Quills and Chills

In this episode of Quills & Chills , I’m thrilled to welcome back actress and now debut author Ally Walker to the show. This time, we dive into her novel The Light Runner . Ally shares her journey from acting to writing, the inception of her psychological thriller, and the inspirations behind her unforgettable characters. We explore the book’s themes of grief, consciousness, and empathy, as we...

In this episode of Quills & Chills, I sit down with debut author Michael Reed to discuss his novel 'Desperate Measures.' Michael shares his journey from living in Alaska to settling in West Virginia, his passion for nature and folklore, and how these experiences influenced his writing. We delve into his writing process, the development of his compelling characters Joey and Rhonda, and...

As JAWS celebrates its 50th anniversary, Quills & Chills honors the milestone with a special conversation featuring Christopher Shaw Myers, nephew of the legendary Robert Shaw. In this episode, Chris shares stories from his new book, Robert Shaw: An Actor's Life on the Set of Jaws and Beyond , offering a deeply personal look at the life and legacy of one of cinema’s most unforgettable tale...

In this episode of Quills & Chills, I sit down with creator Bijhan Agha to discuss the latest political thriller comic ‘Kobra Olympus' issue number three. Bijhan provides an in-depth look at the Time Wars universe, exploring themes of political violence, revolutionary vs. reformist ideologies, and significant character growth. We also delve into the creative process, collaborative efforts...

In this episode of Quills & Chills , I sit down with international bestselling author Linwood Barclay to talk about his incredible journey from journalist to master of suspense. We explore his latest novel, Whistle , a chilling dive into supernatural fiction that proves even toy trains can be terrifying. Linwood opens up about the inspiration behind the book, crafting its eerie dual timelines,...

In this episode, I sit down with acclaimed espionage author Paul Vidich to discuss his latest novel, 'The Poets Game: Spy in Moscow.' Paul, a former media executive, shares his journey into writing espionage thrillers that include the highly praised 'Beirut Station.'  We delve into the fascinating world of spies, exploring how characters navigate duty and conscience amidst ever-shi...

In this episode of Conversations With Creators , I sit down with the dynamic husband-and-wife team behind the upcoming sci-fi martial arts comedy Cyber Fighter — William Joseph Hill and Pamela Hill. Currently in post-production and already generating buzz on the indie film circuit, Cyber Fighter blends action, humor, and heart in a story that’s been over two decades in the making. We dive into the...

In this episode, bestselling author Dean Koontz joins me to discuss his haunting new novel, Going Home in the Dark . Set in a seemingly quiet hometown that harbors long-buried secrets, the book explores what happens when the past refuses to stay hidden. With a masterful blend of suspense, psychological tension, and emotional depth, Koontz invites readers into a chilling tale about memory, identity...

In this episode of Quills & Chills, I sit down with horror author and screenwriter Matt Serafini to discuss his latest novel 'Feeders.' We dive into Matt's journey as a writer, his fascination with horror, and how his love for the genre shaped his storytelling. Matt explores the chilling themes of his book, including the dark side of influencer culture and the terrifying potential...

In this episode of Quills & Chills, I sit down with Kylie Lee Baker, the author of 'Bat Eater and other names for Cora Zeng,' to delve into her latest work and journey as a writer. Kylie, known for her bold voice in speculative fiction, shares insights about her upbringing, writing process, and experiences living in various parts of the world. We discuss the themes and inspirations behind her...

In this episode of Quills and Chills, I sit down with the multitalented Nat Cassidy to discuss his new horror novel, 'When The Wolf Comes Home.' Cassidy, known for his genre-bending, psychologically rich storytelling, shares insights about his upbringing in Phoenix, Arizona, his fascination with horror from an early age, and his journey in the world of acting and writing. We delve into the themes...

In this episode of Conversations With Creators, I sit down with internationally recognized filmmaker Pat Mire and powerhouse lawyer and filmmaker Rebecca Hudsmith. We discuss their acclaimed film 'Point Noire,’ which intertwines Cajun culture, history, and themes of justice. Pat and Rebecca share insights about the film's storyline, the filmmaking process during COVID-19, and the significa...

In this episode, I sit down with the incredibly talented author Allison Gunn to discuss her debut novel, 'Nowhere.' Allison shares her journey as a writer and reveals the personal experiences that influenced her riveting blend of gothic suspense and small town secrets. We delve deep into the book’s intense family drama, Appalachian folklore, and the complex characters that make 'Nowher...

n this episode of Quills and Chills, I welcome back Bijhan Agha for a third time to discuss her new project, 'Ash Gray and Saturn Olympus,' a spin-off set in the expansive Time Wars universe. We delve into the original premise of Time Wars, showcasing vampires and time travelers in an endless battle for Earth's fate. Bijhan also shares insights into the new comic's characters—Ash Gray and Saturn O...

n this episode of Quills & Chills, I sit down with acclaimed horror author Philip Fricassi to discuss his novel 'Boys in the Valley.' Fricassi shares insights into his writing journey, including his experiences as a screenwriter and transitioning to full-time fiction writing. He delves into the influences of Stephen King and Dean Koontz on his love for horror, the process of writing &#...

In this episode of Quills & Chills,I sit down with Eric LaRocca, Bram Stoker Award finalist and Splatterpunk Award winner, to discuss his latest novel, At Dark I Become Loathsome. LaRocca shares insights into his personal journey in the horror genre, his inspirations, and the unique elements that make his work stand out. The conversation delves into themes of grief, identity, and transgressive...

In this episode of Conversations With Creators, I am joined by award-winning director Craig Bass to discuss his path in filmmaking, from his start in Chicago to co-founding Motion Source. The conversation highlights Craig's horror short 'Love, Love, Oh, Awful Love,' his creative process, and how childhood experiences shaped his passion for storytelling. We also tackle the challenges of...

In this episode of Quills & Chills, I speak with author Jeff Vande Zande about his book, 'The Dance of Rotten Sticks.' Our conversation covers Jeff's creative process, the blending of supernatural elements with human struggles, and his characters' deep emotional journeys. Jeff also shares personal anecdotes and discusses the themes of grief and addiction in his writing, while p...

In this episode of Quills & Chills, I sit down with New York Times bestselling author Chuck Wendig to discuss his latest book 'Monster Movie'. The conversation delves into Chuck's background in writing, his creative process, and the intriguing blend of horror, suspense, and nostalgia in the book. Chuck shares insights on character development, the significance of humor in horror, a...

In this episode of Conversations with Creators, host Rick Clifton is joined by Bella Zoe Martinez, a passionate advocate for autistic filmmakers and neurodivergent representation in Hollywood. Bella shares her journey from a child actress to a writer and filmmaker, focusing on her latest project, 'Once More Like Rain Man,' which highlights the experiences of neurodivergent actors in the fi...

In this episode of Quills and Chills, I welcome back Maryland-based horror author Dan Franklin. We are diving into Dan's dark and captivating new novel, 'Down Into the Sea,' a unique blend of “Let the Right One In” and “The Little Mermaid.” The story centers around Eric Ross, a troubled teen navigating personal struggles and a dangerous friendship with a mysterious, predatory mermaid. Delve deep i...

In this episode of Quills & Chills, join me as I sit down with the master of macabre, Clay McLeod Chapman. We dive deep into Chapman's latest novel, 'Wake Up and Open Your Eyes', which blends supernatural terror with timely social commentary on a demonic possession epidemic. Clay shares insights into his inspiration, steeped in personal experiences and real-world events, and discusses the uniq...

In this episode of Quills & Chills, I sat down with accomplished producer, director, and screenwriter Cynthia Mort. Renowned for her impactful work in indie film and television, Cynthia discusses her latest film, When We Kill the Creators. The conversation covers her journey as a filmmaker, the challenges and rewards of indie filmmaking, and the importance of creative freedom. Cynthia also sha...

In this episode of Quills & Chills, I sit down with author, educator, and LGBTQ activist David Berger. We dive into David’s captivating short stories, The Blood of the Willing and The Returning, both featured in the anthology In Darkness Peering. The discussion covers David’s unique approach to speculative fiction, his educational and advocacy background, his writing process, and the profound...

In this episode of Conversations with Creators , I sit down with actor-writer-director Ally Walker for a heartfelt discussion about her journey behind the camera. Many of you know Ally from her iconic roles in Profiler and Sons of Anarchy , but today, she’s here to talk about her directorial debut, Far More . We dive into the film’s themes of family, loss, and self-discovery, as well as the unique...