The Writers Chair

What if the most important thing you ever do as a writer is something nobody else ever sees? Josh Malerman has 33 rough drafts sitting in a crate behind his desk. Nine are out in the world. The rest — finished novels, written and set aside — are what he considers the real work. Not the Netflix deal. Not the New York Times list. The crate.Josh Malerman is the author of Bird Box, Mallory, Goblin, Unburied Carol, and dozens more. His breakthrough novel was adapted into a Netflix feature starring Sandra Bullock, and he's racked up Bram Stoker and Shirley Jackson Award nominations along the way. He's also one half of the songwriting duo behind Detroit rock band The High Strung, whose song The Luck You Got serves as the theme for Showtime's Shameless.In this conversation — originally recorded for Dan's earlier show and still one of the most resonant interviews in his nine years of podcasting — Josh talks about what it actually means to be an artist, why finishing is everything, how he wrote Bird Box in 26 days and Unburied Carol in 15, and why your body of work represents you far better than any single book ever could.💀 What we get into:Why an artist is simply someone who finishes — and what it took Josh a decade to understand thatThe two-novel trick that finally broke Josh's finishing problem and produced his first completed manuscriptWriting 91,000 words by hand in 28 days, in an all-night coffee shop outside Detroit in DecemberWhy Bird Box felt like his "flattest" novel — and what that tells us about the relationship between breakthrough work and personalityThe case for 500 words a day — and the maths that makes it genuinely staggering over 10 monthsHow Josh wrote his 1,100-page novel Ghoul in the Cape at 1,000 words a day and why slowing down was the only way through"No V's in art" — why Josh refuses to let external success validate his work, and what that looks like in practiceWhy he gave away 60 free hardcovers of Bird Box at StokerCon — and why he thinks that was one of the best decisions he ever madeThe canon over the single work — why your body of work represents you in ways no individual book canWhat it was like to meet Sandra Bullock on set, under the lights, in full costumeLinks & Resources:Josh Malerman's website: joshmalerman.comCarpenter's Farm (free novel): joshmalerman.comBird Box (novel): available wherever books are soldMallory (sequel to Bird Box): available wherever books are soldGoblin: available wherever books are soldUnburied Carol: available wherever books are soldBlack Mad Wheel: available wherever books are soldThe High Strung (band): @thehighstrungThe Luck You Got — theme from Showtime's ShamelessThis Is Horror Podcast (Bird Box/Mallory deep-dive with Michael David Wilson): thisishorror.co.ukThe Creative Pen Podcast with Joanna Penn (Dan's guest appearance): thecreativepenn.comSubscribe to The Writer's ChairIf you enjoyed this conversation, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with a fellow horror fan or writer.📺 Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@devilsrockbooks 🎧 Listen on your favourite app: https://pod.link/1829723468 💬 Join the community: https://www.devilsrockbooks.com/podcast📚 About Josh MalermanJosh Malerman is a New York Times bestselling horror author best known for Bird Box, which was adapted into a Netflix feature film starring Sandra Bullock and John Malkovich. He's written over 30 novels — nine of which are out in the world — spanning cosmic dread, psychological horror, and deeply strange fiction that resists easy genre classification. His work has been nominated for the Bram Stoker, Shirley Jackson, and James Herbert Awards. He's also a working musician: one half of the songwriting duo behind Detroit rock band The High Strung, whose music appears in Shameless. He writes prolifically, finishes everything, and keeps the rest in a crate. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

KEY LINKS:Devil's Rock Books: https://devilsrockbooks.comDaniel Willcocks: https://danielwillcocks.comTwisted Tales Books: https://twistedtalesbooks.comSHOWNOTESIn this episode, Daniel sits down with C.M. Forest — award-winning horror author, atmospheric storyteller, and creator of deeply unsettling, isolation-driven fiction.Together, they explore Christian’s unconventional path into writing, from studying animation and chasing a dream of comic art to discovering that storytelling—not drawing—was the real obsession. What followed was a decade-long journey into horror, experimentation, and ultimately finding his voice through short fiction and novels.They dig into the origins of his award-winning novel Infested, the unexpected impact of adopting a pen name, and how his short story collection The Roots Run Deep and Other Stories came together almost by accident—revealing recurring themes of loneliness, dread, and existential fear along the way.The conversation also dives into horror craft, from building atmosphere and sustaining tension to why slow-burn horror hits harder than shock value. Plus, Christian shares insights on the evolving horror landscape, the rise of indie creators, and why there’s never been a better time to be a horror writer.This is a grounded, honest conversation about finding your creative lane, embracing what scares you, and building a career in horror on your own terms.💀 In this episode you’ll discover:• How writing in Tim Hortons became Christian’s creative routine• Why switching to a pen name changed everything for his publishing journey• The surprising origin of his short story collection and how it came together organically• Why isolation, loneliness, and existential dread keep appearing in his work• The importance of atmosphere and slow-burn tension in effective horror• How authors like Nick Cutter and Adam Nevill shaped his writing style• Why indie horror is thriving across books, film, and games right now• The challenge of structuring a short story collection for pacing and variety• His love of classic slashers like Friday the 13th: The Final Chapter and what makes them work• Why atmosphere matters more than gore when it comes to lasting horror impactLinks & Resources:• Official Website: https://christianlaforet.com/• Explore The Roots Run Deep and Other Stories• Discover InfestedRecommended in this episode:• The Troop by Nick Cutter• The Ritual by Adam Nevill• The Acolyte• Last Days• The TerrorSubscribe to The Writer’s ChairIf you enjoyed this conversation, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with a fellow horror fan or writer.📺 Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@devilsrockbooks🎧 Listen on your favourite app: https://pod.link/1829723468💬 Join the community: https://www.devilsrockbooks.com/podcast📚 About the GuestC.M. Forest (Christian Laforet) is a horror author based in Ontario, Canada. He is the author of the Benjamin Franklin Silver Award-winning novel Infested, the novella We All Fall Before the Harvest, and the short story collection The Roots Run Deep and Other Stories.His fiction has appeared in numerous anthologies across multiple genres, often exploring themes of isolation, dread, and the human psyche. A lifelong horror fan, he draws inspiration from film, literature, and the growing indie horror scene. When he’s not writing, he lives with his family—and his blanket-obsessed basset hound, Sully. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, Daniel sits down with Matt Serafini — screenwriter, author, and one of horror's most compelling new voices, hailed by grandmaster Brian Keene as one of the best in the genre. Matt's books include Rites of Extinction, Feral, Under the Blade, and his brand new social media horror novel, Feeders.Together, they dig into the obsessive joy of tracking down obscure slasher films, the nostalgia of video store culture, and how the algorithm-driven doom loops of modern social media became the seed of Matt's most ambitious novel yet. They talk about growing up on King, F. Paul Wilson, and Bret Easton Ellis, writing a teenage protagonist you'd never expect, and why Matt refused to change the last hundred pages of Feeders — no matter who asked.The conversation also hits the pressure young people face online, the cynicism baked into performative outrage, AI slop flooding our feeds, and why Matt believes the best thing any writer can do is tell a story only they could tell.This is a sharp, funny, and genuinely insightful conversation about horror fiction, social media, storytelling, and what it means to write something that couldn't have come from anyone else.💀 In this episode you'll discover:Why Ogroff the Mad Butcher might be the most gloriously unhinged slasher film you've never seenThe joy and consequence of video store culture — and what streaming has quietly taken from usHow King, F. Paul Wilson, Michael Slade, and Bret Easton Ellis shaped Matt's voice as a writerWhat it felt like to receive a blurb from Brian Keene — and why "validation" is a complicated wordWhy Matt built MonoLife (the fictional dark web app at the heart of Feeders) from real frustrations with social mediaHow working with college-age interns gave Matt an authentic window into Kylie's worldThe agent who told him to scrap the last hundred pages — and why he walked awayWhy the climax of Feeders was the most fun Matt has ever had writing anythingWhat Matt hopes readers take away from the book (without prescribing the answer)Why authenticity — not productivity — is the writer's best weapon against AIA sneak peek at Matt's next project, which his agent called "couldn't be any more you"Links & Resources:Matt Serafini on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mattserafini Feeders by Matt Serafini: https://www.amazon.com/Feeders-Novel-Matt-Serafini/dp/1668060973 Devil's Rock Community Discord: https://www.devilsrockbooks.com/podcastSubscribe to The Writer's ChairIf you enjoyed this conversation, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with a fellow horror fan or writer.📺 Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@devilsrockbooks🎧 Listen on your favourite app: https://pod.link/1829723468💬 Join the community: https://www.devilsrockbooks.com/podcast📚 About the GuestMatt Serafini is a screenwriter and author of horror fiction based on the East Coast. His novels include Rites of Extinction, Feral, Under the Blade — called "one of the best slasher films you'll ever read" by Film Thrills — and Feeders, a dark social media horror novel published in 2024. He has been hailed as one of the best new voices in horror fiction by Brian Keene.Matt's short fiction has appeared in multiple anthology collections. His non-fiction writing on film and literature has been published at Dread Central, Shock Till You Drop, Fangoria, and Horror Hound. He has a background in marketing and spent years managing social media for a university — an experience that fed directly into the obsessions at the heart of Feeders. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, Daniel sits down with Jennifer Barnes — managing editor of Raw Dog Screaming Press, longtime champion of off-kilter horror, and a key force behind two decades of cross-genre, boundary-pushing publishing.Together, they dig into what it really takes to keep a small press alive for twenty plus years, how Raw Dog Screaming Press grew out of the early online zine era, and why “gatekeeping” is a more complicated conversation than most people want it to be.They talk sustainability over hype, why small presses collapse when they overextend, and how Jennifer protects quality (and her sanity) by scaling releases to reality. The conversation also hits horror poetry, novellas, writing craft, the rise of AI, and why community energy often comes more from writers than readers.This is a grounded, honest look at the publishing side of horror — full of practical insight, hard-earned perspective, and the kind of transparency writers wish they heard more often.💀 In this episode you’ll discover:• How Raw Dog Screaming Press began from the Dream People zine era and a love of cross-genre work• Where the name “Raw Dog Screaming Press” came from, and how language shifts over time• Why the “gatekeepers” conversation is more nuanced than it used to be• The biggest reason small presses burn out or implode, and how to avoid it• Jennifer’s approach to sustainability, self-sufficiency, and not overcommitting• Why horror poetry mattered to Raw Dog’s legacy, and how it helped shape the scene• What Jennifer looks for in standout horror, voice, craft, and character• The reality of novellas in the market, and why they’re gaining traction again• Why AI is unpredictable, and why she’s sticking to the same quality-first plan• What excites Jennifer most right now, including the upcoming Abandoned: Asylum anthologyLinks & Resources:Raw Dog Screaming Press: https://rawdogscreaming.comRaw Dog Screaming Press on socials: @RDSPressHorror Writers Association (mentioned): https://www.horror.orgAbandoned: Asylum (edited by James Chambers): https://rawdogscreaming.com/book-deal-abandoned-asylum-anthology/Subscribe to The Writer’s ChairIf you enjoyed this conversation, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with a fellow horror fan or writer.📺 Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@devilsrockbooks🎧 Listen on your favourite app: https://pod.link/1829723468💬 Join the community: https://www.devilsrockbooks.com/podcast📚 About the GuestJennifer Barnes is the managing editor of Raw Dog Screaming Press, a small press publishing off-kilter, cross-genre books for more than two decades. She began her editing career in the early 2000s as an editor for Dream People Literary Magazine, and later helped build Raw Dog Screaming Press into a respected home for dark, distinctive fiction and award-nominated work.She is also an accomplished graphic designer, a longtime advocate for horror poetry, and co-chair of the Maryland Chapter of the Horror Writers Association. Jennifer graduated from the University of Maryland with a BA in English and a concentration in poetry, and she continues to work across editing, production, and publishing with a focus on craft, originality, and quality. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, Daniel sits down with speculative fiction powerhouses Tiffani Angus and Val Nolan — writers, educators, and co-authors of the bestselling Spec Fic for Newbies series from Luna Press.Together, they dive deep into the ever-expanding world of speculative fiction, exploring how genre works, why it matters, and how writers can better understand where their stories fit. With the release of Spec Fic for Newbies Vol. 3, this conversation blends craft, teaching, collaboration, and a whole lot of joyful nerdiness.From academia to publishing, pandemic-era book deals to writing about pirates, space procedurals and dark academia, this is a lively, insightful look at what it means to write across genres — and why speculative fiction remains one of the most exciting playgrounds for storytellers today.  💀 In this episode you’ll discover:• How Spec Fic for Newbies began during the pandemic and grew into a three-book series• Why understanding genre can transform your writing (and your confidence)• The role academia and teaching played in shaping the books’ accessible approach• How speculative fiction overlaps with crime, romance, fantasy, horror and beyond• Why joy, curiosity and “nerdiness” are essential tools for writers• The realities of writing collaborative non-fiction — and keeping it fun• How the series helps writers who don’t have access to formal creative writing educationLinks & Resources:Tiffani Angus website: https://www.tiffani-angus.comVal Nolan website: https://illusorypromise.wordpress.com/Luna Press: https://www.lunapresspublishing.comSpec Fic for Newbies series (Luna Press): https://www.lunapresspublishing.comSubscribe to The Writer’s ChairIf you enjoyed this conversation, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with a fellow writer or genre fan.📺 Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@devilsrockbooks🎧 Listen on your favourite app: https://pod.link/1829723468💬 Join the community: https://www.devilsrockbooks.com/podcast📚 About the GuestsTiffani Angus (PhD) is a multi BSFA- and BFS-award finalist for her debut novel Threading the Labyrinth and for non-fiction (with co-author Val Nolan) for Spec Fic for Newbies: A Beginner’s Guide to Writing Subgenres of Science Fiction, Fantasy, and Horror Vol. 1 (2023) and Vol. 2 (2024), both of which also made the Locus Recommended Reading List. Volume 3 launches March 2026. She spent over a decade teaching creative writing at universities in the US and UK, most of that time as a Senior Lecturer in Creative Writing and Publishing at ARU in Cambridge (UK). She works as a freelance editor and proofreader, runs the typesetting/formatting business Book Polishers, leads various writing workshops in person and online, and is currently at work on novel, a novella, and a scandalous secret project.Val Nolan is the author of Neil Jordan: Works for the Page (UCC Press, 2022) and co-author of the Spec Fic for Newbies trilogy (Luna Press Publishing, 2023, 2024, 2026). He has published academic articles in Science Fiction Studies, Foundation, Journal of Graphic Novels and Comic Books, Irish University Review, Irish Studies Review, symplokē, and Dictionary of Literary Biography. His fiction has appeared in Year’s Best Science Fiction, Best of British Science Fiction, Unidentified Funny Objects, the ‘Futures’ page of Nature, Andromeda Spaceways, ParSec, and Interzone (for which he also writes the ‘Folded Spaces’ column about the history of Science Fiction criticism). He has been shortlisted for the Theodore Sturgeon Award (for his story ‘The Irish Astronaut’), twice been a finalist for the BSFA Awards, and twice shortlisted for the British Fantasy Awards. He is currently a research fellow at Aberystwyth University in Wales where he was awarded Lecturer of the Year in 2022. His next project is Space Opera: The First Hundred Years, due from Luna Press Publishing in 2028.   Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, Daniel sits down with Tim Lebbon — award-winning, New York Times bestselling author of more than fifty novels across horror, fantasy, thriller, and tie-in fiction, including The Secret Lives of the Dead, The Silence, and novels set in the Alien, Predator, Firefly, Conan, and Halo universes.Tim returns to the chair for a wide-ranging, candid conversation about building a long-term writing career, finding community in horror, and staying creatively sane in an increasingly noisy, online world. They discuss book tours, conventions, imposter syndrome, drafting chaos, novellas versus novels, and why horror writers might just be the nicest people you’ll ever meet.This episode is a grounded, generous look at the realities of writing over decades — the wins, the doubts, the friendships, and the work that keeps you going.In this episode you’ll discover: • How The Secret Lives of the Dead evolved from a crime novel into folk-tinged horror • Why horror conventions and community friendships can make or break a writing career • How Tim navigates imposter syndrome — even after thirty years in publishing• The difference between writing novels and novellas (and why novellas may be his best work)• What drafting actually looks like for a “panster” — and why the first draft is really the plan• The realities of writing tie-in fiction for Halo, Alien, and Conan• Why social media is becoming less useful — and how to protect your creative focus• Tim’s advice for new writers trying to find their place in the horror communityLinks & Resources:Tim Lebbon’s website: https://www.timlebbon.netThe Secret Lives of the Dead (Titan Books): https://www.amazon.co.uk/Secret-Lives-Dead-Tim-Lebbon/dp/1789099732British Fantasy Convention: https://britishfantasysociety.orgStokerCon (Horror Writers Association): https://www.horror.org/stokerconFrank Turner (mentioned): https://frank-turner.comSubscribe to The Writer’s ChairIf you enjoyed this conversation, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with a fellow horror fan or writer.📺 Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@devilsrockbooks🎧 Listen on your favourite app: https://pod.link/1829723468💬 Join the community: https://www.devilsrockbooks.com/podcast📚 About the GuestTim Lebbon is an award-winning, New York Times bestselling author with a career spanning over three decades. He has written more than fifty novels, dozens of novellas, and hundreds of short stories across horror, fantasy, and science fiction. His work includes original novels such as The Silence (adapted into a Netflix film) and The Secret Lives of the Dead, as well as tie-in fiction for Alien, Predator, Hellboy, Star Wars, Firefly, Conan, and Halo.Tim lives in South Wales, writes daily, walks his dog every morning, and firmly believes horror is where we work our darkest thoughts out — so we can be kinder everywhere else. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, Daniel Willcocks sits down with the legendary Paul Tremblay — Bram Stoker Award–winning and internationally acclaimed author of A Head Full of Ghosts, The Cabin at the End of the World, Survivor Song, The Pallbearers Club, and his latest novel, Horror Movie (Titan Books, 2024).Paul opens up about the origins of his horror obsession, the long road to “overnight” success, and what it means to balance integrity, art, and audience in a genre that’s constantly evolving. From Texas Chainsaw Massacre and literary horror to Hollywood’s obsession with “happy endings,” this conversation is equal parts reflective, funny, and fiercely insightful.💀 In this episode you’ll discover:• How A Head Full of Ghosts became a breakout hit — and what it was like when Stephen King tweeted about it• Why Texas Chainsaw Massacre helped inspire Horror Movie• How Paul approaches structure and storytelling in mixed-media fiction• What today’s horror landscape gets right — and where it’s in danger of going wrong• The authors redefining modern horror (Mariana Enriquez, John Langan, Stephen Graham Jones, and more)• Why persistence, not perfection, is the real secret to a lasting writing career🔗 Links & ResourcesPaul’s website: https://www.paultremblay.netHorror Movie (Titan Books): https://www.amazon.co.uk/Horror-Movie-Paul-Tremblay/dp/1803367776Our Share of Night by Mariana Enriquez (recommended): https://www.amazon.co.uk/Our-Share-Night-Mariana-Enriquez/dp/1787303466🎧 Subscribe to The Writer’s ChairIf you enjoyed this conversation, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with your fellow horror lovers and creative misfits.📺 Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@devilsrockbooks🎧 Listen on your favourite app: https://pod.link/1829723468💬 Join the community: https://www.devilsrockbooks.com/podcast📚 About the GuestPaul Tremblay is an award-winning American author whose work bridges horror, suspense, and literary fiction. His novels — including A Head Full of Ghosts, The Cabin at the End of the World (adapted for film by M. Night Shyamalan), Survivor Song, and Horror Movie — have been translated worldwide and praised for their psychological depth and genre-defying storytelling.He has won the Bram Stoker, British Fantasy, and Massachusetts Book Awards, and his short fiction has appeared in The Los Angeles Times, Entertainment Weekly Online, and numerous Year’s Best anthologies. Paul lives just outside Boston, where he teaches mathematics, writes fiction, and continues to push the boundaries of modern horror. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, Daniel sits down with Tim Lebbon — award-winning, New York Times bestselling author of more than fifty novels across horror, fantasy, thriller, and tie-in fiction, including The Secret Lives of the Dead, The Silence, and novels set in the Alien, Predator, Firefly, Conan, and Halo universes.Tim returns to the chair for a wide-ranging, candid conversation about building a long-term writing career, finding community in horror, and staying creatively sane in an increasingly noisy, online world. They discuss book tours, conventions, imposter syndrome, drafting chaos, novellas versus novels, and why horror writers might just be the nicest people you’ll ever meet.This episode is a grounded, generous look at the realities of writing over decades — the wins, the doubts, the friendships, and the work that keeps you going.In this episode you’ll discover:How The Secret Lives of the Dead evolved from a crime novel into folk-tinged horrorWhy horror conventions and community friendships can make or break a writing careerHow Tim navigates imposter syndrome — even after thirty years in publishingThe difference between writing novels and novellas (and why novellas may be his best work)What drafting actually looks like for a “panster” — and why the first draft is really the planThe realities of writing tie-in fiction for Halo, Alien, and ConanWhy social media is becoming less useful — and how to protect your creative focusTim’s advice for new writers trying to find their place in the horror communityLinks & Resources:Tim Lebbon’s website: https://www.timlebbon.netThe Secret Lives of the Dead (Titan Books): https://www.amazon.co.uk/Secret-Lives-Dead-Tim-Lebbon/dp/1789099732British Fantasy Convention: https://britishfantasysociety.orgStokerCon (Horror Writers Association): https://www.horror.org/stokerconFrank Turner (mentioned): https://frank-turner.comSubscribe to The Writer’s ChairIf you enjoyed this conversation, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with a fellow horror fan or writer.📺 Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@devilsrockbooks🎧 Listen on your favourite app: https://pod.link/1829723468💬 Join the community: https://www.devilsrockbooks.com/podcast📚 About the GuestTim Lebbon is an award-winning, New York Times bestselling author with a career spanning over three decades. He has written more than fifty novels, dozens of novellas, and hundreds of short stories across horror, fantasy, and science fiction. His work includes original novels such as The Silence (adapted into a Netflix film) and The Secret Lives of the Dead, as well as tie-in fiction for Alien, Predator, Hellboy, Star Wars, Firefly, Conan, and Halo.Tim lives in South Wales, writes daily, walks his dog every morning, and firmly believes horror is where we work our darkest thoughts out — so we can be kinder everywhere else. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this behind-the-scenes Twisted Tales Diaries episode, Daniel Willcocks and his co-author R.P. Howley sit down to reflect on five months of their “Goosebumps for grown-ups” horror series — from the chaos of launch day to the lessons learned from writing, publishing, and growing the Twisted Tales brand.They share an honest look at the realities of indie horror publishing, co-authoring across busy lives, and finding joy (and sustainability) in the process — plus a few exclusive teases about what’s coming next.🩸 IN THIS EPISODE YOU’LL DISCOVER•How Twisted Tales has evolved since Jack, Heir, and Slay hit shelves•Why collaboration is both a creative blessing and a logistical nightmare (in the best way)•Real-world sales and KU data from the first five months•How to build a horror series that’s sustainable, joyful, and audience-focused•A sneak peek at Book Four: Deal — and what 2026 might bring🔗 LINKS & RESOURCES📚 Read the series: https://twistedtalesbooks.com💬 Join the Devil’s Rock community: https://devilsrockbooks.com/podcast🎧 Listen to all episodes: https://pod.link/1829723468📺 Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@devilsrockbooks🧠 ABOUT THE HOSTSDaniel Willcocks and R.P. Howley are UK-based horror authors and co-creators of the Twisted Tales series — fast-paced, standalone horror novellas for readers who grew up on Goosebumps and still crave a good scare. Together, they explore the darker corners of storytelling while building the Devil’s Rock horror universe. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, Daniel sits down with James Kennedy — author of the genre-bending horror novel Bride of the Tornado, which was selected by The Guardian as one of the best SFF/horror books of September 2023.James shares how he created one of the most original and unsettling horror tales of recent years, blending Ray Bradbury nostalgia, Lynchian dread, and the visceral terror of the American Midwest. Together, they discuss genre expectations, experimental writing, and the dangers of commercial conformity. This is an episode for the bold, the curious, and the beautifully terrible people among us.In this episode you’ll discover:Why Bride of the Tornado defies genre — and how it nearly cost James his agent.What David Lynch and Ray Bradbury taught him about mystery, horror, and dream logic.The deep cultural horror of small towns, cult rituals, and being “nobody-ized.”Why he never names his protagonists (and why it makes you complicit).How embracing the strange can create unforgettable art — even if some people hate it.Links & Resources:James Kennedy’s website: https://www.jameskennedy.comBride of the Tornado on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Bride-Tornado-James-Kennedy-ebook/dp/B0BWF5M7TD90-Second Newbery Film Festival: https://www.90secondnewbery.comThe Secrets of Story Podcast: https://www.secretsofstory.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/iamjameskennedyTwitter/X: https://twitter.com/iamjameskennedySubscribe to The Writer’s Chair:If you enjoyed this conversation, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with your weirdest friends.📺 Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@devilsrockbooks🎧 Listen on your favourite app: https://pod.link/1829723468💬 Join the community: https://www.devilsrockbooks.com/podcast📚 About the GuestJames Kennedy is the author of Bride of the Tornado, Dare to Know, and The Order of Odd-Fish. His work has been praised for its unflinching weirdness, literary elegance, and unapologetic originality. He’s also the founder of the 90-Second Newbery Film Festival and co-host of the Secrets of Story podcast. He lives in Chicago and welcomes terrible readers everywhere.Find him at https://www.jameskennedy.com or @iamjameskennedy on socials. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, Daniel revisits a decade of storytelling with longtime friend and creative collaborator Luke Kondor — filmmaker, podcaster, comic creator, and co-founder of Hawk & Cleaver and The Other Stories podcast.Together, Luke and Daniel reflect on 10 years in writing and publishing — the highs, the failures, the pivots — and share the biggest lessons they’ve learned about writing, collaboration, and building sustainable creative careers.IN THIS EPISODE YOU’LL DISCOVERHow The Other Stories podcast became a 14M+ download success — and the cost of keeping it goingThe truth behind burnout, creative boredom, and finding joy in weirdness.What Luke and Daniel would do differently if they had to start their author journeys again.The danger of “commercial success” killing your passion — and how to protect your art.How play, fun, and low-pressure projects can reignite your creative spark.LINKS AND RESOURCESLuke’s website: https://www.lukekondor.comMy Dog Shits Cash (Books): https://www.lukekondor.com/booksThe Other Stories Podcast: https://www.theotherstories.netTwitter/X: https://twitter.com/lukekondorInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/lukekondorSUBSCRIBE TO THE WRITERS CHAIRIf you enjoyed this conversation, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with your fellow creatives.📺 Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@devilsrockbooks🎧 Listen on your favourite app: https://pod.link/1829723468💬 Join the community: https://www.devilsrockbooks.com/podcastABOUT THE GUESTLuke Kondor is a UK-based writer, podcaster, and filmmaker who’s spent the past decade telling weird stories across books, comics, and audio fiction. He’s best known for co-founding The Other Stories podcast and for creating award-winning low-budget horror films, bizarre books like My Dog Shits Cash, and irreverent comics like El Marvo.Find him at lukekondor.com or on social media @lukekondor. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, Daniel sits down with the iconic Eric LaRocca — Bram Stoker Award-nominated and Splatterpunk Award-winning author of Things Have Gotten Worse Since We Last Spoke, We Can Never Leave This Place, Everything the Darkness Eats, and The Trees Grew Because I Bled There (Titan Books, 2024).Eric opens up about the viral rise of Things Have Gotten Worse Since We Last Spoke, the challenges of overnight success, and the deeply personal themes that drive their work. From queer identity and lyrical horror to the raw humanity at the heart of their stories, this is a conversation about art, fear, and the courage to write from the soul.💀 In this episode you’ll discover:• How Things Have Gotten Worse Since We Last Spoke became a viral sensation — and why that’s impossible to replicate.• Why Eric believes the scariest monsters are human ones.• The creative pressure that comes after success (and how to protect your art).• How Clive Barker and queer horror shaped Eric’s storytelling voice.• The philosophy behind their unforgettable titles — and what makes a story truly theirs.Links & Resources:Eric’s website: https://www.ericlarocca.com Things Have Gotten Worse Since We Last Spoke (Amazon): https://www.amazon.com/Things-Gotten-Worse-Since-Misfortunes/dp/1803363762 Everything the Darkness Eats (Titan Books): https://www.amazon.com/Everything-Darkness-Eats-Eric-LaRocca-ebook/dp/B0BSSMC26H/Deliciously TWISTED Halloween Book Sale: https://twistedtalesbooks.com/halloween/ Subscribe to The Writer’s Chair:If you enjoyed this conversation, please subscribe, leave a review, and share with your fellow horror fans.📺 Watch on YouTube: youtube.com/@devilsrockbooks 🎧 Listen on your favourite app: pod.link/1829723468 💬 Join the community: devilsrockbooks.com/podcast 📚 About the GuestEric LaRocca is a Bram Stoker Award–nominated and Splatterpunk Award–winning author based in Boston, Massachusetts. Their work explores the darkness of humanity through poetic prose and unflinching honesty. Known for redefining modern horror with deeply personal, transgressive themes, Eric continues to be one of the most vital voices in contemporary dark fiction.Find Eric online at ericlarocca.com or on social media @hystericteeth. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, Daniel sits down with the authorial powerhouse Michael David Wilson — founder of This Is Horror, host of the award-winning This Is Horror Podcast, and author of The Girl in the Video, They’re Watching (with Bob Pastorella), House of Bad Memories, and his latest wild release, Daddy’s Boy.Michael opens up about the chaos and catharsis behind his newest book, blending dark comedy with horror and crime, and the very real experiences that shaped it. From divorces and new beginnings to cult followings, sausages, and Naked Attraction t-shirts, this is a conversation equal parts raw, funny, and inspiring.💀 In this episode you’ll discover:How personal trauma can fuel fiction (and whether to write in the moment or after).Why Michael’s latest book is his most unhinged — and most fun — yet.The balance (and tension) between authenticity vs. commercial success.What’s next for Michael, including a new novella and long-awaited collaborations.Links & Resources:Michael’s website: https://www.michaeldavidwilson.co.uk/Daddy’s Boy on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Daddys-Boy-Michael-David-Wilson-ebook/dp/B0DX1LJV6PThis Is Horror: https://thisishorror.co.uk/ Subscribe to The Writer’s Chair:If you enjoyed this conversation, please subscribe, leave a review, and share with the horror lovers in your life.📺 Watch on YouTube: youtube.com/@devilsrockbooks🎧 Listen on your favourite app: pod.link/1829723468💬 Join the community: devilsrockbooks.com/podcast📚 About the GuestMichael David Wilson lives in Gifu, Japan, and is the founder of This Is Horror. His work has appeared in The NoSleep Podcast, Dim Shores, Dark Moon Digest, and The Other Stories. Find more at michaeldavidwilson.co.uk and support him on Patreon: patreon.com/michaeldavidwilson. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome back, wordsmiths and story seekers! In this episode of The Writer’s Chair, I sit down with Birmingham-based author J.D. Parker to talk about his debut dark historical novel, Ignis Sacer.Jonny (JD) shares his journey from writing screenplays to finally tackling long-form fiction, why he considers his first unpublished novel the “first pancake,” and how Ignis Sacer became the book he was ready to share with the world.We explore everything from medieval medicine and plague research to the pull of “sirens” (new ideas), balancing horror and hope, and why sometimes the most terrifying things are buried in history.In this episode, you’ll discover:Why JD draws a sharp line between his first novel and his debut novelHow ergotism (Holy Fire) inspired the central horror of Ignis SaecerThe challenges of weaving research, history, and dark fantasy into one storyWhy “prestige horror” filmmakers like Robert Eggers and Ari Aster shaped his writing styleThe balance between outlining and discovery in building sprawling storiesLinks & Resources:J.D.’s website: https://wakeandwinslow.carrd.co Ignis Sacer on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Ignis-Sacer-Nightmare-J-D-Parker-ebook/dp/B0F5MT5ZLP Connect with JD on Instagram: @j.d.parker_authorSubscribe to The Writer’s Chair:📺 Watch on YouTube: youtube.com/@devilsrockbooks🎧 Listen on your favourite app: pod.link/1829723468💬 Join the community: devilsrockbooks.com/podcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to a brand-new feature on The Writer’s Chair — the Twisted Tales Diaries!In this first diary entry, I’m joined by my co-conspirator R.P. Howley (aka Rob) as we pull back the curtain on our new horror series, Twisted Tales. Think Goosebumps… but bloodier. We talk through the origins of the idea, what it’s like co-writing fast, punchy horror together, and the long-term vision behind the series.Expect honest, unpolished chat about the wins, the headaches, and everything in between as we build this universe one creepy book at a time.In this episode, you’ll discover:How Twisted Tales went from a forest walk in 2020 to #1 Hot New Release in 2025Why Goosebumps nostalgia meets adult horror in a bite-sized formatWhat it’s really like to co-write and cut each other’s drafts to the boneOur strategy for building not just books, but a brand horror readers will want to collectSneak peeks of what’s coming next (werewolves, Christmas horror, and more…)Links & Resources:Visit the Twisted Tales hub: https://twistedtalesbooks.com/ Free short story Thaw: https://dashboard.mailerlite.com/forms/72410/155104481435977576/share Subscribe to The Writer’s Chair:If you enjoyed this conversation, please subscribe, leave a review, and share with the horror lovers in your life.📺 YouTube: youtube.com/@devilsrockbooks🎧 Podcast apps: pod.link/1829723468💬 Community: devilsrockbooks.com/podcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this roundtable episode of The Writer’s Chair, Daniel welcomes three phenomenal authors from Eerie River Publishing’s dark new anthology, The Earth Bleeds at Night.Joining the discussion:Christopher O’Halloran (Water Drops on the Stone Hearts)Em Starr (Dolly Rocks)Richard Thomas (Supplication)Whether you’re a reader, writer, or horror fan hungry for behind-the-scenes insight, this episode delivers on both craft and heart.🧠 In This EpisodeHow parenting, personal experience, and grief inspired some of the most emotionally raw stories in the anthologyWhat makes horror the perfect genre for exploring nature, decay, and transformationThe joy (and madness) of being a short story maximalistReal talk about rejections, impostor syndrome, and breaking into pro marketsWhere short stories fit into a writer’s creative and commercial journeyA vital call for more active inclusion of BIPOC voices in horror publishingResources and advice for writers trying to break into magazines like The Dark, Nightmare, and Lightspeed🩸 The Earth Bleeds at NightPublished by Erie River PublishingExplore what terrors make the very earth bleed in this chilling collection of dark, literary, and cosmic horror from award-winning and rising authors.👉 https://books2read.com/u/bPOjjR 📍 Find the Guests Online🔗 Christopher O’Halloran https://www.coauthor.ca📚 Debut novel Pushing Daisy https://www.amazon.com/Pushing-Daisy-Christopher-OHalloran-ebook/dp/B0F8SKYD95🧠 Also recommends reading: https://www.thingsthatkeepmeupatnight.com/new-page🔗 Em Starr https://emstarr.com.au📱 BlueSky | Facebook🔗 Richard Thomas whatdoesnotkillme.com🎧 Listen & Subscribe📲 Listen now on your favorite podcast platform: https://pod.link/1829723468📺 Watch the full episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@devilsrockbooks🌐 Learn more and join our dark fiction community: devilsrockbooks.com/podcast💬 Join the Discussion📣 Jump into the Devil’s Rock Discord to chat about this episode and meet other dark fiction writers. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this special episode of The Writer’s Chair, host Daniel Willcocks sits down with internationally acclaimed horror author Craig Davidson, best known under his dark fiction pseudonym Nick Cutter. Craig is the author of The Troop, The Deep, The Handyman Method, and now The Queen — his latest terrifying tale of teenage friendships, grief, and grotesque creatures.Together, Daniel and Craig dive into:Craig’s journey from literary fiction to horror heavyweightThe deep influence of Stephen King on his work (and whether they’ve ever met)Why The Queen is one of his most personal novels yetThe evolution of horror: from slashers to psychological depthGross-out scenes, sensory horror, and writing from lived emotionThis conversation is a beautiful blend of nostalgia, insight, and raw honesty from one of modern horror’s most respected voices.🧠 What You’ll LearnHow Craig (aka Cutter) channels both emotional truth and body horror into his fictionThe challenges of writing teen characters in a modern world as a Gen-X authorWhy “elevated horror” isn’t a genre — and why it doesn’t need to beThe five most disgusting sensory experiences Craig’s ever had (you’ll squirm)His top horror reads of the last few years📚 Mentioned in This EpisodeThe Queen by Nick Cutter (Gallery/Arcadia, 2024)The Troop, The Deep, Little Heaven, The Handyman MethodStephen King, Ray Bradbury, Robert McCammon, Clive BarkerDead Space 2, Hellraiser, Cujo, Skeleton CrewMoon of the Crusted Snow by Waubgeshig RiceThe Marrow Thieves by Cherie DimalineDevil by Name by Keith RossonMaeve Fly by CJ Leede🔗 Links & Resources🌐 Craig’s official website:👉 www.craigdavidson.net👑 The Queen fan site:(Accessible via Craig’s main site)📖 Buy The Queen:👉 Gallery (North America)👉 Arcadia/Pushkin Press (UK – imprint TBC)💀 Join the Devil’s Rock writing community:👉 devilsrockbooks.com/podcast🎧 Subscribe & ReviewIf you enjoyed this conversation, please subscribe, leave a review, and share with the horror lovers in your life. Each episode of The Writer’s Chair brings you deeper into the minds of today’s most exciting authors — from indie newcomers to genre icons.🖊️ Quote of the Episode“You try to write away from Stephen King… but somehow, you go in a 180° loop and end up hitting him anyway.” Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome, wordsmiths and story seekers! In this very first episode of The Writer’s Chair, author and podcast host Daniel Willcocks invites you to pull up a seat for an honest, no-fluff introduction to this brand new show for writers of all stripes—especially those who like their fiction a little on the darker side.Daniel shares:Why he’s launching this podcast now (after months of planning),What to expect from upcoming episodes,His journey from stage-play adaptations to publishing 70+ books,Lessons from running (and restarting) multiple writing podcasts over the last decade,And his personal mission to create the biggest online community for dark fiction authors.This is a candid, unscripted look into the heart of a writer who’s spent 10+ years in the indie trenches—and is ready to bring you along for the ride.🧠 What You’ll LearnWhat The Writer’s Chair is all about (and who it’s for)Daniel’s experience across horror, ghostwriting, coaching and podcastingWhy perfection kills momentum—and how to start before you’re “ready”How connecting with other authors can make writing less lonelyAn invite to join the new Devil’s Rock community for dark fiction writers🔗 Links & Resources💀 Join the Devil’s Rock community (free):👉 devilsrockbooks.com/podcast🖤 Follow Daniel on Instagram:👉 @wilcoxauthor📚 Learn more about Daniel’s books & publishing projects:👉 danielwillcocks.com🎧 Subscribe & ReviewIf you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with a fellow writer. New interviews and solo episodes are dropping soon, featuring dark fiction authors, publishing insights, and hard-won lessons from the writing life.🖊️ Quote of the Episode“Writing can be lonely work… but does it really have to be?” Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.