E81: Katrina Monroe and "The Graveyard of Lost Children"

 

Today I have Katrina Monroe on the show to chat about her new horror novel, “The Graveyard of Lost Children.” I do chat with her more about the horror of real life at various stages of pregnancy and motherhood than we do about the fictional horror elements of her novel, but we do get into the changeling a bit too. You can order Katrina’s books through my online bookshop, which helps support both the podcast as well as independent bookstores nationwide. You can also help out the show by following me on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter, and leaving me a review wherever you get your podcasts. Thanks for joining me today.

E80: Cynthia Pelayo and "The Shoemaker's Magician"

 

Today I have Cynthia Pelayo on the show to chat about her new gothic noir crime novel, “The Shoemaker’s Magician.” We talk about the comfort of old horror movies, the profound effect theaters have on our psyche, and autism representation in novels. You can order Cynthia’s books through my online bookshop, which helps support both the podcast as well as independent bookstores nationwide. You can also help out the show by following me on ⁠Instagram⁠, ⁠Facebook⁠, and ⁠Twitter⁠, and leaving me a review wherever you get your podcasts. Thanks for joining me today.

E79: Kyrie McCauley talks YA Sapphic Gothic Romance, Necromancy, and Book Banning

 

Today I have Kyrie McCauley on the show to talk about her new YA sapphic gothic romance novel, “All the Dead Lie Down.” We talk about beloved gothic romance tropes, as well as necromancy, the gruesome curiosity of kids, and the state of publishing a queer YA novel in a book banning environment. If you want to support these sorts of stories, you can order Kyrie’s book though my online bookshop, which also helps support both the podcast and independent bookstores nationwide. You can also help out the show by following me on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter, and leaving me a review wherever you get your podcasts. Thanks for joining me today.

 

Today I have Jennifer Herrera on to talk about her new book, “The Hunter,” a crime novel in which a detective fired from the NYPD returns to her idyllic hometown to uncover the secrets behind several local deaths. Were they murders or a self-sacrifice to an ancient mystical calling beneath the town’s caves? You can find “The Hunter” in my online bookshop if you want to support both the podcast as well as independent bookstores nationwide. You can also help out the show by following me on ⁠Instagram⁠, ⁠Facebook⁠, and ⁠Twitter⁠, and leaving me a review wherever you get your podcasts. 

E77: Sarah Hawley Talks About Witches, Demons and Rom Coms!

 

Today I have Sarah Hawley on to talk about her book, “A Witch’s Guide to Fake Dating a Demon,” a spooky rom com that will appeal to lovers of both romance and horror. It’s funny and sexy while dealing with social issues and political power dynamics. Both the book and this interview will definitely surprise you. You can find “A Witch’s Guide to Fake Dating a Demon” in my online bookshop at if you want to support both the podcast as well as independent bookstores nationwide. You can also help out the show by following me on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter, and leaving me a review wherever you get your podcasts. Thanks for joining me today.

E76: Exploring Erotic Horror, BDSM, and Haunted Dungeons with Stephanie Parent

Today I have Stephanie Parent on to talk about her new book, “The Briars,” an erotic horror novel that takes place in a BDSM dungeon and explores the traditional haunted house idea in this context. The book is thoughtful and layered and beautiful, and we deep dive into all of its meaning as well as the personal experience she drew from to write the novel. This book is not available through my online bookshop for distribution reasons, but you can find it on Amazon. 

If you want to help out the show, you can make a donation through my Ko-fi page or buy other books through my online bookshop, which helps both the show as well as independent bookstores nationwide. You can also follow me on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter, and leaving me a review wherever you get your podcasts. Thanks for joining me today!

Today I welcome back Rachel Harrison to talk about “Female Friendships,” both good and bad, in literature and movies. We use Rachel’s books as a launching pad for this discussion since she has written several books and stories about this topic in nuanced and layered ways, and we have some great recommendations for you if you want to explore this topic with some other great writers too. You can find Rachel’s books, as well as those we recommend, in my⁠ ⁠online bookshop, where every purchase you make helps both the podcast as well as independent bookstores nationwide. That’s at bookshop.org/shop/sheworeblack. You can also help the show by following me on⁠ instagram⁠,⁠ facebook⁠ and⁠ twitter⁠, and leaving me a review wherever you get your podcasts. Thanks for joining me today!

E74: History of American Seances and Spiritualists with Kim Taylor Blakemore

 

Today I have Kim Taylor Blakemore on the show to talk about her gothic novel, “The Deception.” We talk a lot about the history of seances and spiritualists in America, and how that influenced her characters. It’s a short interview but lots of fun. You can find “The Deception” in my⁠ online bookshop, where every purchase you make helps both the podcast as well as independent bookstores nationwide. You can also help the show by following me on⁠ Instagram⁠,⁠ Facebook⁠ and⁠ Twitter⁠, and leaving me a review wherever you get your podcasts. Thanks for joining me today! 

E73: Hester Fox and "The Last Heir to Blackwood Library"

Today I have Hester Fox back on the show to talk about her latest perfectly gothic novel, THE LAST HEIR TO BLACKWOOD LIBRARY. We deep dive into gothic subjects like madness, agency, scarred heroes and libraries, as well as her inspirations, like the movie “The Others” and the tv show, “Downton Abbey.” We also chat about beloved books and authors, all of which you can find in my⁠ ⁠online bookshop, where every purchase you make helps both the podcast as well as independent bookstores nationwide. That’s at bookshop.org/shop/sheworeblack. You can also help the show by following me on⁠ instagram⁠,⁠ facebook⁠ and⁠ twitter⁠, and leaving me a review wherever you get your podcasts. Thanks for joining me today!

E72: V. Castro Talks La Llorona and "The Haunting of Alejandra"

Today I have V. Castro on the show for the fourth time! We talk about her gorgeous book, THE HAUNTING OF ALEJANDRA, the trials of motherhood, generational trauma, and Depeche Mode. You’ll see why. I do want to offer a trigger warning for discussion of postpartum depression and intrusive thoughts, but it’s an important and thoughtful conversation, and a topic that is very personal to V. Castro. You can find her books in my⁠ ⁠online bookshop, where every purchase you make helps both the podcast as well as independent bookstores nationwide. That’s at bookshop.org/shop/sheworeblack. You can also help the show by following me on⁠ instagram⁠,⁠ facebook⁠ and⁠ twitter⁠, and leaving me a review wherever you get your podcasts. 

E71: Deanna Raybourn and Sherry Thomas: An Episode of Victorian Mystery Icons!

 

Today, in a first ever surprise treat on the show, I have two of my favorite mystery writers. Deanna Raybourn is the author of the popular Victorian mystery series, Veronica Speedwell. Her newest book, “A Sinister Revenge,” involves fossils, murder, and the continued romantic adventures between the two main characters, Veronica and Stoker. Halfway through the show, we are joined by the much beloved romance and mystery writer, Sherry Thomas, here to chat with her dear friend, as well as tell us a bit about her newest installment of her fantastic Lady Sherlock mystery series. You can hear their joy and celebration of their friendship in this episode, which is such a special treat. They also talk a lot about the craft of writing, which I found really helpful for my own interests. I hope you enjoy it! You can find their books in my⁠ ⁠online bookshop, where every purchase you make helps both the podcast as well as independent bookstores nationwide. You can also help the show by following me on⁠ Instagram⁠,⁠ Facebook⁠ and⁠ Twitter⁠, and leaving me a review wherever you get your podcasts. Thanks for joining me today!

E70: Rosanna Leo Talks Ghost Hunting Romance and Darke Passion

Today I have Rosanna Leo on the show to discuss her new ghost hunting romance, “Darke Passion,” a story about a ghost hunting trio of sisters investigating a haunted inn, with a romance between the skeptics that happens along the way. We chat about ghost hunting, our favorite ghost shows, and of course her book, which you can find on my online bookshop. Every purchase you make using my link helps both the podcast as well as independent bookstores nationwide. You can also help the show by following me on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter, and leaving me a review wherever you get your podcasts. Thanks for joining me today!

E69: Diana Biller Returns for "Hotel of Secrets"

Today I’m thrilled to have Diana Biller back on the show, and I’m so thankful she stuck through a second recording after a tornado disconnected us mid-recording. You might remember my popular previous episode with her about the craft of writing Gothic Romance, and she is back today to discuss her new historical romance, “Hotel of Secrets,” a novel that feels like it was dipped in honey and champagne. We had a great time, as you’ll hear from all our laughter, and I had a wonderful time reading her book, which you can find on my online bookshop. Every purchase you make using my link helps both the podcast as well as independent bookstores nationwide. You can also help the show by following me on instagram, facebook and twitter, and leaving me a review wherever you get your podcasts. Thanks for joining me today!

E68: Lauren Owen and the Gothic Folk Horror of "Small Angels"

Today I’ve invited Lauren Owen to talk about her gothic folk horror novel, “Small Angels.” We chat about her fairy tale inspirations as well as ghost brides, murder ballads and so much more. I hope you enjoy it! You can order “Small Angels” from my online bookshop, which helps both the podcast as well as independent bookstores nationwide. You can also help the show by following me on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter, and leaving me a review wherever you get your podcasts. Thanks for joining me today!

E67: Laurell K. Hamilton and the 30th Anniversary of the Anita Blake Series

Today I’ve invited the legendary Laurell K. Hamilton to talk about her career writing her much beloved Anita Blake series. We chat about her deft genre blending and how including horror allowed her to write the sort of mystery she wanted. We also discuss how she broke barriers representing polyamory and BDSM, and the important ways her books impacted readers. She was so generous with her time that we chatted for 2 hours, so the episode dives without my usual intro, and I’ve pulled sections of our conversation instead of using the full recording. I hope you enjoy it! You can order Laurell’s books from my online bookshop, which helps both the podcast as well as independent bookstores nationwide. You can also help the show by following me on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter, and leaving me a review wherever you get your podcasts. Thanks for joining me today! 

E66: "In the Shadow Garden" with Liz Parker

 

Today I’ve invited author, Liz Parker, to talk about her charming Southern mystery, “In the Shadow Garden.” The book tackles big themes, like love and death, in the context of magical gardens and bourbon with special powers, making for an enchanting read. You can order “The Shadow Garden” from my online bookshop, which helps both the podcast as well as independent bookstores nationwide. You can also help the show by following me on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter, and leaving me a review wherever you get your podcasts. Thanks for joining me today!

E65: Julia Bartz and "The Writing Retreat"

 

Today I’ve invited author, Julia Bartz, to talk about her debut thriller, “The Writing Retreat.” The book is unsettling, yet immensely entertaining, as you follow a selected group of writers at a retreat in the haunted house of their favorite horror author. Julia’s book was selected for February’s Book of the Month, but you can also order it from my online bookshop, which helps both the podcast as well as independent bookstores nationwide. You can also help the show by following me on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter, and leaving me a review wherever you get your podcasts. Thanks for joining me today!

NEW EPISODE! Today I’ve invited Travis Baldree to talk about his wonderful cozy fantasy book, “Legends and Lattes,” about an orc who retires from her bloody work to open a coffee shop in a village that’s never heard of coffee. We chat about Cozy Fantasy, cozy gaming, self-publishing vs. traditional publishing, and more!

You can order your copy of "Legends and Lattes" from my online bookshop, which helps both the podcast as well as independent bookstores nationwide. You can also help the show by following me on instagram, facebook and twitter, and leaving me a review wherever you get your podcasts. Thanks for joining me today!

E63: A Vietnamese Gothic with Trang Thanh Tran

Today I’ve invited author, Trang Thanh Tran, to talk about her book, “She is a Haunting,” a gothic YA novel set in Vietnam that centers an American born teen in a haunted house her Vietnamese born father is renovating in an old French Colonial area of his hometown. It’s got creeping hydrangeas, far too many bugs, and the ghost of a bride. You can pre-order your copy of "She is a Haunting" from my online bookshop, which helps both the podcast as well as independent bookstores nationwide. You can also help the show by following me on instagram, facebook and twitter, and leaving me a review wherever you get your podcasts. Thanks for joining me today!

E62: Alexis Henderson and "House of Hunger"

 

Welcome to the She Wore Black Podcast. I’m Agatha Andrews. Today I’ve invited author, Alexis Henderson, to talk about her book, “The House of Hunger.” We discuss Elizabeth Bathory, blood symbolism, gothic horror, gothic romance, and the sensuality of “taste.”  You can order your copy of "House of Hunger" from my online bookshop, which helps both the podcast as well as independent bookstores nationwide. You can also help the show by following me on instagram, facebook and twitter, and leaving me a review wherever you get your podcasts. Thanks for joining me today!

Southern Gothic and "The Spite House" with Johnny Compton

 

Today I’ve invited author, Johnny Compton, to talk about his upcoming book, “Spite House” from Tor Nightfire. We also talk about the Southern Gothic genre, especially how it’s evolved through marginalized voices.  You can pre-order your copy of "Spite House" from my online bookshop, which helps both the podcast as well as independent bookstores nationwide. That’s at bookshop.org/shop/sheworeblack. You can also help the show by following me on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter, and leaving me a review wherever you get your podcasts. Thanks for joining me today!

E60: Grady Hendrix and "How to Sell a Haunted House"

 

Today I’ve invited author, Grady Hendrix, to talk about his new book, “How to Sell a Haunted House.” It’s full of creepy dolls, family secrets, his trademark humor and a lot of heart. You can order your copy of "How to Sell a Haunted House" from my online bookshop. Every purchase using my link helps both the podcast as well as independent bookstores nationwide. That’s at bookshop.org/shop/sheworeblack. You can also help the show by following me on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter, and leaving me a review wherever you get your podcasts. Thanks for joining me today!

E59: Witches, Crones, and the Ozarks with Paulette Kennedy

Today I am starting the New year with Paulette Kennedy as we discuss her new book, "The Witch of Tin Mountain." This novel follows three generations of witches from the Ozarks, and the fundamentalist preachers bent on stripping them of their power and autonomy. We talk about the mystical gothic setting, how Paulette's personal family history is woven in the story, mass hysteria, political theater, and the glories and wisdom that come with entering the "crone" phase of life. You can pre-order your copy of "Witch of Tin Mountain" from my online bookshop. Every purchase using my link helps both the podcast as well as independent bookstores nationwide. You can also help the show by following me on instagram, facebook and twitter, and leaving me a review wherever you get your podcasts. Thanks for joining me today!