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.