Killer Prose

In this episode of Killer Prose, I interview J.D. Barker, an international and New York Times bestselling author known for titles like 'The Fourth Monkey,' 'Dracul,' and his upcoming novel, 'We Don't Talk About Emma.' J.D. discusses his new book, his co-authoring process, and his unique deal with Simon & Schuster. He shares insights into his writing and publishing journey, the changes in the i...

In this episode of the Killer Prose Podcast, host Tanner Rutledge wishes listeners a happy New Year and invites them to share their upcoming projects for 2025. Tanner discusses his decision to merge his mystery and horror writings under his own name, eliminating the need for a pen name to reduce marketing expenses. He reflects on the professional changes in 2024, including transitioning to commiss...

In this episode of  Killer Prose Podcast , Tanner is joined by Cassandra O’Sullivan Sachar, an accomplished writer and associate English professor in Pennsylvania. With her work featured in over forty creative publications, including The Horror Zine , Wyldblood Magazine , and Tales from the Moonlit Path , Cassandra brings a wealth of experience to the table. We discuss the craft of writing, teachi...

In this episode of Killer Prose, we’re joined by Lee Mountford, the bestselling author behind the Haunted and Darkfall series. Lee shares his journey to becoming a full-time indie author, offering insights into planning and writing series, collaborating with editors, and crafting haunted house stories and genre blends. Whether you’re a writer seeking inspiration or a horror fan curious about what...

We have some new episodes coming. I'll also be taking the show to once a month for a while so we can stay consistent while work, life, and writing are so hectic right now.  Intro and outro music provided by Super Strange Synths by YellowTree -- https://freesound.org/s/482961/ -- License: Attribution 4.0

Ivy Tholen is the author of “Tastes Like Candy," “Maul Rats,” and the upcoming "Mother Dear." She lives in Los Angeles. Don’t mention “A Nightmare on Elm Street 3: Dream Warriors” to her, or she will never shut up. In this episode, we delve into the world of indie authorship. Whether you're curious about carving out time to write, mastering the craft of horror, knowing the right moment to seek fee...

Today I'm joined by author, Andrew Najberg. Andrew is the author of the best-selling (#1 US Horror Amazon) novels The Mobius Door (Wicked House Publishing, 2023) and Gollitok (Wicked House Publishing, 2023), as well as The Neverborn Thief (Olive-Ridley Press, 2024), the forthcoming collection of short fiction In Those Fading Stars (Crystal Lake Publishing, 2024) and the forthcoming novel Extinctio...

Today I'm joined by Bryan Alaspa. Bryan wrote his first short story in the third grade, way back in the 70s. He's now the author of more than 60 books and novels, all of them on the dark side of life. In today's episode Brian and I talk about craft, story inspiration, and different avenues for publication.  Connect with Bryan at https://www.bryanwalaspa.com/ Connect with him on X (Twitter) @ https...

In today's episode, I'm joined by Clay Stafford. We cover pretty much everything. We talk about the opportunities at the Killer Nashville Conference, trad publishing vs self publishing, and getting out there and meeting agents.  Clay Stafford is an American bestselling and award-winning author, poet, screenwriter, and playwright; film and television producer, director, showrunner, actor; book, fil...

Today, I'm joined by horror author Brad Ricks. Brad talks about his debut novel Fear Not the Dead, his path to writing and publication, and his feelings on the craft.  We also get into playing with timelines, things you don't think about before being published, and why he writes horror. You can find Brad, links to his socials, and his books at https://www.bradricks.com/ Purchase Fear Not the Dead ...

In today's episode, I talk a little about TikTok and someof the changes that are coming, even if the app sells and is permitted to operate in the USA. I also talk about some of the things I'm working on and how I feel about my current project.  Connect with the show and read blog posts at  www.killerprose.com follow us on FB IG and Tik Tok @killerprosepodcast Join the live streams on FB, YouTube,...

Plotting provides a road map, but can you plot too much? Is it possible to plott key story beats, and still leave enough elbow room for your charaters and settings to come alive? I talk about this and more in today's episode of Killer Prose Podcast. Connect with the show and read blog posts at www.killerprose.com follow us on FB IG and Tik Tok @killerprosepodcast Join the live streams on You Tube...

MJ Mars, author of The Suffering from Wicked House Press, drops by today to share what it was like to break into the horror genre, her process, and some a few personal stories. MJ has been featured in a plethora of magazines, anthologies, and podcasts - including her story Better Then Mardis Gras on season 13 Ep. 16 of The No Sleep Podcast.   Connect with MJ Mars at https://mjmarsauthor.com Get Th...

On today's episode, I'm joined by Blaine Daigle, author of The Broken Places from Wicked House Publishing. We spend about 45 minute diving deep into his process, how he uses Pro Writing Aid and Autocrit, and how he writes scenes that invoke such deep reactions.  You can connect with Blain at https://www.blainedaigle.com or on his Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100086562623387...

Following genre expectations is key to connecting with readers. But how do you stand out? How do you create something new inside of established structures. In today's episode I talk shop with internationally published author and writing processor Andrew Najberg. Andrew Najberg is the author of the novel The Mobius Door (Wicked House Publications, 2023) and the forthcoming novels Gollitok (Cactus M...

Last episode, I talked about my top 5 resources for horror writers. This week, I'm deep diving Plottr and going through exactly how it's made my process easier and faster. Email the show at writingfright@gmail.com FB and IG @writingfright TikTok @writingfrightpod Follow us at www.writingfright.com Intro and outro music provided by Super Strange Synths by YellowTree -- https://freesound.org/s/48296...

Writing is hard. For the vast majority of us starting out, it takes months or years to complete a piece of long form content. It takes time to plan a story, and it doesn’t matter if you are a plotter or discovery writer. (Our first drafts just look different) The steps are pretty must the same. We see where the story goes and end with a first draft or detailed outline. Then, we revise and draft a...

Over the past several months, I struggled with my identity as a writer and keeping my cozy mystery on track even though it has several horror elements and a definite creepy factor. You guys voiced your opinions on the direction of the show and I have to agree. Let’s keep this show indie and horror. Writing Fright is back. This show is a resource for all writers, but I really want to focus the deta...

This week, I talk about what could have been a major set back, and how these 3 things helped me stay on track to finish my latest book. Follows us on FB IG Twitch and YouTube @killerprosepodcast Email the show at killerpenbooks@gmail.com Intro and outro music provided by Super Strange Synths by YellowTree -- https://freesound.org/s/482961/ -- License: Attribution 4.0

Edward Morris joins us to discuss his new book Alphabet of Lighting. We talk about starting out as a professional writer, building relationships with other authors, finding your voice, and so much more. Edward shared some amazing advice and lessons he's earned along the way. You can find his book Alphabet of Lighting at: Barns & Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/alphabet-of-lightning-edward-...

So much has changed, including the name of the show. Writing Fright is now The Killer Prose Podcast. We'll be diving deeper into the Thriller Genres: Mystery, Thriller, Crime, and Suspense -  as well as, horror. In today's episode, I spend the first 15 minutes talking about my goals for 2023, including my production schedule, habits, and wordcounts. In the second half, I dive into how I'm plotting...

We all need help, especially as we grow as writers. But, what is mentorship and how do we find those people and resources that change our worlds? Intro and outro music provided by Super Strange Synths by YellowTree -- https://freesound.org/s/482961/ -- License: Attribution 4.0

Tame that wild story! I wanted to write a book but ended up with a tangle of plots and sub plots. What helped? Learning and prioritizing story beats to write to genre. John Truby's book Anatomy of Genres was an amazing help. I discovered him on Joanna Penn's podcast The Creative Pen. Choosing my route to becoming and professional author was one of the hardest decisions I had to make. Later in on t...

There's no denying it. Distractions are distracting, but that doesn't have to slow you down. Here's how, and why, I write with background noise and no longer lock the door when I write. email the show writingfright@gmail.com Follow me on FB, IG, Slasher, and Twitch @writingfight Check out Holly's Writing Classes @ hollyswritingclasses.com and listen to Alone In a Room With Invisible People   Intro...

Are you having trouble connecting to a story? Do the characters seem weak and the story just falls flat? Here's what happened to my first few attempts at the Haint and what I learned about how Theme Guilds everything in the story. Follow the show on FB, IG, Slasher, and Twitch @writingfright email the show @writingfright Intro and outro music provided by Super Strange Synths by YellowTree -- https...