A Sense of Wonder

🎙️ Join us for a powerful conversation that dives deep into the heart of horror!In this episode, we celebrate 'Women in Horror' Month and explore the incredible contributions of women to the genre. We discuss the transformative power of horror writing, uncovering how it serves as a cathartic outlet to tackle deep, meaningful themes. But that’s not all! We’ll delve into the importance of community and inclusivity in the arts, highlighting how supportive networks empower writers and artists alike. Get ready to confront the challenges of comparison and self-sabotage that can stifle creativity, and learn how to cultivate presence, boundaries, and self-discovery to enhance your mental well-being and creative energy.We’ll also touch on the value of short stories, the emotional weight of personal experiences in storytelling, and the impact of current events on mental health and creativity. Listen as Lauren Elise (L.E.) Daniels shares her insights on the Mental Health Initiative for the Horror Writers Association and discusses triggers, post-traumatic growth, and the vital role of community in the horror genre. Plus, we’ve throw in some fun chat about favourite horror movies and what inspires our writing journeys!Whether you’re a seasoned writer or a horror enthusiast, this episode is packed with authenticity, vulnerability, and invaluable tips for aspiring horror writers. Don’t miss it! ✨ Tune in now and be part of a conversation that celebrates creativity, resilience, and the dark beauty of storytelling!Chapters00:00 Celebrating 'Women in Horror' Month07:00 Community and Inclusivity in the Arts40:18 The Impact of Personal Experiences on Writing47:29 Navigating Situational Distress and Trauma56:36 The Power of Authentic Storytelling01:03:02 Favourite Horror Movies and Writing Inspirations01:11:19 Writing from Personal Pain and Healing01:17:14 Mental Health Initiative for Horror Writers Association01:24:19 Triggers, Post-Traumatic Growth, and Community in Horror Writing01:37:29 Advice for Aspiring Horror Writers

In episode 2, 2026, hosts, Selina and Jarryd talk traditional publishing with Dianna Evans of Bushland Castle Productions. We cover practicing gratitude, feeding or fouling our creativity, active mindfulness, creating a publishing company, and supporting writers and their stories. We get into ways to balance creativity and personal life, the influence of mindfulness on creativity, the connection to childlike wonder and inspiration, and our favourite genres and reading habits. We share share insights on self-care, mindfulness, and the impact of childhood influences on our creative work, researching book covers for self-publication, the challenges of writing and coaching, and the details of a speculative fiction novella series due for release later in 2026. TakeawaysPracticing gratitudeFeeding or foulingActive mindfulnessCreating a publishing companySupporting writers and their stories Self-care and balance in creative workInfluence of mindfulness on creativity Diverse Reading PreferencesChallenges of Writing and CoachingOtherworldly Emergence Speculative Fiction Novella Series from Bushland Castle ProductionsChapters00:00 Introduction and Podcast Overview34:12 Active Mindfulness40:29 Creating a Publishing Company49:01 Supporting Writers and Their Stories55:09 Influence of Mindfulness on Creativity01:04:15 Childlike Wonder and Inspiration01:14:15 Favorite Genre and Reading Habits01:33:13 Challenges of Writing and Coaching01:53:46 Speculative Fiction Novella Series

In episode 1 of A Sense of Wonder, hosts Selina and Jarryd explore the importance of creativity, mental health, and the writing process. They discuss gratitude, the role of nostalgia in emotional resilience, and the intricacies of writing coaching. The episode emphasises the significance of self-care for creatives and the responsibility authors have in representing their genres authentically. Through personal anecdotes and professional insights, the hosts aim to inspire listeners to reconnect with their sense of wonder and creativity. In this engaging conversation, Selina and Jarryd explore the intricacies of writing across various genres, the importance of understanding genre expectations, particularly in romance and horror. They discuss the elements that make horror effective, the intersection of comedy and horror, and the influence of acting on writing. The conversation also goes down some unexpected paths and into the significance of emotional memory in character development, the role of dialogue, and the benefits of feedback in the writing process. Additionally, they touch on the importance of mental health in character portrayal and the creative use of writing prompts to overcome writer's block.TakeawaysGratitude - what are you grateful for? Tools of the Trade Research and accuracy are crucial in writing to ensure the representation of characters, settings, and experiences.Sensitivity readers play a vital role in providing feedback and ensuring cultural and experiential accuracy in writing. Acting classes can benefit writersEmotional memory work can deepen character developmentChapters00:00 Introduction to A Sense of Wonder Podcast00:29 Practicing Gratitude: Finding Joy in Difficult Times01:59 Genres and Author Responsibilities45:59 Exploring Paranormal and Romance Genres48:53 The Impact of Acting on Writing51:44 The Art of Understanding Characters54:51 Emotional Memory in Writing57:11 The Importance of Dialogue58:57 Becoming a Fiction Book Coach01:03:51 The Influence of Mental Health on Writing01:08:43 Exploring Writing Prompts