Twisted Tendrils: Horrific Writing Advice

N.J. Gallegos is no only an ER doctor, elbow deep in true medical horror, but she also penns horror utilizing her medical expertise. In this episode we discuss true medical conditions that can be leveraged for fiction, get tips on writing fictional wounds, and more! Find her and her book "The Broken Heart" at https://njgallegos.com/ CW: mentions of drugs, medical conditions, and gruesome emergency room stories.

In this interview, we discus ways to approach character development in the outlining/pantsing, drafting and revision steps, as well as making moments in a character's past that form a misbelief to help drive the story. Dynamic vs Static characters and torturous backstories are delved into. You can find Nico Bell at nicobellfiction.com, as well as on Twitter and YouTube as Nico Bell Fiction. CW: Discussion of SA being used as backstory is discussed around 43:30-46:30.

In this episode we dive into the worlds where fantasy and horror cross: dark fantasy. This episode dives into the basics of dark fantasy from common tropes and endings to great stories and media to consume for inspiration. Follow Tim at his website: https://www.thedarkcreatures.com/

Interview with published author Liselle Sambury of the Blood Like duology and upcoming horror novel Delicious Monsters (Feb 28, 2023). We delve into finding horror where you are, the importance of having diversity in publishing, and some fun Easter eggs of Ontario incorporated into her books. Discover a childhood fear central to her upcoming release. Follow her here: https://lisellesambury.ca/ and on her YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/LiselleSambury 

This episode we tackle imposter syndrome. Alexa Donne is a traditionally published YA sci-fi and thriller author. Her latest book, Pretty Dead Queens, releases October 4th, 2022! Follow her here: https://www.youtube.com/c/AlexaDonne & https://www.instagram.com/alexadonne/

Ever read a book that disappointed you? What did you learn from it? This past week I read a disappointing horror novella that had heaps of praise. Here are some lessons I took away from the experience. 

Short and sweet episode. Remember CHADS when trying to mix up types of sentences for flavor. Also, vary the structures with commas, fragments and other techniques. 

An interview with the Mistress of Horror D.L. Tillery. How can we heal through consuming and creating horror? Find her here: https://www.authordltillery.com/

Great recourses listed in the episode.  Submission Grinder: https://thegrinder.diabolicalplots.com/ Submittable: https://www.submittable.com/ Moksah: https://moksha.io/ Duotrope: https://duotrope.com/duosuma/ Published to Death: https://publishedtodeath.blogspot.com/p/calls-for-submissions.html Horror Tree: https://horrortree.com/

What is it? How do I write it? I break it down into 10 steps and 7 sub steps as well as give some tips. You can do it!