Coffee Fueled Stories

Meet Joe Mynhardt, CEO and Founder of Crystal Lake Publishing. In this episode, we talk about his humble beginnings from a small desk in his living room (2012) to finally having his first office (2024). We discuss how a Tweet from Bob Dylan spawned a media blitz, to how the music of Iron Maiden still rocks his life. When we weren’t chatting about music, monsters, horror, and writing, I asked Joe t...

Meet author S. Alessandro Martinez. He joins us from his spooky new home that is waiting to host horror themed events, writer's retreats or provide new spooky material for upcoming stories. We talk about the beauty of the PNW as a great writing location, what happens when you ride in an elevator backwards, and his newest feature: being in the Vol 3 of The Little Coffee Shop of Horrors Antholo...

In this bonus episode, meet Debra K. Every, opera singer, violin player, and her latest title: author. We deep dive into familial guilt, the catharsis of writing, and of course coffee! We could have talked for ten more hours. Join us on this debut author's word journey. She hits all the right notes! Debra's Website: https://debrakevery.com/ Support the show

In this bonus episode, Matthew Mercier, author of Poe and I, shares the love of Edgar on his Death Day. Matthew shares some more stories from his time as the caretaker of Poe Cottage in the Bronx. And we wax nostalgic about Poe, his mysterious death, and why he was a master of his craft. Join us on a weird, spooky, goth journey with the master of the macabre. Matthew Mercier: https://www.matthewme...

Meet Anita Stewart (writing under A. F. Stewart), mild-mannered podcast host who is full of surprises. Stewart is a Nova Scotian who loves spicy food, but not seafood, loves all things chocolate, and has an extensive sword and knife collection. In this episode, we delve into her writing background, the writing resources on her YouTube channel, and she admits to having a massive TBR pile. You can f...

Meet Jamal Hodge: storyteller, traveler, dream maker. Add poet and director to that list as well. In this episode, we chat about his poetry book: Dark Between the Twilight and the new anthology coming, Bestiary of Blood: Modern Fables and Dark Tales. With his poems he wants the “darkness to show the light.” And with his work in general he asks, “what good would I want to leave behind in the world?...

Meet Brianna Malotke, self-proclaimed "Chaos Gremlin," but I'll call her, dancer, poet and author. We talk about her new book, Lost Cherry, horror and romance writing, and what happens when you fall in love with a demon. You can find her and her books on her Instagram page and author page:  https://brimalotke.wixsite.com/malotkewrites https://www.instagram.com/briannamalotke Other L...

Meet R.K. Higgins, author of Stolen Days. Your next summer beach read. This is his, “Love Letter to Comedy Horror.” If Monty Python and Good Omens made a drunken deal with a Reaper, this is the story they would tell. An entertaining and wild tale from an author who takes his villain and hero to a whole new level. https://www.instagram.com/authorrkhiggins/     https://www.crystallakepub.com/shop/  ...

Meet Stacy Peterson, author of The Lovely and Dangerous Launch of Lucy Cavanagh. In this episode we discuss her strong female main character and how “the wild’ll make you wild.” There’s a little horror and there’s a little Bridget Jones, but mostly it’s about finding yourself. Stacy is working on the screenplay. Stay tuned for more action and adventure; follow Stacy to learn more about when the mo...

Meet Mathew Mercier, author of Poe and I; his debut novel is inspired by his time as the live-in caretaker of Poe Cottage. We deep dive into how it felt living in the space where Poe lived and how Poe brings people together.  https://www.matthewmercier.com/ https://www.crystallakepub.com/product/poe-i-by-matthew-mercier/ https://www.instagram.com/matthew.mercier.poem/   Support the show

Meet The Unsaintly Queen: Lisa Vasquez. In this episode, we deep dive into her books, poetry (we did a live reading of "I Am"), her publishing background, and her newest venture: Memento Mori Ink Magazine.   https://www.unsaintly.com/ https://www.mementomoriinkmag.com/ Support the show

Meet Blake Edward Andrew: Haunted Houses, Horror, and Hockey, oh my! Blake loves to surprise his readers and use art as tragedy, while giving them a little spice. His debut novel, The Haunting of Chateau De Mornay, is book one in his Haunted planned trilogy. Jump on his TikTok lives and say hi! https://www.authorblakeandrew.com/ https://www.instagram.com/author_blake_edward_andrew/ https://www.tik...

What do you get when you create a “sleazy, slimy, goopy, drippy, gory” story? An “entertaining and disgusting” fun chat with Ryan C. Thomas and Anthony Trevino. Two guys who know how to have fun with horror. Their story “Love is a Monstrous Death” out now in PsychoActive from Crystal Lake in the Dark Tide book series. A must read for fans of transformative horror.  Ryan: https://www.ryancthomas.co...

In this episode we deep dive into book 2 of Paisley Mott’s world (In the Grave Where the Bones Are Still Wet), and turn the trauma up to 11. But we also balance the darkness with the silliness of Bugs Bunny, Super Chicken, and other pop culture references. Kalvin is a wealth of information about the writing process, the horror community, and his superhero heart lights the way during the blackest o...

Come meet John Palisano and Lisa Morton, authors extraordinaire and Bram Stoker award winners, as they discuss their new book, Placerita, and chat about horror and writing. https://lisamorton.com/ https://johnpalisano.wordpress.com/   Support the show

Meet Bill Mullen: professor, traveler, and author. We deep dive into his new book The Thing in the Wind and we discuss Nature, isolation, and his punk rock approach to the writing process. Find out what happens when blasting Rammstein. https://www.crystallakepub.com/product/the-thing-in-the-wind-by-bill-mullen/ https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B0187LZ2Q0 https: //www.facebook.com/people/Bill-M...

Meet Laura Botten, author of A Recipe from Rome. Take a virtual tour as we experience the sights, the sounds, and the tastes of Rome. We learned that we both love Italian food and food in general even though we can't really cook. We both agree Italy is the place to learn how to make meals with love. When she isn't writing, reading or eating, you can find her cuddling her crazy kittens an...

Meet Royce Buckingham, author of Monster Lawyer. Take an adventure with us as we chat about characters: supernatural and redeemable. We deep dive into fear and how it is a great tool in the writing arsenal. Join us as we make our way through the city of Seattle talking about monsters. https://roycebuckingham.com/ Support the show

Meet Richard Farren Barber: big time tea drinker, football (soccer) fan, not afraid of the word, "nosegay" and a truly delightful guest.  We shared our terror of driving on the opposite side of the road, we laughed at disgusting smells, and we had fun connecting through childhood memories. Find out why The Smiths are the perfect song for his promo video. You can find Richard at the links...

Meet author and podcast host: Lauri Schoenfeld.  We discuss the power of smell and writing. We laugh about how many fuzzy socks she has and we connect by smelling chocolate and peanut butter, and fries. You can find her below: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCoXYpmJbS9q83HwBGSItGiA https://www.instagram.com/laurischoenfeld/ https://linktr.ee/laurischoenfeld https://www.leagueofutahwriters.com/pre...

Meet Lara Tupper, author, singer, writing coach, and Mainer at her punk rock heart. In this episode we deep dive into her writing, singing and dancing (sort of ) career, and her coaching style. She is a resilient Mainer and has great tales to tell. https://www.laratupper.com/ https://www.laratupper.com/events.htm Support the show

Werewolves, trauma, and coffee--oh my!!! Join me and cohost Kelly Shimabukuro for part 2 of Horror as Healing theme, featuring Such Sharp Teeth by Rachel Harrison. When we say, "I am woman, hear me roar!" We mean Women in Horror month is here!! We deep dive into this werewolf novel and take a look at trauma and how it can transform you. https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/705658/suc...

Meet Candace Nola; she is so much more than just a splatterpunk writer. In this episode we discuss drive in movies, movie snacks and how she ruined picnics for us with her descriptive sounds of food. Candace has started building her empire with coffee and insomnia. Don't put her in a box, she will prove to you what she can accomplish. We laughed a lot; it wasn't all gruesome. Grab some p...

Meet Armand Rosamilia; he has 150 books available and is still going strong! In this episode we talk, "apple pie, Pork Chop, and zombies."  What happens when a 12yo boy gets punished for the whole summer? He becomes a prolific horror author! Support the show

Meet horror author, Larry Hinkle. In this episode, we chat about his debut collection The Space Between; a compilation of weird, cosmic, and funny horror short stories. Eavesdrop on us while we eat, drink and be scary.  Support the show