Dark Waters

We debrief from our first ever Bouchercon - talk about things we loved, people we loved, and books we're looking forward to. We are also opening for submissions for a Dark Waters anthology! Check our Twitter @podcastwaters for more info. Want to submit your writing for an episode? Email darkwaterspodcast@gmail.com Intro/Outro music: www.bensound.com Disclaimer: Any and all opinions expressed a...

We're joined by the wonderful Holly West and second-time visitor C.W. Blackwell to talk about Bouchercon 2023, editing anthologies, blind submissions, and efforts to widen submission pools to as wide a group as possible. We also talk about the Bouchcon anthology Killin' Time In San Diego , hear a sample of C.W.'s story within it "Hard Rain on Beach Street," and get excited fo...

We're joined by the awesome Alexander James to go on many nerdy tangents and get a sneak preview of his debut novel The Woodkin. We also talk about complex timelines in writing, relative degrees of horror, and Nate's appalling lack of bookshelves. Alexander spent most of his childhood in southern Germany, and then went to culinary school in South Louisiana. He’s worked as a chef in everyth...

We're re-joined by the amazing Jack Moody to discuss the ins and outs of the writing process, from editing to submitting, marketing, and dealing with rejection in a "nose to tail" look at the parts of writing beyond getting words on a page. Jack Moody is a novelist and short story writer from wherever he happens to be at the time. He is the author of the novel Crooked Smile, the shor...

We're joined by Peter Farris to discuss finding inspiration in unique places, transitioning from horror to thriller writing, and rural noir stories. We also get a snippet of The Devil Himself, and discuss both the French and US publishing worlds, the relevance of luck, and the importance of perseverance. Called a “serious new talent” by Barnes & Noble, Peter Farris is the award-winning aut...

We're joined by fellow Midwesterner Scott Mitchel May to discuss the categorization of Ohio, the twisted origins of some Arthurian legends, allowing readers to feel uncomfortable, and finding out twists as readers do. We also get a sneak preview of his debut novel Breakneck: or, it happened once in America, discuss the pros and cons of trying to plot map and how expectations within the publish...

In which we discuss After The Lights Go Out by John Vercher , mental health, the toll that contact sports take, and one-star reviews. Also the cost of entertainment, conflicting character motivations, and balancing multiple issues within a story. If you want to hear from the author himself, check out his appearance on NPR's Fresh Air. Trigger warning: This episode contains discussions of menta...

We're joined by author Adam Godfrey to discuss his novella, Narcissus , crossing genres, being a panster vs a planner, and myth retellings. There are also several side tangents involving music, movies, and music in movies. Adam Godfrey hails from Chesapeake, Virginia, where he lives with his wife and three daughters. He holds over twenty years of experience working for the United States Depart...

We are joined by the a brilliant new name on the horror scene, Rae Knowles, to talk about narcissistic love interests, the tragedy of plot butterflies fluttering away the second you have the ability to write, and taco bell erotica. We also get a sneak preview of The Stradivarius , talk about her nonfiction piece in Nightmare Magazine , and more accurate definitions of the word "gaslighting.&q...

We're joined by the wonderful James D.F. Hannah who regales us with tales of Mississippi tornado warnings, southern noir writers, if Falkner is a crime novelist, and his latest release Somewhere Outside Salvation (A Grifter's Song Book 32). We also get a sneak peek at the story and hear about the process of writing a piece in the Grifter's Song series (as well as a few other music refe...

We're back to kick off a new season with the delightful Robert P. Ottone to discuss his new book, The Vile Thing We Created , friendships as they evolve over time, twisty or not-so-twisty endings, and supporting the indie writing community. We also get a sample of his new book and talk a lot about the decision to have children vs. being child-free. Robert P. Ottone is the Bram Stoker Award-nom...

We are joined by Scott Blackburn to discuss his novel It Dies With You , the dichotomy of characters from different backgrounds, the line of preaching vs. storytelling, and proper baby shower etiquette. We also get a snippet of It Dies With You, talk about the boundaries of adolescent characters in adult fiction, and staying true to personal experience.  Scott Blackburn is an English instruct...

Our last book club episode of the season, Hide by Kiersten White. In which, we discuss turning books into drinking games, how much character development is enough character development, reinterpretations of Greek myths, trauma bonding, and class struggle. Also repetitions of ideas and repetitions of ideas and repetitions of ideas and.....  Want to submit your writing or be a guest editor? Ema...

We're joined by Hoosier and horror writer Mike DeFrench to discuss the lasting impacts of certain literature, different methods of editing and practicing writing, TikTok as a marketing tool, and the joys of discovering new genres. We also get a preview of his story "Lucy in the Sky with Demons" from his collection Amphetamine Daydreams Vol. 1 .  Mike DeFrench is a horror writer from Indiana w...

In which we discuss that the reasons why Nate loves this story are the same reasons why Kirstyn does not. Also nuance in dissecting interpersonal relationships, decaying haunted houses as allegories, and screaming at characters to please, please, just leave the dangerous place.  Also, proof that two people can read the same story and have completely different experiences.  TL;DR we reall...

We're joined by the fantastic Coy Hall to discuss his writing, historical magic, medicinal cannibalism, and whether or not all characters need an animal sidekick. We also get a peek at his book Grimoire of the Four Imposters and talk about his latest novel The Hangman Feeds the Jackal .  Coy Hall lives in West Virginia with his wife, Olivia, and they share a home with a clumsy Great Pyrenees...

We get the chance to talk with the great human being that is Jack Moody about his body of work, simultaneously writing and editing, whether being compared to Bukowski is a compliment, and sea-born killing machines. We also get a preview of his new novella The Monotony of Everlasting . Jack Moody is a novelist and short story writer from wherever he happens to be at the time. He is the author of th...

Editor, writer, and all-around fantastic person Paul J Garth joins us to discuss hoarding books from college, the character spectrum of dick behavior, family-appropriate DC trips, and spoiling book endings. We also get a preview of/talk about his story The Low White Plain. Paul J. Garth is a Best American Mystery and Suspense distinguished story author who has been published in Thuglit, Tough, Nee...

The incredibly talented S.A. Cosby joins us to discuss his body of work, strong main character names, the condescension of rural characters and stories, and Southern appreciation vs fetishism. We also listen to a sneak peek of his current project, All The Sinners Bleed. S. A. Cosby is an Anthony Award-winning writer from Southeastern Virginia. He is the author of the New York Times bestseller Razo...

Derek Farrell joins us to discuss the latest in the Danny Bird Mystery series, balancing narrative intent and integrity when presented with publishing opportunities, and overprotective family members. Derek Farrell is the author of 6 Danny Bird Mysteries including Death at Dukes Halt . The books have been described as “Twisty, gripping,” “Tight, intricately plotted, full of razor-sharp one-liners...

We talk about The Only Good Indians by Stephen Graham Jones , the differences in what we find nightmare-worthy, Nate's appreciation of nuance, and the importance of having many authors on your bookshelf. Intro/Outro music: www.bensound.com Disclaimer: Any and all opinions expressed are the opinions of the participants and not of the organizations or institutions with which they are affiliated.

Amy Grech joins us to discuss the pervasiveness of New York, paranormal experiences, and the joys of horror poetry. We also get a sneak preview of her story “Bruised and Battered Nevermore” from the newly released anthology Even in the Grave . Amy Grech has sold over 100 stories to various anthologies and magazines including: A New York State of Fright, Apex Magazine, Flashes of Hope, Gorefest, He...

The amazing Nikki Dolson joins us to talk about her latest works, the best way to exorcise dating frustrations, and "the hard truths of children and writing." We also get a sneak peek at one of her newest stories and discuss the importance of creating three-dimensional characters. Nikki Dolson is the author of the novel All Things Violent and the story collection Love and Other Criminal Behavior ....

The incomparable Ashley Erwin joins us to discuss the art and importance of oral storytelling, Kentucky politics of the 1930s-1990s, many tangents, and hatred of red pens.  Ashley Erwin writes Southern Pulp.  Sometimes, she does it well.  Mostly, she peddles bourbon until the day comes that she doesn't.  Living in sunny Los Angeles with the Man and her cat, who started out with...

The ever-wonderful C.W. Blackwell joins us to discuss using fiction to cultivate empathy for societal issues, the crisis of homelessness in America, and various forms of writing self-care. We also discuss his new and upcoming works River Street Rhapsody and Song of the Red Squire. C.W. Blackwell is an American author from the Central Coast of California. His recent work has appeared with Down and...