Today I welcome Olivie Blake to the show to discuss her new Hollywood set Gothic novel, DREAMLAND. You might know her from her fantasy sensation, THE ATLAS SIX, but she writes Horror as well, with an intelligence and depth that I am delighted to highlight here. We chat about everything from her use of identity for Gothic isolation to her use of fires as eco-horror. It’s a great conversation and it was my honor to have her on the show. All links and show notes are at https://www.sheworeblackpodcast.com/

Today I’m launching a new series that features Independent Book Stores, and I’ve invited Lauren Komer from the Twisted Spine to kick things off! We chat about who they are, their inspiration to open a Horror bookstore, and we learn about their programs and books their customers clamor for. It’s a fun peek into an important part of the book world.All links and show notes available at https://www.sheworeblackpodcast.com/

Today I welcome AG Slatter to the show, also known as Angela Slatter. She writes incredible gothic fantasy fairy tale retellings, including her latest book, A FOREST, DARKLY, about a menopausal forest witch. This is why I invited her on to chat about a beloved character type, “The Witch in the Woods.” We have a great chat about the work these characters do in story and for the Gothic, and we give some great recommendations. Angela is a wonderful guest and I know you’re going to love this episode.All links and show notes available at https://www.sheworeblackpodcast.com/

Today I have Chelsea Conradt on the show to chat about her new book, THE SECRET ATTIC. It’s a gothic with hoarding, creepy dolls and a nod to Rebecca. It was a treat to chat with Chelsea and I’m already excited for next book! Stay tuned until the end to hear what that one is all about. All links and show notes at https://www.sheworeblackpodcast.com/

Happy Bastile Day! I’ve schedule this episode for today because I am joined by Sara Hinkley to chat about French Gothics. By this I don’t mean that very specific academic field that studies 19th century Gothic French novels. I mean we are chatting about Gothics, new and old, that take place in France. Sara’s book is a glorious ode to vampires, the theater, and the Romantique of dark stories in France, so she was the perfect guest for this. All links and show notes available at https://www.sheworeblackpodcast.com/

Today’s episode is one of the most special I’ve ever recorded, at least for me. Simone St. James and Christina Henry join me for a conversation about the books of Mary Stewart, an extremely influential Suspense writer that wrote smart, independent women using gorgeous and witty prose. Her ability to write banter, romantic tension and high stakes suspense is unmatched, and it was such a joy to me to speak with two wonderful authors who love her work as much as I do.All links and show notes at https://www.sheworeblackpodcast.com/

Today I have TJ Payne on the show to chat about writing and how his career has taken him from Hollywood writing rooms to self-publishing to publishing with one of the Big 5. TJ’s screenwriting experience includes cherished memories working with Rob Reiner and on new and upcoming Netflix shows like The Boroughs (produced by the Duffer Brothers) and Little House on the Prairie. I also chat about his latest book, INTERCEPTS. All links and show notes available at https://www.sheworeblackpodcast.com/

Today I welcome back the always delightful Kate Khavari to give you all some book recommendations if you love the movie The Mummy. Kate’s new book, A BOTANIST'S GUIDE TO TRADITION AND TREACHERY, is also a perfect book comp to this iconic film. As always, Kate has impeccable taste, and she did ask for feedback from you all that read these recs, so be sure to follow her on social media. All links and show notes available at sheworeblackpodcast.com

Today I bring you another Goth Girl Summer episode with Rachel Harrison and Stephanie Gagnon from the Books in the Freezer podcast. We had so much fun with it last year, and there are an abundance of books perfect for summer that fit our spooky or melancholy moods so well. We had a great time, and I hope you enjoy listening to this episode as much as we had fun making it. All links and show notes available on my website at https://www.sheworeblackpodcast.com/Book Recommendations:RachelThe Compound by Aisling RawleGreedy by Callie KazumkNow is Not the Time to Panic by Kevin WilsonWhat the World Will Look Like When All the Water Leaves Us by Laura van den BergStephanieJulie Chan is Dead by Liann ZhangTell Me Yours, I’ll Tell You Mine by Kristina TenReliquary by Hanna WhittenBody Count by Cody Crowley AgathaWildfire at Midnight by Mary StewartThe Rules of Magic by Alice HoffmanAnita De Monte Laughs Last by Xochitl GonzalezDead Until Dark by Charlaine Harris

Today I have C.M Waggoner on the show to chat about her books, THE VILLAGE LIBRARY DEMON HUNTING SOCIETY and THE SOMEWHAT WICKED WITCH OF BRIGANDALE. We discuss voice and humor, her ability to write “women of a certain age,” and what it means to write cozy books with stakes. I love her style, her wit and her incredible imagination, so definitely add her books to your TBRs. All links and show notes at https://www.sheworeblackpodcast.com/