Killer Prose

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...

On this episode I talk about some of the things I'm thankful for as they pertain to my writing. I also update my Holiday Gift List for writers. Holly's Writing Classes:  https://www.hollyswritingclasses.com/ Pro Writing Aid: https://prowritingaid.com/ Follow us on FB, IG, Twtich, and Discord @writingfright email the show writingfright@gmail.com Intro and outro music provided by Super Strange Synth...

I thought it would be a waist of time, but the truth is this really helped to dial in my story and show me what was missing. Doing an extended outline (to start off or in the revision process) is a fantastic way to get on track. Listen for details.   Email your comments and questions to writingfright@gmail.com Follow us on FB, IG Twitch, and Discord @writingfright Join the live writing sessions ev...

It's no secret, the economy is in a down swing. And, 2023 is projected to get worse, but with that comes some amazing opportunity for writers and content creators.   Follow us on FB, IG, Twitch, Discord and Slasher @writingfright email the show writingfright@gmail.com Intro and outro music provided by Super Strange Synths by YellowTree -- https://freesound.org/s/482961/ -- License: Attribution 4.0

As a new writer, how do you tell if your story should be shared, when it needs more work, or when its time to burry it and move on? This is my experience with it. And, yes I have a trunk book or two that will never see the light of day... Koala with a Pocket Knife.  Intro and outro music provided by Super Strange Synths by YellowTree -- https://freesound.org/s/482961/ -- License: Attribution 4.0

After numerous classes, workshops, coaches, I was floored when these two simple things leveled me up. My horror writing style went from B movie blah to fun and frightening.  Connect with me on FB, IG, Twitch, and discord @writingfright email the show writingfright@gmail.com Make sure to join out live events on FB and Twitch! Intro and outro music provided by Super Strange Synths by YellowTree -- h...

Horror Writers! The first draft is done. Now, the real work begins. There's a stack of 200 plus pages, messed up plots, and mid manuscript cast changes - you need to tame this wild best of a "book." It's easy to get overwhelmed in this stage. Here's a quick trick I leaned to stay organized and keep my subsequent drafts on point.  Email the show writingfright@gmail.com Connect with us on FB, IG, Tw...