home by Judith Sonnet

Today, I am joined by Douglas Ford to talk about his upcoming novel, The Bloody Bucket. We talk about Florida, the nature of storytelling AND truth, writing longhand, the marketplace, and Lucio Fulci. The Bloody Bucket is an incredible novel, and I’m not gonna shut up about it. This was a great conversation with Doug, and you don’t want to miss it.The Bloody BucketPerchance to Dream by Charles BeaumontOne of Us by Dan ChaonSong for the Unraveling of the World by Brian EvensonThe Skeleton Melodies by Clint Smith

Today, I am joined by RETURNING CHAMPION Viggy Parr Hampton to talk about her new novel, A Veritable Household Pet! We talk about research, writing from the perspective of a person with a lobotomy, viewing and defending horror as a broad genre, how frustrating social media is as an author, and non-fiction as horrifying as any horror novel. Viggy has made something truly special with this book, and it was a delight to talk to her again.A Veritable Household PetThe Icepick Surgeon by Sam KeanThe Seventh Sister by Dawn Kurtagich

Today, I am joined by Caitlin Starling to talk about her newest novel, The Graceview Patient. We talk about liminal spaces in hospitals, the connections between gothic, body, and cosmic horror, tricks to keep yourself writing, doing the weird thing, and deciding what kind of writer you are both now and into the future. Caitlin is so, so smart, and this episode is a must-listen.The Graceview PatientThe Works of Vermin by Hiron EnnesThe Employees by Olga Ravn

Today, I am joined by Emma E Murray to talk about Shoot Me in the Face on a Beautiful Day. We talk about describing grotesque things in beautiful ways, writing cycles of abuse, how difficult but fun but difficult writing is, living on the precarious edge of challenge, and how to know when something is done. Emma is such a good writer and this is an excellent episode.Shoot Me in the Face on a Beautiful DayThe Organization is Here to Support You by Charlene ElsbyEnamoured by Shelley LavigneThe Ghosts of Blaubart Mansion by Ivy Grimes

Today, I am joined by Katherine Silva to talk about Where the Soul Goes, her newest novel. We talk about creativity, humanity, AI, the grind of a writing career, ignoring social media, and the dreaded query trenches. Kat is an incredible author, and this was a great talk.Where the Soul GoesKatherine's YouTubeLady of the House by Grace ReynoldThis is How a Villain is Made by Amanda HeadleeBuoygeist by Tom RimerAscension by Nicholas Binge

Today, I am joined by Royal Poff to talk about Canaries, the 3rd project as part of his Exquisite Corpse series, still available to back on Kickstarter for a few more days. We talk about wrangling authors, semi colons, working in different mediums, Carvel ice cream, and collaboration. Canaries is such an interesting project, and this was a great interview!Back Canaries on KickstarterHouse of Harrow by Cassandra CeliaPane by Bailey ElizabethAlong About Midnight by Dorian SinnottSteel Machines by Dan FranklinEveryone is a Moon by Sawney HattonStrange Stones by Edward Lee and Mary SanGiovanni

Today, I am joined by Daniel Braum to talk about his newest collection, Phantom Constellations. We talk about writing workshops, using symbols to find a character’s humanity, navigating time in prose, writing stories without regard to genre, becoming comfortable in navigating problems, and when and when not to follow advice. Daniel’s writing is top-notch, and this was a wonderful conversation.Phantom Constellations by Daniel BraumDark Entries by Roger AickmanThe Best of Lucius ShepardDreams of Dark and Light by Tanith LeeGet in Trouble by Kelly Link

Today, I am joined by Jason A Jones to discuss his first collection, The Pumpkin Pie Man and Other Terrifying Tales ! We talk about vintage horror paperbacks, small town horror, the pulp tradition, Bentley Little, and writing novels for the first time. Jason was one of my first friends on Bookstagram, and seeing his career develop has been a delight!The Pumpkin Pie Man and Other Terrifying TalesThe Revelation by Bentley Little

Today, I am joined by JR Blanes to discuss his debut novel, Portraits of Decay! We talk about art, stories about art, love triangles, choosing perspective characters, naming characters, finding a character’s voice, and looking like Charlie Day in front of a corkboard. This was a wonderful discussion, and you don’t want to miss it, or JR’s book.Portraits of DecayIt Will Just Be Us by Jo KaplanThe Drowning Machine and Other Obsessions by Emma E MurrayThis is How a Villain is Made by Amanda HeadleeThe Rotting Room by Viggy Parr Hampton

Today, I am joined by Wendy Dalrymple and Grace Reynolds, co-editors of the new anthology, Poisoned Soup for the Macabre, Depraved, and Insane, an Anthology of Nostalgic Terrors, available December 16. We talk about finding comfort in horror, horror origin stories, our favorite soups, the importance of following the rules, when to try writing a different genre, and much, much more! This collection is truly special, and it was such a good time talking to Wendy and Grace!Pre-Order Poisoned Soup

Today, I am joined by Grace Daly to talk about her dynamite debut novel, The Scald Crow! We talk about chronic pain as survival horror, first person present tense, writing comedy in horror, being too much, mean Goodreads reviews, and writing a cast of nuns. I was blown away by The Scald Crow, and Grace was an incredible guest.The Scald-CrowThe Barre Incidents by by Lauren BolgerThe Nut House by Patrick BarbThere's Something Sinister in Centerfield by Robert Ottone

Today, I am joined by Amanda Casile to talk about her upcoming novel, Broken Trail. We talk about scary woods, stabby books, feathering the amount of physical trauma suffered by a character, writing a single word a day, and trying to find some goshdarn time to write. Amanda was a delight to talk to, and you don’t want to miss this episode! Pre-order Broken TrailWonderland by Zoje StageYouth Juice by E.K. SathueMoonsick by Tom O'Donnell

Today, I am joined by Michael Wehunt to talk about his debut novel, The October Film Haunt! We talk about polyrhythm, form, found footage, using social media in fiction, writing for word count and not time, decompressing, and the challenges of writing for a broader audience. This was an incredible discussion and full of honest insight.The October Film HauntFlowers of the Sea by Reggie OliverIf You Knew Me by S.P. Miskowski

Today, I am joined by Tanya Pell to talk about her new novel, Her Wicked Roots. We talk about about how more IS more in Gothicism, about what is and is not “proper violence”, about the dreaded imposter syndrome, and about our preferred every day pen. Tanya is as good as anyone working today, and Her Wicked Roots is a beautiful book. (Don't) Call Mum - Matt WesolowskiJackal - Erin E AdamsThe Scammer - Tiffany D. Jackson

Today, I am joined by Rebecca Baum, author of new insect and body horror novel, The Brood. We talk about body image in horror, how important feedback is in a writing journey, about the constraints of time in a career, and how cicadas are both beautiful and disgusting. The Brood was an incredible read, and I had such a good time talking to Rebecca.The Brood by Rebecca BaumSamuel Orr - Return of the CicadasKaren Russell

Today, I am joined by foremost writer of the weird and curious, Joshua Ginsberg, as we talk about his new collection, Tales from the Dusty Tiger. We talk about consumerism, authenticity, maintaining wonder, finishing your stories, trusting your own ability, and using the word just. Josh is a great friend and a great writer, and this was a wonderful discussion. Tales from The Dusty TigerDaniel BraumElaine PascaleKurt FawverGrass Dancer by Owl Goingback

Today, the hits just keep coming, because I’m talking with David Washburn about his new novel, Where Pop Stars Go To Die. We talk about Taylor Swift, if violence is the natural endpoint of power struggles, bad reviews, and writing things before you know the answer. This was a wonderful discussion.Where Pop Stars Go To DieSleeping Celeste by Alana K DrexA Head Full of Ghosts by Paul Tremblay

Today, I’m talking with the master, the king, John Langan, about his newest collection, Lost in the Dark. We discuss found footage and what makes it authentic, finding the true ending to a story, the sophistication of fans of genre fiction, his approach to cultivating story, and about prioritizing your mental health as a writer. I consider John one of our titans, and it was an honor to speak to him. Lost in the DarkBlack Brane by Michael CiscoShe Said Destroy by Nadia BulkinA Game in Yellow by Hailey PiperOur Share of Night by Mariana EnriquezThe Clackity by Lora Senf

Hello, I’m Robbie Dorman, and it’s time to sit down at the typewriter and bleed. Welcome to Blood on the Typewriter, the podcast about writing dark fiction. Today, I’m talking with the legend Alma Katsu about her blockbuster new novel, Fiend. We discuss writing unlikeable characters, living in an era of male anger, surviving in the chaos of publishing, and the algorithm marketing mortuary gurneys to you. Alma is a master, and one of my dream guests, and this may be my best episode yet.Just Thieves by Gregory Galloway

Today, I’m talking with Viggy Parr Hampton about her novel The Rotting Room. We discuss using sound in prose, how rot is necessary, patriarchy and nuns, and about load-bearing thats. Viggy is such a talented writer, and I was so happy to have her on the podcast.The Rotting by Viggy Parr HamptonThis House Will Feed by Maria Tureaud

Today, I’m talking with Cassandra Celia about her newest novella, House of Harrow. We talk about writing animals as perspective characters, blending metaphor and story, the death of children characters, rejection of one’s nature, and the vicious cycle and escapability of one’s nature. What a great discussion.House of Harrow by Cassandra CeliaRoyal PoffDorian SinnottKill Your Darling by Clay Mcleod ChapmanCoup De Grace by Sofia Ajram

Today I’m talking to the two-time Stoker award nominated Todd Kiesling about his newest novel, The Sundowner’s Dance. We talk about writing mental illness, navigating the length and form of a story, about the power of doubt in a protagonist, and digging for your next horror read. Todd is a terrific writer, and I feel lucky to have gotten him on the podcast.The Sundowner's Dance by Todd KeislingRJ JosephLinda AddisonCrossroads by Laurel Hightower

Today, I’m talking to author, editor, and artist Joey Powell about his newest book,  Squirming All the Way Up. We talk about propaganda, joining a cult, the word bloated, making time instead of finding it, and writing prose instead of screenplays. Joey is a delight, whip-smart, and multi-talented, and I had a great time talking to him. Follow Joey on InstagramSquirming All the Way Up by Joey PowellFrost Bite by Angela SylvaineYou Weren't Meant to Be Human by Andrew Joseph White

Today I’m talking to the master of pink horror, Wendy Dalrymple about her newest novel, Credenza. We talk about writing horror as hopeful, generational curses, pink horror, not being bothered by typos, and the biggest trouble with writing today not being anything to do with actual writing! Wendy is my favorite Floridian writer working, and I’m so glad I had her on to talk! Onto the show! Mosaic by Catherine McCarthyThe Yearling by Marjorie Kinnan RawlingsSwamplandia by Karen RussellJunie by Erin Crosby Eckstine

Today I’m talking to the incredible Haley Newlin about her upcoming novel The Film You Are About to See. We talk about Vincent Price, placing details, and what using the word catty says about you.Pre-Order The Film You Are About to SeeSister Funtime by Spencer HamiltonGhost Eaters by Clay McLeod Chapman

In this, the inaugural episode, I chat with the two-time Stoker award winning Robert Ottone. We talk in depth about his new collection Tear Me Open: Fears Unwrapped, which you should go pick up; the word can’t, and why he hates it; and about the best second acts in all of horror literature.Tear Me Open: Fears Unwrapped by Robert OttoneLeeds Point Horror by John CollinsThe Scald-Crow by Grace DalyRootfingers by S. Alessandro Martinez

A short introduction to the podcast.