E58: What if Gilmore Girls Read Horror? with Stephanie from Books in the Freezer

 

Today, I am doing something a little different. I’ve invited Stephanie Gagnon, from the Books in the Freezer podcast, to do a Gilmore Girls Read Horror episode, where we choose horror books we think various characters from the show would read. We have a lot of fun, and I want to thank Stephanie for recording the episode with me a second time after a mishap the first time around. It allowed us to revisit our answers and we both hope you enjoy the episode. Let us know your ideas too! You can find us both on Twitter and Instagram, and Books in the Freezer is also on TikTok. Thanks for joining us today.

E 56: Vicious Mermaids, Body Transformation, and more with Desiree M. Niccoli

 

Today I have Desiree M. Niccoli on the show to talk about vicious mermaid book, “Called to the Deep.” This book explores a woman’s journey from surviving a disaster at sea to developing a taste for human flesh in her new form as a mermaid. She also develops a taste of a different kind for the handsome sea captain who saved her. We chat about metaphor in shifters and monster romance, why writers are exploring this more prevelently, and how romance works in this context. You can buy “Called to the Deep” from my online bookshop to support the show as well as independent bookstores nationwide. That’s at bookshop.org/shop/sheworeblack. You can also help out the show by following She Wore Black on social media, and rating the show wherever you get your podcast. Thank you for joining us today.

E55: Possession and Religious Horror with C.S. Humble

Today I have C.S. Humble on the show to talk about his new religious horror book, “All These Subtle Deceits,” out now from Sadie Hartman’s “Dark Harts” series. The book feels very much like a cross between “The Exorcist” and Neil Gaiman’s “Sandman.” It follows an excommunicated priest who tries to rid people of the ghosts and demons that haunt them. One woman’s possession proves especially difficult in the first of this five part series. We chat about influences from catholicism, art, literature, and current politics. We also talk about the process of writing, and pulling from our “personal wells” as writers. It’s a rich conversation and it was a pleasure to chat with C.S. Thank you for joining us today.

E54: Turning A Famous Ghost Story into A Novel with Celso Hurtado

Today, is a special episode from my final live program at Lark and Owl Booksellers in Georgetown, Texas. I invited author, Celso Hurtado, to talk about his award winning book, “The Ghost Tracks.” He won the International Latino Book Award for this story that takes place around the famous haunted San Antonio train tracks. He answers questions both about his book and the legend that inspired it. You can order signed copies of “The Ghost Tracks” from Lark and Owl Booksellers by emailing them at salesfloor@larkandowlbooksellers.com or use my online bookshop to support the show, as well as independent bookstores nationwide. You can also help out the show by following She Wore Black on Twitter and Instagram, and leaving me a review wherever you get your podcasts. Thanks for joining me today.

E53: Tim McGregor, Comic Books, and "Taboo in Four Colors"

Today, I’ve invited author, Tim McGregor, to talk about his new novella, “Taboo in Four Colors,” that takes place in the comic book industry of the 1960s and 70s. It’s a gruesome and compelling look at how far two people will go for love. The second half of our conversation does contain spoilers, though, if you want to skip that part until you’ve read the book. You can order Tim’s books using my bookshop.org link to support the show, as well as independent bookstores nationwide. That’s at bookshop.org/shop/sheworeblack. You can also help out the show by following She Wore Black on Twitter and Instagram, and leaving me a review wherever you get your podcasts. Thanks for joining me today.

E52: Rachel Harrison and the Fangs of Female Rage

Today, I’ve invited author, Rachel Harrison, to talk about her book, “Such Sharp Teeth,” but I love all her work so we really chat about all of it. This is one of my most cherished conversations because we talk so honestly about how her work reflects the female experience. We dive deep into what that looks like through her stories, revealing the complexity behind her charm. I want to issue a content warning. We address assault and the emotional aftermath starting about 14 minutes in, so if you want to skip ahead 5 minutes, we get to other feminist topics as well as things that make us laugh. It’s a conversation I really needed and I’m so glad I get to share it with you. You can order her books using my bookshop.org link to support the show, as well as independent bookstores nationwide. That’s at bookshop.org/shop/sheworeblack. You can also help out the show by following She Wore Black on Twitter and Instagram, and leaving me a review wherever you get your podcasts. Thanks for joining me today.

E51: The Craft of Writing Gothic Romance with Diana Biller

 

Today, I’ve invited author, Diana Biller, to talk about the craft of writing gothic romance. Her book, The Widow of Rose House, became an instant hit with gothic romance fans because she combined beloved tropes with new ideas. All of her work is smart, sexy, funny and enchanting, and I learned a lot from our conversation. We do talk about writing sex, so if you may want earbuds if you’re listening near children or co-workers. You can order her books using my bookshop.org link to support the show, as well as independent bookstores nationwide. You can also help out the show by following She Wore Black on Twitter and Instagram, and leaving me a review wherever you get your podcasts. Thanks for joining me today.

E49.5: Telling True Ghosts Stories - A Live Podcast Interview with Leanna Renee Hieber and Andrea Janes

 

Today I bring you a bonus episode about a wonderful nonfiction book, “A Haunted History of Invisible Women: True Stories of America’s Ghosts.” It’s one of the best books I’ve read about ghosts in American history and regional myth, with thoughtful analysis that centers women as both subject and storytellers. I did this as part of a series of “live” podcast episodes I was invited to do at Lark and Owl Booksellers in Georgetown, Texas as part of their October programming, so you’ll occasionally hear customers in the background. I was also sick during production, so I was tuning in via zoom, but this is really a wonderful conversation that I’m proud of and I can’t wait to hear your feedback on both the episode and the book.

E50: Edgar Allan Poe's Enduring Appeal with Sara Crocoll Smith

 

Today I chat with Sara Crocoll Smith about Edgar Allan Poe. She just won the Saturday Visitor Award from the Poe Museum for the first in her “Love Letters To Poe” anthology series, “A Toast to Edgar Allan Poe.”

As mentioned in the episode, the Harry Ransom Center at the University of Texas has a collections of Poe's manuscripts, letters, and personal ephemera. Here is a link to see images and information on some of that collection, including this brooch containing a lock of Poe's hair (given to Sarah Elmira Royster Shelton, September 1849)

E49: Kink Positive Gothic Suspense with Briana Una McGuckin

Today I chat with Briana Una McGuckin about her kink-positive gothic suspense novel, “On Good Authority.” If you are listening to this in proximity of children and are not yet ready to answer questions about kink, I suggest you listen with ear buds. Though not explicit, this conversation is honest and it was wonderful to chat with someone who wrote about it so beautifully. You can order “On Good Authority” using my online bookshop to support the show, as well as independent bookstores nationwide. You can also help out the show by following She Wore Black on Twitter and Instagram, and leaving me a review wherever you get your podcasts. Thanks for joining us today.

E48: The Women of Frankenstein in "Unnatural Creatures" with Kris Waldherr

 

Today I chat Kris Waldherr. We discuss her novel, “Unnatural Creatures,” a retelling of Frankenstein from the point of view of the women in the story. We also chat a bit about her journey and success with self-publishing after decades working for the biggest publishing houses. You can order “Unnatural Creatures” using my online bookshop to support the show, as well as independent bookstores nationwide. You can also help out the show by following She Wore Black on Twitter and Instagram, and leaving us a review wherever you get your podcasts. Thanks for joining us today.

My story in Austin Monthly Magazine! The Best Texas Horror Novels to Read This Fall

 

I had the great pleasure of writing a piece about Texas Horror for Austin Monthly Magazine, and it was such a good time! You can read the piece here: https://www.austinmonthly.com/the-best-texas-horror-novels-to-read-this-fall/

E47.5 "Ghost Stories from Black Voices" Live Podcast with RJ Joseph and Johnny Compton

 

Today I bring you a special episode, a recording from my live podcast event with RJ Joseph and Johnny Compton at Lark and Owl Booksellers in Georgetown, Texas. We discuss “Ghost Stories from Black Voices,” including their own work as well as what inspired them. I didn’t include their readings from their work for the sake of time, but that’s also one of the special things you get when you come to a live event. I hope to see you at one soon! RJ’s book is currently available to order using my online bookshop to support the show, as well as independent bookstores nationwide.  You can also help out the show by following She Wore Black on Twitter and Instagram, and leaving us a review wherever you get your podcasts. Thanks for joining us today.

E47: Rachel Hawkins/Erin Sterling talks Witchy Rom-Coms and New Takes on Gothic Classics

 

Today I chat with suspense author Rachel Hawkins, known in the romance community as Erin Sterling. We talk about both her suspense and her witchy rom-coms, as well as her inspiration from gothic classics. You can order any of her books using my online bookshop to support the show, as well as independent bookstores nationwide. You can also help out the show by following She Wore Black on Twitter and Instagram, and leaving us a review wherever you get your podcasts. Thanks for joining us today.

Today I get to talk to an author you’ve heard me discuss numerous times on the podcast, Simone St. James. She’s an icon for me so it was really special to be able to discuss her collective works with her. We talk about everything from writing sex to building dread, and I know I certainly learned a lot. You can order any of her books using my bookshop.org link to support the show, as well as independent bookstores nationwide. That’s at bookshop.org/shop/sheworeblack. You can also help out the show by following She Wore Black on Twitter and Instagram, and leaving us a review wherever you get your podcasts. Thanks for joining us today.

   

E44: Kelly Barnhill talks Dragons, Fairy Tales and Animal Spouses

 

It was my absolute dream to talk to Kelly Barnhill. I’ve been a fan of her short fiction and middle grade writing for years, and she indulged me in a lengthy conversation about one short story in particular, “Mrs. Sorensen and the Sasquatch.” We also discuss her new novel, “When Women Were Dragons,” as well as her upcoming novella, “The Crane Husband.” This conversation felt like a real lesson on craft and fairytale and wonder, and I’m so thankful to Kelly for her time and wisdom. You can order any of her books using my online bookshop to support the show, as well as independent bookstores nationwide. You can also help out the show by following She Wore Black on Twitter and Instagram, and leaving us a review wherever you get your podcasts. Thanks for joining us today.

E43.5: Tiffany Meuret Author Interview

Today, I’ve invited author, Tiffany Meuret, to talk about her book, “Little Bird,” an unusual story that has a talking skeleton and plants with a mind of their own. We discuss cozy horror, gardens as metaphor, and the world of publishing with small presses. You can order your copy of “Little Bird” using my online bookshop to support the show, as well as independent bookstores nationwide. You can also help out the show by following She Wore Black on Twitter and Instagram, and leaving us a review wherever you get your podcasts. Thanks for joining us today.

E43: Ruben Degollado Author Interview

 

Today, I’ve invited author, Ruben Degollado, to talk about his book, “The Family Izquierdo,” a multigenerational story that follows a family that lives on the Texas/Mexican border. We discuss authentic representation, mental health, curses, brujos, curanderas, Selena and menacing grackles. This book captured the nuance of the people and places of south Texas beautifully. You can order your copy of “The Family Izquierdo” through my online bookshop to support the show, as well as independent bookstores nationwide. You can also help out the show by following She Wore Black on Twitter and Instagram, and leaving us a review wherever you get your podcasts. Thanks for joining us today.

E42: Gwendolyn Kiste Author Interview

 

Today, I’ve invited author, Gwendolyn Kiste, to talk about her book, “Reluctant Immortals,” her novel that blends Jane Eyre and Dracula for a hippie, feminist story about reclaiming autonomy from the men who stole it. This was such a creative, moving and fun read that I can't recommend enough. You can order your copy of “Reluctant Immortals” using my online bookshop link (posted below) to support the podcast, as well as independent bookstores nationwide. You can also help out the show by following She Wore Black on Twitter and Instagram, and leaving us a review wherever you get your podcasts. Thanks for joining us today.

E41: April Yates and the Sapphic Gothic Romance of "Ashthorne"

Today, I’ve invited author, April Yates to talk about her book, “Ashthorne,” a sapphic gothic romance set in a remote English manor that has hidden secrets. We talk about the recently discovered caves in England that inspired her story, as well as a desire for positive representations of gay love in gothic romances. You can order your copy of “Ashthorne” using my bookshop.org link to support the show, as well as independent bookstores nationwide. You can also help out the show by following She Wore Black on Twitter and Instagram, and leaving us a review wherever you get your podcasts.

E40.75: The Erotic Horror of "Marionette" by Antonia Rachel Ward

Today, I’ve invited author, Antonia Rachel Ward to talk about her new novella, “Marionette.” I want to issue content warnings for both this book and the episode, which are sexually explicit. The book has violence, mutilation and dubious sexual consent. We don’t discuss these things in detail, but we discuss the content as the horror she intended. Once you understand her intentions, everything in the book makes sense. “Marionette” is not currently available in my online bookshop, but you can support the podcast with book purchases made with my link. That’s at bookshop.org/shop/sheworeblack. You can also help out the show by following She Wore Black on Twitter and Instagram, and leaving us a review wherever you get your podcasts. Thanks for joining us today.

E40.5: Books of Stephen King with Neil McRobert from the Talking Scared Podcast

Today, I’ve invited Neil McRobert, from the Talking Scared podcast, to talk about Stephen King. I’ve spent decades loving King’s book “On Writing,” and have always held a special place in my heart for “Stand By Me,” based on the King novella, “The Body,” but I’ve not read anything else. I also know that some of my listeners love gothic but are afraid to try other horror, so Neil is here with recommendations for readers like us. It was a real treat chatting with him and I can’t wait to hear feedback from those of you who try a King book based on Neil’s suggestions. I will have my online bookshop set up with a list based on these recommendations if you want to support the podcast, as well as independent bookstores nationwide. I've also posted a few recommendations below. You can help out the show by following She Wore Black on Twitter and Instagram, and leaving us a review wherever you get your podcasts. Thanks for joining us today!

"Neil Gaiman and Sandman" with Randy Ham

Today, I’ve invited my friend and Director of the Odessa Arts Council, Randy Ham, to talk about Neil Gaiman and his “Sandman” comic book series as we get ready for the launch of the Netflix show. We chat about how we became friends and met Neil Gaiman together at a Texas Library Association conference almost ten years ago, and how that helped bring innovative literary programming to his small west Texas community. We reflect on his event with Neil in front of a packed auditorium, and discuss the Sandman series and how we think it will translate to screen. You can order Neil Gaiman books using my bookshop.org link to support the show, as well as independent bookstores nationwide. That’s at bookshop.org/shop/sheworeblack. I also want to add that you can help out the show by following She Wore Black on Twitter and Instagram, and leaving us a review wherever you get your podcasts. Thanks for joining us today.

E37.5: LIVE with V. Castro and LP Hernandez!

 

Today I’m bringing you a recording of my live podcast event with V. Castro and LP Hernandez at Lark and Owl Booksellers in Georgetown, TX. We had a great time as they answered questions from both me and the audience, and did short readings from their works. Lark and Owl does have signed copies of their books if you wish to order from them from their website at larkandowlbooksellers.com, which I hope you do since it’s important to support bookstores that support horror. I want to personally thank my dear friend Rachael Jonrowe, one of the owners of Lark and Owl Booksellers, and LP Hernandez and V. Castro for driving in from San Antonio to make this happen. I hope you all enjoy this episode as much as we enjoyed the event. If you want to buy books from my online shop to support the podcast, buy links are below. Thank you for listening and supporting She Wore Black!

E38: Elissa Grossell Dickey Author Interview and Rhonda Williamson with Safer Path Family Violence Shelter

Content Warning for domestic violence:

Today, I’m bringing you a two-part episode to discuss “Iris in the Dark,” a new book by Elissa Grossell Dickey. The first part of the episode is with the author of this eerie suspense novel that has a touch of romance, an important element for me as I navigated the difficult topic of domestic violence in our main character’s past. The second part is with a long-time friend of mine, Rhonda Williamson, who is the director of Safer Path, the family violence shelter in Pleasanton, Texas. I wanted her input on this novel, as someone who has made it her life’s work to help women and children in these situations.

This was one of the most difficult episodes for me to make, but I'm glad I did. It's important and Elissa is such sweet person whose book is doing a lot of work, including reminding us that hope and happy endings are deserved. 

Please consider donating to Safer Path Family Violence Shelter. Donation link HERE. The donation button is in the top right corner of the page.

If you want to buy a copy of "Iris in the Dark," you can do so at my online bookshop, which helps the podcast as well as independent bookstores nationwide. Thank you for your support!

37: Haunted House Novels with Paulette Kennedy

 

Today, I’ve invited author, Paulette Kennedy, back to the show to talk about my favorite gothic trope, “Haunted Houses.” You all know Paulette’s book “Parting the Veil,” which is also a wonderful haunted house book that I encourage all fans of gothic fiction to read. You can order your books discussed on the show using my bookshop.org link to support the podcast, as well as independent bookstores nationwide.

E36: Wendy Dalrymple and "The Ghost and Mr. Moore"

Today, I’ve invited author, Wendy Dalrymple, back to the show to talk about her novella, “The Ghost and Mr. Moore,” her gothic romance set in the historical town of St. Augustine, Florida. 

E35: Birthday Bonus Episode! Spooky Summer Books

Today, I’ve invited friend and contributing editor at Book Riot, PN Hinton, back on the show to talk about Spooky Summer books. This episode is a birthday treat for us both, so I hope you enjoy it. I’ll post the recommended books in my online bookshop if you want support the show, as well as independent bookstores nationwide, but here are a few of the books mentioned:

S35: Emma Stonex Author Interview

Today, I’ve invited Emma Stonex to talk about “The Lamplighters,” her mystery novel set on a lonely lighthouse in England in the 1970s. We discuss spooky history, the allure of the dangerous sea, and her experience writing salacious bonk buster books before tackling this gothic mystery. 

S2E27: Gothic and Fairy Taleswith Erin Craig

Today, I’ve invited beloved YA author, Erin Craig, to discuss favorite tropes found in both Gothic and Fairy Tales. Many of you know Erin from her beautiful gothic retellings of fairy tales, House of Salt and Sorrows, and Small Favors, (links to her books are posted below) so she was the ideal person to have on for this chat, plus she was so much fun! We talk about how these genres merge and discuss several books that you can find on a list in my online bookshop here: 

I mentioned Kelly Barnhill's story "Mrs. Sorensen and the Sasquatch," which you can find here.

Mrs. Sorensen and the Sasquatch, illustrated by Chris Buzelli

CROSSOVER EPISODE with Smart Bitches, Trashy Books Podcaster, Sarah Wendell

 

Today, is my first crossover podcast with podcaster and author, Sarah Wendell, from Smart Bitches, Trashy Books. I’ve listened to her romance book podcast for years so I am thrilled to have this podcasting icon on my show. We talk about podcasting, deep dive into genre and the metaphorical meaning of various tropes, and she has some spooky romance recs, which are listed below, as well as Sarah's book. It's an older title but still a great reference book! We also talk about "Burnout" by Amelia and Emily Nagoski. The book is below and here is the link to Sarah's interview with them on her show. 

S2E26: "The Ghost Bride" Buddy Read with Desiree M. Niccoli

 

Today, I’ve invited friend and author, Desiree M. Niccoli to do a buddy read with me. We discuss the “The Ghost Bride” by Yangsze Choo, compare the novel to the Netflix adaptation, and share our favorite sexy smooch moments of the book. If you want to read “The Ghost Bride” after all of our squeeing, you can order your copy at the link below to support the show, as well as independent bookstores nationwide. Thanks for listening! 

S2E24: Riley Sager Author Interview

 

Today, I’ve invited author, Riley Sager to talk about his book, “The House Across the Lake,” a mystery novel that explores Hitchcockian voyeurism with an unreliable narrator, and includes a classic Sager twist you don’t see coming. I want to issue a trigger warning for both the book and the show, since the main character is an alcoholic. We discuss this at 14 minutes and 20 seconds into the episode, so if you want to avoid listening to that, skip ahead a few minutes. I have a fun bonus question for him in the second half that you may want to stick around for.

S2E24: Megan Collins Author Interview

Today I interview mystery author, Megan Collins. We talk about her most recent book, “The Family Plot,” a novel I had a lot of fun reading and have been sharing with all my friends. It has a spooky house, detailed and gruesome dioramas, and a family obsessed with True Crime.

In the episode, I mention Southern Gothic Dollhouse. Her website is here, but I also suggest taking a look at her Instagram and TikTok accounts. It's such a delightful gothic treat.

Here are the links to buy Megan's books through my online bookshop, which will help support the podcast as well as independent bookstores nationwide. 

Bonus Episode: Book Retail and Library Q&A with Alex Woodroe

This episode is the second part of my interview with author and editor, Alex Woodroe, who is one of the geniuses behind the indie horror treasure that is Tenebrous Press. It dives right into the middle of our previous conversation. We look at the book industry from the retail and library side, and she actually interviews me with questions from other writers for most of this one. We focus on how book retailers and libraries discover your books and put them into the hands of readers. You can buy “In Somnio,” the book mentioned in the previous episode, using my bookshop.org link to support the show, as well as independent bookstores nationwide. Don't forget to follow She Wore Black on Twitter and Instagram, and leave us a review wherever you get your podcasts. Thanks for joining us today.

Bonus Episode: Uvalde, V. Castro, and "Latinx Screams"

 

Today’s episode is an impromptu interview with V. Castro about a Uvalde, Texas charity book sale she and Cynthia Pelayo are doing with their anthology of Latinx horror writers, called “Latinx Screams.” Cynthia is also working on another anthology that will be released in October for the same purpose, so stay tuned for their social media for that info. I do want to make a correction in my show. I am talking about politicians and redistricting, and I said Lloyd Benson, when I meant to say Lloyd Doggett. I apologize for that blunder, but the information in the story is still correct. 

Here are some links if you have the money to donate:

March for Our Lives

Moms Demand Action

Sandy Hook Promise

Beto O'Rourke's campaign for Texas Governor

Miah Cerrillo - Child survivor whose parents are raising money for her long term trauma therapy

Noah Orona - Child survivor whose parents are raising money for long term trauma therapy

Here is the link to purchase "Latinx Screams." Stay tuned for details on the other upcoming anthology by Cynthia Pelayo. 

S2E23: Alex Woodroe and "In Somnio"

Today, I’ve invited author and editor, Alex Woodroe, who is one of the geniuses behind the indie horror treasure that is Tenebrous Press. We talk about “In Somnio,” their collection of modern gothic short stories, as well as the innovative place they have carved out as a young publisher. I’ve divided this episode into two parts, so transitions aren’t quite the same as in a normal show. The second episode is a look at the book industry from the retail and library side. She actually interviews me for that one, so stay tuned for that show if you’re interested in finding out how book retailers and libraries find your books and put them into the hands of readers. Thanks for joining us today.

S2E22: LP Hernandez Interview

Today, I’ve invited author, LP Hernandez, who I was lucky enough to meet at Ghoulish Book Festival in San Antonio prior to our recording. We talk about his upcoming novella, "Stargazers," from Sadie Hartman's Dark Heart imprint, as well as his impressive short story collection, “The Rat King,” which has a number of stories featured on the No Sleep Podcast.

Me and LP at Ghoulish Book Festival

S2E21: Anne Rice with author Josh Malerman

 

Today, I’ve invited horror author, Josh Malerman, to talk about Anne Rice. He has been reading through her books and wanted to chat about both her vampire and witch series. I was more than happy to oblige. We talk about her craft and world building, as well as the impact she had on horror, but we also take an honest look at some of her problematic elements both on and off the page. I am really happy with this well-rounded discussion and I hope you all enjoy it as much as I did. It was a real treat for me.

S2E20: Carolyne Topdjian Author Interview

 

Today, I’ve invited author, Carolyne Topdjian, to talk about her fun and spooky gothic novel, “The Hitman’s Daughter.” We squee over the parts that sizzle, and talk about the joy of indulging gothic's melodrama. There are family secrets, a haunted hotel, a surprising amount of action, and a slightly ambiguous ending that leaves us eagerly awaiting book 2! What a good time! 

You can find "The Hitman's Daughter" at most bookstores, or you can get it through my online bookshop to support both the podcast and independent bookstores nationwide. 

S2E19: Erotic Horror with V. Castro

Today, I’ve invited author, V. Castro to talk about Erotic Horror and the merging of genre. We examine the definitions of Erotica and how it differs from Erotic Horror, discuss the significance of the sub-genre in the context of a broader conversation about consent and agency over our bodies and sexual identity. We use Castro's stories for this discussion and she shares what we can look forward to from her in the coming months. 

You can order copies of any of the books mentioned on this episode using my online bookshop to support the show, as well as independent bookstores nationwide. You can also click the links below. Be sure to follow She Wore Black on Twitter and Instagram, and leaving us a review wherever you get your podcasts. Thanks for joining us today. 

S2E18: Alma Katsu Author Interview

 

Today, I’ve invited author, Alma Katsu to talk about her book, “The Fervor,” her most recent historical horror novel, this time set in a Japanese internment camp during WWII. You can pre-order your copy of “The Fervor” using my bookshop.org link to support the show, as well as independent bookstores nationwide. I also want to add that you can help out the show by following She Wore Black on Twitter and Instagram, and leaving us a review wherever you get your podcasts.

You will also here me discuss "Forget the Alamo" with Alma Katsu in this episode and the link to order that book through our online bookshop is also below. Thanks for your support! 

S2E17: Mary Shelley with author Kris Waldherr

 

Today, I’ve invited author, Kris Waldherr to talk about Mary Shelley, the beloved gothic icon who penned Frankenstein as a teenager and whose life was truly stranger than fiction. Kris has a book coming out this fall, called “Unnatural Creatures,” which is about the women of Frankenstein, and she will be back for a deep dive into that novel later this year.

The following is a list of recommendations from Kris Waldherr if you want to explore Mary Shelley further:

Fiona Sampson, author. In Search of Mary Shelley: The Girl Who Wrote Frankenstein 

Charlotte Gordon, author. Romantic Outlaws: The Extraordinary Lives of Mary Wollstonecraft and Her Daughter Mary Shelley

In addition, the 2017 film "Mary Shelley" starring Elle Fanning offers a fictionalized account of her love affair with Percy Shelley and subsequent writing of Frankenstein. Far better than Ken Russell’s Gothic! 

I also highly recommend The Lady and Her Monsters by Roseanne Montillo for a look behind the science that inspired Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein and another perspective on those in the “Diodati circle.” 

You can find some of these titles in my Mary Shelley book list on our online bookshop. 

Bonus Episode! Book Banning with Carolyn Foote from FReadom Fighters

 

Today, I’ve invited librarian and anti-censorship activist, Carolyn Foote from FReadom Fighters, to talk about the state of book banning in America, especially in Texas, and what authors and readers can do to combat this. As a former librarian myself, this subject is important to me. You’ll hear how dire the situation is, tales of ridiculous things happening in school board meetings, and I share some crazy experiences I had with censorship and book challenges. We present action items for you to take and I hope this inspires you to help curb the tide of book bans that are primarily silencing people of color and the LGBTQ community. I will have some challenged books featured on my bookshop.org storefront if you want to help support the show, as well as independent bookstores nationwide. You can also help out the show by following She Wore Black on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook, and leaving us a review wherever you get your podcasts.

S2E16: Isabel Canas Interview

 

Today, I’ve invited author, Isabel Canas, to talk about her book, “Hacienda,” a very gothic haunted house story that takes place in 1830s Mexico. You’ll be able to hear just how excited we both were about doing the show. I hope you enjoy our conversation about this book, Latinx representation, hot priests and how she came to write horror. You can pre-order your copy of “The Hacienda” using my bookshop.org link to support the show, as well as independent bookstores nationwide. I’ve put the book under my Gothic and Mystery suggestions. I also want to add that you can also help out the show by following She Wore Black on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook, and leaving us a review wherever you get your podcasts.

In the show, we talk about our disdain for "American Dirt," and I reference an NPR story about that includes an interview with Sandra Cisneros. Link to the interview is here.

Thanks for listening!

S2E15: Charish Reid Author Interview

Today, I’ve invited author, Charish Reid to talk about her book, “I’ll Come Back for You,” a novel that is as scary as it is sexy. Two sisters inherit their grandmother's haunted B&B, and one sister invites a famous ghost hunting show to help purge the ghost while the other sister gets a second chance at romance with an old crush. Like I said, scary and sexy! It’s pretty obvious we had a great time, and I hope you share this joy with others by spreading the word about the She Wore Black podcast. You can also help out the show by following She Wore Black on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook, and leaving us a review wherever you get your podcasts.

S2E14: Interview with Nicole Eigener and Beverley Lee

 

Today, I’ve invited the wonderful gothic authors Nicole Eigener and Beverly Lee to talk about their joint story, “Crimson is the Night.” Many of you know Nicole from her lush vampire novel, “Beguiled by Night,” and Beverly’s fans have followed her through her “Gabriel Davenport” vampire series as well as other novels. We talk about their shared project, some writers they adore, as well as finding success as independent authors. You can download "Crimson is the Night" here:

S2E13: Sherry Thomas Interview

 

Today, I’ve invited author of the very popular Lady Sherlock mystery series, Sherry Thomas. We talk about how she came to create a fresh adaptation of a beloved classic character and series, her roots as a romance author, and a bit about the craft of writing mystery. The 6th book in the series, titled “Miss Moriarty, I presume” is out now, and be on the lookout for the 7th book later this year. I also want to acknowledge that there are parts of the show where the audio is a little wonky but the Sherry was great so don’t let that get in the way of a great listen.

You can buy Sherry's Lady Sherlock series, as well as her romance, through our book store on Bookshop.org here:

S2E12: Alex Woodroe Interview

Today, I’ve invited author and editor of dark speculative fiction, Alex Woodroe. Her writing and editing credits are too many to list in the intro, but I specifically wanted to talk to her today about her collaboration with Brigits Gate Press on their anthology, “A Quaint and Curious Volume of Gothic Tales.” We also talk about her experience as a writer from Romania and how that’s impacted her career, as well as her dreams for fellow Romanian writers. I had the best time with this interview and am so glad you all tuned in for this one. The book is available in ebook and paperback.

S2E11: Widow of Rose House Buddy Read with Wendy Dalrymple

Today, I’ve invited author Wendy Dalrymple back to the show for a Buddy Read on the popular gothic romance novel, “The Widow of Rose House” by Diana Biller. I wanted to round out the Valentine’s episodes with a closer look at a book known for being spooky as well as a proper romance. Since Wendy writes gothic romance, including the novella “The Ghost and Mr. Moore,” I thought she would be the perfect person to buddy read this one with me. If you want to get a copy of this book, please support the podcast by using the link to our store front on Bookshop.org here:

S2E10: Gothic Romance with PN Hinton

On this episode, Book Riot contributing editor, PN Hinton, joins me to talk about Gothic Romance. We break down the differences between gothic and gothic romance, as well as offer recommendations.

S2E9: Monster Romance with author Desiree Niccoli

It's February! She Wore Black is doing a few episodes that discuss the merging of gothic and horror with romance, starting with a discussion on the recent success of Monster Romance as a sub-genre of both. Desiree M. Niccoli has a vicious mermaid novel out this fall with City Owl Press, titled "Called to the Deep," and a novella, "Given to the Ghoul" out now. Thanks for listening!

S2E8: Paulette Kennedy Author Interview

Join me as I talk to debut gothic novelist, Paulette Kennedy. We talk about her book, "Parting the Veil," what we love about gothics, and what's coming from her later this year. Links will be in show notes to books and authors we discussed in the episode. 

You can find her book in our Bookshop.org store. She also mentioned authors Lauren McHugh and Wendy Webb, and you can find their books in our store as well using the following links. 

S2E7- Femme Fatales with PJ Hoover

Listen as I talk to PJ Hoover about her crossover from middle grade and YA fantasy to adult horror with her short stories in the Castle of Horror anthologies, including their most recent collection she edited on Femme Fatales. 

S2E6: Mimi Matthews Author Interview

 

Listen as I interview Mimi Matthews about her gripping gothic novel, "John Eyre." We discuss her switch from romance to gothic, how she used her skills as a historical romance writer to craft a dark and brooding story that is a nod to both "Jane Eyre" and "Dracula," and all the things we love about the gothic genre. We also discuss her new novel, "The Siren of Sussex." 

You can order your copies of "John Eyre" and "Siren of Sussex" here: 

S2E5: Upcoming Books in 2022 with Book Riot's PN Hinton

 

This was a really fun episode to produce! I got to chat with my friend and Book Riot contributing editor, PN Hinton, about books we are looking forward to in 2022. I've included a list of all the books we discussed in a list on our Bookshop.org storefront so they are easy to find. You can find those books by clicking on the hyperlink or the photo below: 

Two books, "Called to the Deep" by Desiree Niccoli and "How to Sell a Haunted House" by Grady Hendrix are not yet available for preorder but you can add them to your Goodreads lists. 

Also...big news! We are now available on Apple Podcasts! So please add us if that's how you listen to your podcasts. 

Thanks so much for joining us!