Ink Blots: Author Interviews
Step inside the minds of storytellers with Ink Blots: Author Interviews — the podcast where books meet personality. Host Rob Southgate chats with authors across genres — from mystery to sci-fi, romance to non-fiction — diving deep into their creative process, personal journeys, and favorite reads. Each episode blends practical writing tips for aspiring authors with candid conversations about life, inspiration, and the stories that shaped them. Expect surprises, laughter, and the kind of insights only a great storyteller can provide. Whether you're an avid reader, a budding writer, or just love a good behind-the-scenes conversation, Ink Blots is your weekly dose of literary inspiration and creative fuel. Keywords: author interviews, writing tips, book lovers, fiction writing, storytelling, creative process, aspiring writers, writing advice, author life, Rob Southgate, reader community, genre fiction, behind the scenes, favorite books
info_outline
Cevin Soling | The Rumpleville Chronicles
11/13/2025
Cevin Soling | The Rumpleville Chronicles
Cevin Soling — Filmmaker, Author, Academic & Cultural Provocateur In this compelling episode of Ink Blots, we sit down with the brilliantly unconventional Cevin Soling — an award-winning filmmaker, author, academic, artist, and musician whose work relentlessly challenges societal norms and exposes the absurdities embedded in modern institutions. Soling is best known for his groundbreaking documentary The War on Kids, the first theatrically released film to confront the prison-like nature of American schools. The documentary earned widespread critical acclaim from The New York Times, Variety, and The Huffington Post, and solidified Soling as one of the most fearless cultural critics of our time. Across nearly 20 films aired on HBO, PBS, the BBC, and more, as well as books, essays, lectures, and music projects like The Love Kills Theory and The Rumpleville Chronicles, Soling uses satire, scholarship, and art to interrogate the systems we take for granted. A graduate of Harvard University with four master’s degrees, Soling has presented his research and ideas at Harvard, Yale, SXSW, and TEDx, continuing to challenge the boundaries of authority, education, conformity, and human freedom. This episode explores: The making and impact of The War on Kids Why American institutions often resemble the very problems they claim to solve Soling’s unique multidisciplinary approach to activism and art How satire and storytelling can expose uncomfortable truths The cultural, educational, and philosophical themes driving his work What his new and upcoming projects reveal about society today If you’re fascinated by cultural discourse, documentary filmmaking, education reform, or subversive art, this is an episode you won’t want to miss. Cevin Soling Links ✅ Official Website: ✅ Instagram: ✅ Facebook: ✅ Linktree (additional links): Hashtags #CevinSoling #TheWarOnKids #DocumentaryFilmmaker #CulturalCriticism #EducationReform #InkBlotsPodcast #IndependentFilm #SocialCommentary #SatireAndArt #InstitutionalCritique +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ 📲 Follow and Share Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review Ink Blots: Author Interviews to help more readers and writers discover these amazing conversations. Are you a creative over 40 who's amazing at your craft—but totally overwhelmed by marketing? You’re not alone. I help passionate, purpose-driven creatives like you overcome fear, get clear on your message, and build a marketing strategy that actually works. It’s not too late to grow the business you’ve dreamed of. Let’s take your work to the next level—together. Visit and let’s get started today.
/episode/index/show/4dbe9565-2611-44dd-86c5-a46b7d04f105/id/38993725
info_outline
Al Julius | Weird Tales of the Great Lakes
11/11/2025
Al Julius | Weird Tales of the Great Lakes
Ink Blots: Featuring Aleco Julius — Unearthing the Weird Lore of the Great Lakes In this atmospheric episode of Ink Blots, we welcome Aleco Julius, author of Weird Tales of the Great Lakes and Endless Depths: Cosmic Themes, Weird Lore, & Hidden Knowledge. Blending cosmic horror, folklore, and strange tales rooted in the mysteries of the Midwest, Julius brings a unique voice to modern weird fiction. His stories have appeared in Dark Matter Magazine, Red Line: Chicago Horror Stories, Dolls in the Attic, and Always Night, and his nonfiction writings appear in Fiddler’s Green, Hellebore, Myth & Lore, and others. As a member of the Chicagoland Horror Writers Association, Julius continues to contribute to the resurgence of regional horror and mythic storytelling. In this episode, we explore: The inspiration behind Weird Tales of the Great Lakes Why the Great Lakes remain a hotbed for horror, folklore, and cosmic mystery Julius’s fascination with hidden knowledge, ancient forces, and eerie encounters The blend of regional history and supernatural imagination in his work What readers can expect from Endless Depths and his upcoming projects How environment, mythology, and strange phenomena shape his fiction From ancient deities beneath the waves to the uncanny patterns etched into seashells, Julius’s stories evoke a haunting, poetic vision of the waters that define the Midwest. Tune in for an unforgettable conversation about lore, landscape, and the enduring power of the weird. 📚 Order Weird Tales of the Great Lakes on Bookshop.org 👉 Aleco Julius Links ✅ Amazon Author Page: ✅ Instagram: ✅ Facebook: #AlecoJulius #WeirdTalesOfTheGreatLakes #CosmicHorror #GreatLakesLore #WeirdFiction #HorrorAuthors #InkBlotsPodcast #FolkloreFiction #RegionalHorror #HiddenKnowledge +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ 📲 Follow and Share Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review Ink Blots: Author Interviews to help more readers and writers discover these amazing conversations. Are you a creative over 40 who's amazing at your craft—but totally overwhelmed by marketing? You’re not alone. I help passionate, purpose-driven creatives like you overcome fear, get clear on your message, and build a marketing strategy that actually works. It’s not too late to grow the business you’ve dreamed of. Let’s take your work to the next level—together. Visit and let’s get started today.
/episode/index/show/4dbe9565-2611-44dd-86c5-a46b7d04f105/id/38992925
info_outline
Mark Robinson | Black On Madison Avenue
11/07/2025
Mark Robinson | Black On Madison Avenue
Ink Blots: Featuring Mark Robinson — Author of Black on Madison Avenue In this powerful episode of Ink Blots, we sit down with Mark Robinson, award-winning author and advertising industry veteran with over 40 years at the most prestigious agencies on Madison Avenue. Featured in Fortune, Black Enterprise, The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, and hand-selected by Spike Lee to co-found Spike/DDB, Mark brings shocking, eye-opening, and often unbelievable stories from inside one of America’s least diverse white-collar professions. His groundbreaking book, Black on Madison Avenue, reveals the explosive reality behind the ad world’s polished façade. Mark shares gripping and often humorous tales from his decades in the industry—including confrontations with military officials during a Venezuelan coup, clashes with international dignitaries, the kidnapping of an ad legend, and the creation of the first multicultural marketing holding company. This episode dives deep into: How Mark broke into the Madison Avenue elite Why the advertising industry remains one of the least diverse in America Behind-the-scenes stories Madison Avenue would rather keep hidden The personal experiences that shaped Black on Madison Avenue What real diversity and inclusion in advertising should look like How storytelling can disrupt an entire industry This conversation is a must-listen for anyone interested in advertising, cultural commentary, media history, or the lived experiences of Black professionals in corporate America. 📚 Order Black on Madison Avenue on Bookshop.org 👉 Mark Robinson Links ✅ Amazon Author Page: ✅ Black on Madison Avenue — Official Website: ✅ Author Website: ✅ Instagram: ✅ Facebook: Hashtags #MarkRobinson #BlackOnMadisonAvenue #AdvertisingIndustry #MadisonAvenue #DiversityInAdvertising #InkBlotsPodcast #AuthorInterview #PublishingCommunity #AdvertisingStories #MulticulturalMarketing 📲 Follow and Share Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review Ink Blots: Author Interviews to help more readers and writers discover these amazing conversations. Are you a creative over 40 who's amazing at your craft—but totally overwhelmed by marketing? You’re not alone. I help passionate, purpose-driven creatives like you overcome fear, get clear on your message, and build a marketing strategy that actually works. It’s not too late to grow the business you’ve dreamed of. Let’s take your work to the next level—together. Visit and let’s get started today.
/episode/index/show/4dbe9565-2611-44dd-86c5-a46b7d04f105/id/38939200
info_outline
JB Moonstar | Roselia and the Ancient Warriors
11/07/2025
JB Moonstar | Roselia and the Ancient Warriors
🌊 Ink Blots – Interview with Children’s Author J.B. Moonstar | Roselia and the Ancient Warriors In this inspiring episode of Ink Blots, we welcome children’s author J.B. Moonstar, whose enchanting stories blend fantasy, wildlife education, and heartfelt adventure. Her newest book, Roselia and the Ancient Warriors, follows mermaid Roselia as she races to rescue stolen horseshoe crabs from a protected wildlife area. With help from a mighty dragon and a trusted human friend, Roselia sets off on a dangerous journey to save the captured creatures and return them safely to the ocean. But when the poacher appears at the finish line, the stakes become higher than ever. Will they make it home—or fall back into the wrong hands? J.B. shares how her Florida upbringing, wildlife experiences (including raising orphaned squirrels!), and passion for protecting Earth’s creatures inspire her magical stories. Her mission is clear: to help kids fall in love with nature and understand their role in protecting it. This episode is perfect for children’s lit fans, educators, parents, and young readers who love adventure, imagination, and stories with heart. 🔗 Connect With J.B. Moonstar 📚 Find Lawrence C. Connolly's books on Bookshop.org: 👉 📚Buy JB Moonstar's books at 📚 Amazon Author Page → Amazon.com: J.B. Moonstar 📸 Instagram → @j.b.moonstar 📘 Facebook → @J.B.Moonstar 🏷️ Keywords (SEO Optimized) JB Moonstar interview Roselia and the Ancient Warriors Children’s fantasy adventure Mermaid chapter book Wildlife conservation for kids Horseshoe crab story Environmental children’s books Florida children’s author Fantasy books for young readers Nature-inspired storytelling 🔥 Hashtags #JBMoonstar #ChildrensBooks #FantasyForKids #MermaidAdventure #WildlifeEducation #KidLit #YoungReaders #EnvironmentalStories #AuthorInterview #InkBlotsPodcast 📲 Follow and Share Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review Ink Blots: Author Interviews to help more readers and writers discover these amazing conversations. Are you a creative over 40 who's amazing at your craft—but totally overwhelmed by marketing? You’re not alone. I help passionate, purpose-driven creatives like you overcome fear, get clear on your message, and build a marketing strategy that actually works. It’s not too late to grow the business you’ve dreamed of. Let’s take your work to the next level—together. Visit and let’s get started today.
/episode/index/show/4dbe9565-2611-44dd-86c5-a46b7d04f105/id/38907205
info_outline
Zach Ellenberger | Past Lives
10/30/2025
Zach Ellenberger | Past Lives
🎙️ Ink Blots – Interview with Horror Author Zach Ellenberger | Past Lives In this episode of Ink Blots, we sit down with author and performer Zach Ellenberger to discuss his haunting psychological horror novel, Past Lives. When Kevin Philips moves to the quiet town of Deerview, he hopes to escape his past — but the town has secrets of its own. A centuries-old entity demands absolute truth, and those who lie face terrifying consequences. As Kevin’s deceit unravels, he must confront his deepest guilt and a supernatural force that thrives on it. Zach shares the inspiration behind Past Lives, his evolution from musician to author, and how his love of storytelling, music, and history intertwine to create emotionally charged horror fiction. Whether you’re a fan of eerie small-town horror or stories that explore the darker side of human nature, this episode will keep you hooked until the final word. 🔗 Connect With Zach Ellenberger 📚 Amazon Author Page → 📘 Facebook → 📸 Instagram → 🎵 TikTok → 🔥 Hashtags #ZachEllenberger #PastLives #HorrorBooks #PsychologicalThriller #DarkFiction #SupernaturalHorror #IndieAuthor #HorrorPodcast #WritersOfHorror #BookTokHorror
/episode/index/show/4dbe9565-2611-44dd-86c5-a46b7d04f105/id/38842970
info_outline
JR Blanes | Portraits of Decay
10/28/2025
JR Blanes | Portraits of Decay
This week on Ink Blots, we dive into the twisted, terrifying world of J.R. Blanes, the Chicago-based horror author behind the chilling novel Portraits of Decay from Ruadan Books. We explore the creation of Jefferson Fontenot — a rising New Orleans artist whose life spirals into a rotting nightmare after a toxic betrayal by art influencer Gemma Landry. Cursed by swamp witchcraft, Jefferson battles against a zombifying transformation while his true love Nevaeh races to save him. Dark magic, obsession, and revenge collide in a story steeped in Southern Gothic terror. Blanes also shares his journey into horror fiction, his contributions to top audio fiction platforms like Tales to Terrify, The NoSleep Podcast, and Creepy, and how the eerie streets of Chicago and New Orleans inspire his storytelling. If you crave horror driven by atmosphere, psychological dread, and unforgettable characters — this is one episode you don’t want to miss. Order Portraits of Decay at Bookshop.org 🔗 Connect With J.R. Blanes Website: Publisher: Linktr.ee: Facebook: Instagram: BlueSky: 🔑 Keywords (SEO Optimized) J.R. Blanes Portraits of Decay Horror fiction author interview Psychological horror Indie horror books Chicago horror writer Ruadan Books Tales to Terrify NoSleep Podcast author Scary storytelling 🔥 Hashtags #HorrorAuthor #PortraitsOfDecay #HorrorCommunity #IndieAuthor #DarkFiction #ChicagoAuthors #ScaryStories #HorrorPodcast #WritersOfInstagram #BookRecommendations
/episode/index/show/4dbe9565-2611-44dd-86c5-a46b7d04f105/id/38810405
info_outline
Lawrence C. Connolly | Minute Men: Execute and Run
10/15/2025
Lawrence C. Connolly | Minute Men: Execute and Run
🎙️ Alley Chats – Episode: 60 Seconds to Save the World with Lawrence C. Connolly In this episode of Alley Chats, Rob sits down with award-winning author Lawrence C. Connolly to discuss his thrilling new novel, Minute-Men: Execute & Run, a pulse-pounding fusion of military sci-fi, superhero action, and medical suspense. Known for his genre-spanning storytelling, Connolly’s work has appeared in The Magazine of Fantasy & Science Fiction, Twilight Zone, and Year’s Best Horror. His story “This Way to Egress” was adapted for Mick Garris’s film Nightmare Cinema, and his short fiction collections Voices and Visions have earned critical acclaim. Now, with Minute Men: Execute & Run, Connolly reinvents the superhero genre. Imagine Mission Impossible meets X-Men—but you’ve only got 60 seconds to save the day. 📚 Find Lawrence C. Connolly's books on Bookshop.org: 👉 🧬 About Minute Men: Execute & Run U.S. Marine Daniel Hayes, scientist Dr. Christian Chase, Ukrainian fighter Zoya Zynchenko, and bounty hunter Max “Jaxx” Jaquez have all been broken by trauma. When reclusive biotech genius Norman Blackwell offers them a chance to become something extraordinary, they gain superhuman abilities—but only for a minute at a time. Their mission: stop a ruthless corporate warlord from weaponizing life-saving nanotech. It’s a story of redemption, resilience, and the human spirit under pressure. And it’s already being considered for a major Hollywood production. We talk about: The origins of Minute Men and its cinematic influences Balancing character-driven drama with sci-fi action Writing across genres: from horror to speculative fiction The evolution of storytelling from page to stage and screen His collaboration on the Mystery Theatre Podcast and upcoming Edgar Allan Poe stage production If you love high-stakes thrillers, cinematic storytelling, and thought-provoking speculative fiction, this episode is a must-listen. 🔗 Connect with Lawrence C. Connolly 🌐 Website: 📘 Facebook: 📷 Instagram: 🐦 Twitter: 🔑 Keywords: Lawrence C. Connolly, Minute Men Execute and Run, military science fiction, superhero thriller, speculative fiction, Mick Garris, Nightmare Cinema, eco-thriller, Caezik Science Fiction, Mystery Theatre Podcast 🔥 Hashtags: #LawrenceCConnolly #MinuteMenExecuteAndRun #SciFiThriller #MilitaryScienceFiction #SuperheroFiction #SpeculativeFiction #NightmareCinema #MickGarris #AlleyChatsPodcast #BookToFilm
/episode/index/show/4dbe9565-2611-44dd-86c5-a46b7d04f105/id/38577965
info_outline
PC Nottingham | Brothers Divided
09/25/2025
PC Nottingham | Brothers Divided
🎙 Ink Blots Podcast: Author PC Nottingham – Sci-Fi & Fantasy Adventures with Heart, Humor, and Action In this episode of Ink Blots, we sit down with PC Nottingham, a sci-fi and fantasy author from the Great Lakes whose work blends fast-paced action, heartfelt characters, and humor—with just the right amount of darkness when you least expect it. PC’s stories bring readers everything from sword-swinging rodent ninjas and knights to gun-slinging aliens and intergalactic adventures. We dive into his creative process, inspirations, and how he balances storytelling with everyday life—whether it’s taking his kids to the zoo or enjoying tacos and sushi nights with his wife. If you’re a fan of imaginative sci-fi, quirky fantasy, or indie authors who write with heart, you won’t want to miss this conversation. ✍️ About PC Nottingham Sci-Fi & Fantasy Author blending adventure, heart, humor, and occasional horror Works include stories published by 4 Horsemen Publications Known for creating bold, action-packed worlds with unique characters 🌐 Connect with PC Nottingham 📚 Books: 📖 Amazon Author Page: (replace with live link) 📸 Instagram: 📘 Facebook: 🌌 Bluesky: 🔑 Keywords: PC Nottingham, sci-fi author, fantasy author, 4 Horsemen Publications, indie author spotlight, action fantasy, sci-fi adventure books, fantasy with humor, indie sci-fi, indie fantasy, Alley Chats Podcast, Ink Blots Podcast, rodent ninjas, gun-slinging aliens, indie publishing, Great Lakes author, imaginative worlds, creative storytelling 📲 Hashtags: #PCNottingham, #SciFiAuthor, #FantasyAuthor, #IndieFantasy, #IndieSciFi, #4HorsemenPublications, #FantasyBooks, #SciFiBooks, #IndieAuthors, #InkBlotsPodcast, #AuthorInterview, #BookCommunity, #ReadersOfInstagram
/episode/index/show/4dbe9565-2611-44dd-86c5-a46b7d04f105/id/38352945
info_outline
DA Spruzen | Odin's Word
09/17/2025
DA Spruzen | Odin's Word
Sleuths, Myths & History with Author D.A. Spruzen In this episode of Alley Chats, we sit down with D.A. Spruzen, a multi-genre author whose work spans historical fiction, poetry, crime thrillers, and myth-inspired fantasy. From her U.K. roots to her life in Virginia and Maryland, D.A. has channeled her love of storytelling into a dynamic body of work that continues to captivate readers. Her latest mystery, The Witch of Tut, is the second entry in her Sleuthing With Mortals series, following the acclaimed The Turkish Connection. She’s also the author of The Blitz Business, a gripping historical novel, and Long in the Tooth, a thought-provoking poetry collection. D.A.’s short stories and poems have appeared in numerous publications, proving her versatility as both storyteller and poet. In our conversation, we discuss: How Sleuthing With Mortals combines suspense with international intrigue The mythic depth of Odin’s Word, where Norse gods walk among us D.A.’s transition from dance and drama to writing The creative process behind weaving historical fact into compelling fiction What inspires her poetry and short-form work How travel, history, and mythology influence her storytelling Whether you love mysteries, historical dramas, or myth-infused fantasy, D.A. Spruzen’s work has something for you. 📚 Order D.A. Spruzen’s Books ✨ Get 10% off when you order directly from 4 Horsemen Publications! 👉 🔗 Connect with D.A. Spruzen 🌐 Website: 📚 Amazon Author Page: 💼 LinkedIn: 📖 Facebook: 📸 Instagram: 🔑 Keywords: D.A. Spruzen, The Witch of Tut, The Turkish Connection, Sleuthing With Mortals, Odin’s Word, The Blitz Business, Long in the Tooth, mystery author, historical fiction, Norse mythology 🔥 Hashtags: #DASpruzen #TheWitchOfTut #TheTurkishConnection #SleuthingWithMortals #OdinsWord #TheBlitzBusiness #HistoricalFiction #MysteryAuthor #NorseMythology #AlleyChatsPodcast
/episode/index/show/4dbe9565-2611-44dd-86c5-a46b7d04f105/id/38240720
info_outline
Alistair Conwell | Circadian Web: The Space of Time
08/13/2025
Alistair Conwell | Circadian Web: The Space of Time
Unraveling the Circadian Web – Alistair Conwell on The Space of Time In this fascinating episode of Ink Blots: Author Interviews, we welcome internationally published author Alistair Conwell to discuss his thought-provoking latest book, Circadian Web: The Space of Time. Blending science, philosophy, and the mysteries of existence, Conwell’s work explores the profound interplay between time, consciousness, and the unseen connections that bind the universe. In Circadian Web, readers are invited to journey through the rhythms of life and the hidden frameworks that shape our perception of reality. We dive deep into the inspiration behind the book, Conwell’s global travels that have shaped his worldview, and how his background in psychology and business communication uniquely equips him to write about life’s biggest questions. This episode is a must-listen for lovers of metaphysical literature, deep thinking, and boundary-pushing ideas. 📚 Order Circadian Web and Alistair's other books on Bookshop.org 👉 About Alistair Conwell Alistair Conwell was born into a Eurasian family in India and raised in Western Australia, where he now resides. He holds postgraduate degrees in psychology and business communication and has traveled extensively through Britain, Europe, Egypt, the Middle East, Turkey, Taiwan, and the Indian sub-continent. His books and articles have been published internationally, and he has been interviewed by podcasters across the US, Australia, Canada, and the UK. 📚 Connect with Alistair Conwell 📖 Facebook: Search for Circadian Web 🐦 X/Twitter: 📸 Instagram: ▶️ YouTube: 🔑 Keywords: Circadian Web, Alistair Conwell, The Space of Time, metaphysical literature, philosophy of time, consciousness and reality, time perception, Ink Blots Author Interviews, author conversation, writing inspiration, psychology in literature, spiritual philosophy, cosmic patterns, metaphysical author #️⃣ Hashtags: #CircadianWeb #AlistairConwell #TheSpaceOfTime #MetaphysicalBooks #AuthorInterview #InkBlotsPodcast #Consciousness #PhilosophyOfTime #WritingLife #DeepThinking #SpiritualLiterature #MindAndTime #ReadersLife #BookPodcast #AuthorLife
/episode/index/show/4dbe9565-2611-44dd-86c5-a46b7d04f105/id/37803855
info_outline
Brad Ricks 2025 | Books and Brews 2 (unofficial)
08/01/2025
Brad Ricks 2025 | Books and Brews 2 (unofficial)
Fear, Shadows, and the Supernatural with Brad Ricks In this spine-tingling episode of Ink Blots: Author Interviews, we dive deep into the haunted mind of supernatural horror and thriller author Brad Ricks. With a writing style inspired by literary giants like Edgar Allan Poe and Stephen King, Brad blends paranormal elements with psychological tension, crafting chilling narratives that linger long after the last page. His debut novel, Fear Not the Dead, blurred the lines between ghost story and mental descent. In his latest release, The Night Crew, Brad takes readers even deeper into the shadows—where nothing is as it seems and the terror is relentless. If you love atmospheric horror filled with dread, ghosts, and complex inner demons, this is the episode for you. 📚 Find Brad Ricks' Work on Amazon: 👉 🔗 Connect with Brad Ricks: 📚 Amazon Author Page: 📘 Facebook: 📸 Instagram: 🐦 X (Twitter): 🎵 TikTok: 🔑 Keywords: Brad Ricks, supernatural horror, psychological thriller, ghost stories, Fear Not the Dead, The Night Crew, horror fiction, paranormal suspense, Texas horror author, indie horror writer 🔥 Hashtags: #BradRicks #FearNotTheDead #TheNightCrew #SupernaturalHorror #PsychologicalThriller #GhostStory #IndieHorrorAuthor #HorrorFiction #InkBlotsPodcast #ParanormalSuspense
/episode/index/show/4dbe9565-2611-44dd-86c5-a46b7d04f105/id/37629855
info_outline
RJ Joseph 2025 | Books and Brews 2
07/30/2025
RJ Joseph 2025 | Books and Brews 2
Horror, Scholarship, and Black Magic with R.J. Joseph In this episode of Ink Blots: Author Interviews, we sit down with R.J. Joseph—a powerhouse voice in both horror fiction and academic criticism. An English professor and author with an MFA in Writing Popular Fiction from Seton Hill University, Rhonda’s work explores the intersections of race, gender, and monstrosity in ways that challenge, inform, and terrify. Her fiction has been featured in groundbreaking anthologies such as Sycorax’s Daughters, Black Magic Women, and Campfire Macabre, while her essays have appeared in multiple Stoker Award™-nominated academic collections like Uncovering Stranger Things and The Streaming of Hill House. Her powerful essay, The Beloved Haunting of Hill House: An Examination of Monstrous Motherhood, was itself a Stoker Award™ finalist in 2020. From terrifying tales to cultural commentary, R.J. Joseph is one of the genre’s essential voices. 📚 Explore R. J. Joseph’s Books on Amazon: 👉 🔗 Connect with R. J. Joseph: 🌐 Website: 📱 Social: 📸 Author Photo Credit: Sam Allen, SDA Media 📌 Keywords: Horror fiction, R. J. Joseph, Black horror author, Shirley Jackson Award, Bram Stoker Award, women in horror, Black women in horror, speculative fiction, horror podcast, author interview, horror academia, race in horror, gender in horror, social commentary horror, Texas horror writer 📢 Hashtags: #RJJoseph #WomenInHorror #BlackHorror #BramStokerAwards #ShirleyJacksonAward #HorrorAuthor #AuthorInterview #InkBlotsPodcast #SpeculativeFiction #DiverseVoicesInHorror #HorrorCommunity #HorrorLit #BlackSpecFic
/episode/index/show/4dbe9565-2611-44dd-86c5-a46b7d04f105/id/37577080
info_outline
Sean McDonough 2025 | Books and Brews 2
07/29/2025
Sean McDonough 2025 | Books and Brews 2
Gleeful Gruesomeness with Sean McDonough In this episode of Ink Blots: Author Interviews, we welcome Sean McDonough, a rising voice in horror whose work blends dark humor, outrageous imagination, and a generous helping of gore. Raised on a steady diet of Goosebumps, the horror aisle at Blockbuster, and movies he probably shouldn’t have watched at age eight, Sean writes stories that are equal parts nostalgic, gruesome, and gleefully unhinged. Sean’s fiction keeps the Halloween spirit alive all year long with twisted tales that make you laugh and squirm—sometimes at the same time. If you love campy horror with teeth and a wink, this is an author you need to know. 📚 Find Sean's Work on Amazon: 👉 Grab a flashlight and prepare to giggle through the gore with Sean McDonough. 🔗 Connect with Sean McDonough: 📘 Facebook: 📸 Instagram: 🐦 Twitter/X: 🌐 Website: 🔑 Keywords: Sean McDonough, horror comedy, dark humor horror, Goosebumps nostalgia, indie horror, horror fiction, gleeful gore, horror humor, Halloween horror, new horror author 🔥 Hashtags: #SeanMcDonough #IndieHorror #HorrorComedy #DarkHumor #GoosebumpsGrownUp #GleefulGore #HalloweenAllYear #HorrorAuthor #InkBlotsPodcast #HorrorWithHumor
/episode/index/show/4dbe9565-2611-44dd-86c5-a46b7d04f105/id/37260910
info_outline
Jon Cohn 2025 | Books and Brews 2
07/28/2025
Jon Cohn 2025 | Books and Brews 2
Dystopia, Redemption, and the Human Spirit – A Conversation with Author Jon Cohn 📚 About Jon Cohn Jon is the award winning horror and thriller novelist behind books like Slashtag, Everything is Temporary, and the Publisher's Weekly's Book Life prize winner, The Island Mother. In addition to books, he also has over a decade experience working as a designer in the board game industry, having made over 20 games including Ghostbusters: Blackout, Horror Taboo, MonsDRAWsity, Basket Case, and Thanksgiving, co-designed with Eli Roth. Keep an eye out for his upcoming Ghostland game, based on the novels by Duncan Ralston, and the official Ice Nine Kills card game. Jon Lives in San Diego with his wife Delaney, and dog Miss Cordelia Chase. 👉 🧠 Featured Themes Dystopia & society collapse Character-driven storytelling Truth in fiction Technology and humanity Authorial voice & purpose 🧭 Who Should Listen Fans of dystopian fiction and speculative futures Writers looking to explore political or societal themes Readers of Margaret Atwood, George Orwell, or Cormac McCarthy Anyone interested in how fiction reflects (and warns) real life 🗝️ Keywords Jon Cohn, The Thaws, dystopian fiction, speculative fiction, Ink Blots podcast, future fiction, AI and society, author interview, writing process, human resilience, societal collapse 📲 Hashtags #InkBlotsPodcast #JonCohnAuthor #TheThaws #DystopianFiction #AuthorInterview #WritingCommunity #SpeculativeFiction #FutureLit #BooksThatMatter #BookPodcast
/episode/index/show/4dbe9565-2611-44dd-86c5-a46b7d04f105/id/37115465
info_outline
Danielle DeVor 2025 | Books and Brews 2
07/28/2025
Danielle DeVor 2025 | Books and Brews 2
Episode Title: Vampires, Visions, and Dark Vibes with Danielle DeVor In this episode of Ink Blots: Author Interviews, we welcome Danielle DeVor, a chilling voice in horror fiction and one of Examiner’s 2014 Women in Horror: 93 Horror Authors You Need to Read Right Now. Known for her dark imagination, vampire obsession, and love for the eerie, Danielle crafts horror stories that are rich with atmosphere and laced with supernatural dread. From watching Salem’s Lot on repeat as a kid to writing some of today’s must-read horror fiction, Danielle shares her journey through the genre, how coffee shops fuel her creativity, and what it means to be a woman creating fear in a male-dominated space. Grab a mocha frappuccino and join us for this unforgettable conversation with a modern horror visionary. 📚 Find Danielle DeVor's Work on Amazon: 👉 🔗 Connect with Danielle DeVor: 📸 Instagram: 🐦 Twitter/X: 📘 Facebook: 🔑 Keywords: Danielle DeVor, women in horror, vampire fiction, supernatural horror, horror author, Salem’s Lot, indie horror writer, dark fiction, gothic horror, horror interviews 🔥 Hashtags: #DanielleDeVor #WomenInHorror #VampireFiction #SupernaturalHorror #HorrorAuthor #SalemsLotVibes #DarkFiction #IndieHorror #InkBlotsPodcast #GothicHorror
/episode/index/show/4dbe9565-2611-44dd-86c5-a46b7d04f105/id/37236880
info_outline
DE McCluskey 2025 | Books and Brews 2
07/25/2025
DE McCluskey 2025 | Books and Brews 2
From Splatterpunk to Storybooks with D.E. McCluskey This week on Ink Blots: Author Interviews, we're joined by Liverpool-based horror powerhouse D.E. McCluskey—a writer who proves it's never too late to dive into the dark. Starting his author journey in his 30s, D.E. has since published over 40 works spanning horror, thrillers, graphic novels, and even children’s comedy. Whether it’s extreme splatterpunk or spine-tingling horror for younger readers, D.E.’s range is unmatched. His books break genre boundaries and embrace every corner of the horror spectrum—from psychological terror to gore-filled grotesqueries. IThis episode is a must-listen for horror fans, indie creators, and anyone chasing a prolific, genre-crossing writing life. 📚 Find DE McCluskey's Work on Amazon: 👉 🔗 Connect with D.E. McCluskey: 📘 Facebook: 📸 Instagram: 🎵 TikTok: 🔑 Keywords: D.E. McCluskey, UK horror author, splatterpunk, indie horror, horror comics, graphic novels, children’s horror, extreme horror, thriller novels, Liverpool author 🔥 Hashtags: #DEMcCluskey #Splatterpunk #ExtremeHorror #IndieHorror #HorrorAuthor #GraphicNovels #HorrorComics #LiverpoolWriter #InkBlotsPodcast #GenreBendingAuthor
/episode/index/show/4dbe9565-2611-44dd-86c5-a46b7d04f105/id/37236765
info_outline
Robert Essig 2025 | Books and Brews 2
07/18/2025
Robert Essig 2025 | Books and Brews 2
Splatter, Shadows, and Storytelling – A Deep Dive with Horror Author Robert Essig 👻 Episode Summary In this chilling and candid episode of Ink Blots: The Author Podcast, host Rob Southgate is joined by horror master Robert Essig, whose prolific career spans over 30 books and 120+ short stories. From his unsettling novel Disco Rice to the haunted corridors of This Damned House, Essig shares what it takes to terrify readers with nuance, depth, and disturbing imagination. The two discuss the evolution of splatterpunk, the literary value of horror, and how parenting and real life intersect with monsters on the page. If you’re a horror writer, reader, or just fascinated by the art of fear, this episode is for you. 📚 Explore Robert Essig’s Work: 🧠 Find Robert's books on Amazon: 👉 🪓 Find Robert's books on Bookshop.org: 👉 🧟 What You’ll Hear Why splatterpunk is more than gore—it’s emotional and political What inspired the bizarre brilliance of Baby Fights The horror writer’s responsibility to the genre and audience How horror functions as both catharsis and commentary Behind-the-scenes of writing, editing anthologies, and surviving the publishing world 🧠 Notable Quotes “I don’t write to shock—I write to reveal something awful that’s already lurking underneath.” “Sometimes the most terrifying thing is what people do to each other without a single monster in sight.” 🩸 About Robert Essig Author of 30+ books, including Disco Rice, This Damned House, Baby Fights Published in 120+ short stories 2-time Splatterpunk Award nominee Editor of 3 anthologies Based in East Tennessee Known for visceral, boundary-pushing horror with depth and voice 📚 📱 Connect on Socials: Instagram/Facebook: TikTok: Substack: 🗝️ Keywords Robert Essig, Splatterpunk, horror fiction, indie horror, Disco Rice, Baby Fights, horror author interview, This Damned House, horror podcast, writing horror, visceral fiction, dark fiction, editing anthologies, Substack authors 📲 Hashtags #InkBlotsPodcast #RobertEssig #Splatterpunk #HorrorFiction #DiscoRice #ThisDamnedHouse #BabyFights #HorrorAuthors #WritingHorror #IndieHorror
/episode/index/show/4dbe9565-2611-44dd-86c5-a46b7d04f105/id/37116960
info_outline
Andrew Najberg 2025 | Books and Brews 2
07/17/2025
Andrew Najberg 2025 | Books and Brews 2
Entering the Mobius Mind with Andrew Najberg In this episode of Ink Blots: Author Interviews, we step across dimensions with Andrew Najberg, the author behind cerebral and chilling works like The Mobius Door, Gollitok, and The Neverborn Thief. A master of psychological and cosmic horror, Andrew’s storytelling pulls readers into strange realms where reality unravels and fear takes hold. We dive into: The inspiration behind The Mobius Door and Gollitok His upcoming releases from Wicked House, Crystal Lake, and Vincere Press The craft of balancing slow-burn horror with cosmic dread The themes that run through his multi-publisher portfolio How teaching creative writing fuels his own work Advice for authors navigating horror, sci-fi, and literary crossover Whether you're a fan of genre-bending horror or a writer looking to challenge traditional form, this conversation will keep you intrigued—and unsettled. 📚 Books by Andrew Najberg include: The Mobius Door (2023) Gollitok (2023) In Those Fading Stars (2024) Try Not to Die In the Shadowlands (2024) The Neverborn Thief (2025) Extinction Dream (2025) Paradise Falls (co-authored, 2025) Dead Hearts Eat the Light (2026) 📖 Short fiction published in: Fusion Fragment, Khoreo, Translunar Travelers Lounge, Utopia Science Fiction, Psychopomp Review, and more. 📚 Explore Andrew Najberg’s Work: 🧠 Find Andrew’s books on Amazon: 👉 🪓 Find Andrew’s books on Bookshop.org: 👉 🔗 Connect with Andrew Najberg: 📘 Facebook: 📸 Instagram: 🐦 Twitter/X: 🔑 Keywords: Andrew Najberg, The Mobius Door, Gollitok, cosmic horror, speculative fiction, horror novels, psychological horror, University of Tennessee Chattanooga, Try Not to Die, literary horror 🔥 Hashtags: #AndrewNajberg #TheMobiusDoor #CosmicHorror #PsychologicalHorror #SpeculativeFiction #TryNotToDie #WickedHousePublishing #LiteraryHorror #InkBlotsPodcast #Gollitok 📲 Follow and Share Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review Ink Blots: Author Interviews to help more readers and writers discover these amazing conversations.
/episode/index/show/4dbe9565-2611-44dd-86c5-a46b7d04f105/id/37116935
info_outline
Blaine Daigel 2025 | Books and Brews 2
07/16/2025
Blaine Daigel 2025 | Books and Brews 2
Haunting the Bayou with Blaine Daigle This week on Ink Blots: Author Interviews, we step into the eerie world of Southern Gothic horror with Blaine Daigle, a Louisiana-based author whose terrifying tales are inspired by haunted plantations, cursed woodlands, and the folklore of the Deep South. A high school English teacher by day and horror writer by night, Blaine blends literary craft with chilling storytelling rooted in the bayou's shadows. From cursed woods to haunted minds, Blaine’s work captures the psychological and paranormal terror unique to Southern horror fiction. 📚 About Blaine Daigle Having lived his entire life deep in the gut of Louisiana, Blaine Daigle grew up surrounded by ghost stories of haunted plantations and cursed woodlands. He still lives in Louisiana with his wife and two children and can't wait to pass on the nightmares to his kids..when they are old enough. During the day he teaches high school English. At night, he enjoys diving deep into the fears that shape and mold the world around him. 📚 Follow Blaine Daigle: 📘 Facebook: 📸 Instagram: 🐦 X (Twitter): 📚 Explore Blaine Daigle’s Work: 🧠 Find Blaine’s books on Amazon: 👉 🪓 Find Blaine’s books on Bookshop.org: 👉 🔑 Keywords: Blaine Daigle, Southern Gothic, horror fiction, Louisiana author, haunted stories, high school teacher author, ghost stories, cursed forests, paranormal fiction, bayou horror 🔥 Hashtags: #BlaineDaigle #SouthernGothic #BayouHorror #HauntedLouisiana #HorrorFiction #GhostStories #IndieHorrorAuthor #InkBlotsPodcast #CursedWoods #HorrorTeacher 📲 Follow and Share Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review Ink Blots: Author Interviews to help more readers and writers discover these amazing conversations.
/episode/index/show/4dbe9565-2611-44dd-86c5-a46b7d04f105/id/37116925
info_outline
Kristal Shanahan 2025 | Books and Brews 2
07/16/2025
Kristal Shanahan 2025 | Books and Brews 2
Shadows & Seasons with Kristal Shanahan On this episode of Ink Blots: Author Interviews, we welcome Kansas-based horror author Kristal Shanahan, a high school British literature teacher by day and spine-tingling storyteller by night. Kristal's debut collection, Four Seasons of Horror, dropped on March 27 and showcases her ability to weave chilling tales that explore the eerie edges of everyday life. Her debut novella, A Mortician’s Shadow, is set to release next month, and she has even more short stories haunting the pages of upcoming anthologies. Whether you're a horror reader, teacher, or aspiring author, Kristal’s story will inspire—and unnerve—you in the best way. 📚 About Kristal Shanahan Based in Kansas, Kristal teaches high school British literature and writes creepy stories late at night. Her debut collection, Four Seasons of Horror was released March 27 and her debut novella, A Mortician's Shadow will be released next month. She has a few short stories in anthologies and some coming up in the near future as well. 📚 Find Kristal’s Work on Amazon: 👉 🔗 Follow Kristal Shanahan: 📸 Instagram: 🎵 TikTok: 📘 Facebook: 🔑 Keywords: Kristal Shanahan, Four Seasons of Horror, A Mortician’s Shadow, women in horror, Kansas horror author, horror fiction, debut horror writer, horror short stories, British literature, horror podcast 🔥 Hashtags: #KristalShanahan #FourSeasonsOfHorror #AMorticiansShadow #WomenInHorror #HorrorFiction #DebutAuthor #LadyInHorror #HorrorTeacher #IndieHorror #InkBlotsPodcast
/episode/index/show/4dbe9565-2611-44dd-86c5-a46b7d04f105/id/37115540
info_outline
RJ Joseph: Lightning Round
07/09/2025
RJ Joseph: Lightning Round
Lightning Round with R. J. Joseph We had limited time when Rhonda sat down for an interview so we created a new show called Ink Blots: Lightning Round. What we have is a shorter, fast paced interview that is a lot of fun. Rhonda will be back on Ink Blots in a couple of weeks for a full interview, but for now, enjoy her Lightning Round! Whether you're a horror fan, aspiring writer, or literary scholar, this episode will leave you thinking—and maybe even a little haunted. 📚 Explore R. J. Joseph’s Books on Amazon: 👉 🔗 Connect with R. J. Joseph: 🌐 Website: 📱 Social: 📸 Author Photo Credit: Sam Allen, SDA Media 📌 Keywords: Horror fiction, R. J. Joseph, Black horror author, Shirley Jackson Award, Bram Stoker Award, women in horror, Black women in horror, speculative fiction, horror podcast, author interview, horror academia, race in horror, gender in horror, social commentary horror, Texas horror writer 📢 Hashtags: #RJJoseph #WomenInHorror #BlackHorror #BramStokerAwards #ShirleyJacksonAward #HorrorAuthor #AuthorInterview #InkBlotsPodcast #SpeculativeFiction #DiverseVoicesInHorror #HorrorCommunity #HorrorLit #BlackSpecFic
/episode/index/show/4dbe9565-2611-44dd-86c5-a46b7d04f105/id/37115490
info_outline
Elizabeth S. Devecchi 2025 | Books and Brews 2
07/04/2025
Elizabeth S. Devecchi 2025 | Books and Brews 2
From Whispered Fears to Wicked Tales – A Conversation with Elizabeth Devecchi In this chilling and thoughtful episode of Ink Blots, host Rob Southgate is joined by Elizabeth Devecchi, a rising voice in horror whose work blends atmospheric dread, literary prose, and dark imagination. Elizabeth takes us through her journey from Rhode Island roots to recent breakout success with Wicked House Publishing and across acclaimed anthologies like Under Her Eye, Cooks of Horror, and Monsters in the Mills. From poetry to short stories to her debut horror novel A Whisper in the Dark, Elizabeth opens up about her creative process, her favorite horror tropes, and how she explores themes of body horror, technology, and family dysfunction in her writing. 📚 Explore Elizabeth’s Work: 🕯️ Recent Releases: A Whisper in the Dark – [Wicked House Publishing, October 2024] “Oh, Brother” – Under Her Eye (Black Spot Books) “Mother’s Special Bread” – Cooks of Horror (Nightmare Fueled Inc, August 2024) “In the Belly of the Mills” – Monsters in the Mills (August 2024) “A Corporate Family” – Error Code (Rabid Otter Horror, November 2024) “Easy Pickens” – Wicked Universe (Wicked House Publishing, December 2024) 🔗 Connect with Elizabeth Online: 📸 Instagram: 📘 Facebook: 🌐 Website: 🔍 Episode Keywords: Elizabeth Devecchi, horror author, women in horror, A Whisper in the Dark, Wicked House Publishing, horror poetry, horror anthologies, tech horror, atmospheric horror, body horror, speculative fiction, literary horror, emerging authors, horror fiction, writing process, dark fiction, author interview 📢 Hashtags: #ElizabethDevecchi #WomenInHorror #HorrorAuthor #WickedHousePublishing #AWhisperInTheDark #HorrorAnthology #SpeculativeFiction #DarkFiction #BodyHorror #AtmosphericHorror #TechHorror #AuthorInterview #InkBlotsPodcast #IndieHorror #HorrorWriters #WritingTips 📲 Subscribe & Share Love discovering fresh horror voices? Don’t forget to subscribe, review, and share Ink Blots: Author Interviews. Every listen helps spread the scares!
/episode/index/show/4dbe9565-2611-44dd-86c5-a46b7d04f105/id/37237540
info_outline
Joey Powell 2025 | Books and Brews 2
07/03/2025
Joey Powell 2025 | Books and Brews 2
From Covers to Creeps – A Conversation with Joey Powell In this episode of Ink Blots, host Rob Southgate talks with multitalented horror creator Joey Powell — a writer, publisher, cover designer, and actor whose passion for the weird and wicked spans from bookshelves to film sets. Joey shares how his day job in tech fuels his late-night obsession with horror fiction, and how that energy comes to life in his stories, short films, and the books he brings to life through Mad Axe Media. We dive into Joey’s creative process, indie publishing, and how designing book covers informs his storytelling. Plus, he reflects on acting in award-winning horror shorts, and the storytelling power of visuals in both print and film. 📚 Explore Joey Powell’s Work: 🧠 Find Joey’s books on Amazon: 👉 🪓 Visit Mad Axe Media: 👉 🔗 Connect with Joey Online: 📸 Instagram: | 📘 Facebook Author Page: 🔍 Episode Keywords: Joey Powell, horror author, indie horror, horror book covers, Mad Axe Media, horror publishing, indie press, horror film, short horror, cover design, writing horror, author interview, horror stories, visual storytelling, writing community, self-publishing horror 📢 Hashtags: #JoeyPowell #HorrorAuthor #MadAxeMedia #IndieHorror #HorrorPublishing #BookCoverDesign #SelfPublishing #ShortHorrorFilms #IndieAuthor #WritingTips #DarkFiction #WeirdFiction #InkBlotsPodcast #CreepyStories #HorrorCommunity #PodcastForWriters 📲 Subscribe & Share Love what you heard? Subscribe to Ink Blots: Author Interviews, leave a review, and share with your fellow horror fans and writers.
/episode/index/show/4dbe9565-2611-44dd-86c5-a46b7d04f105/id/37115415
info_outline
James Kaine 2025 | Books and Brews 2
07/02/2025
James Kaine 2025 | Books and Brews 2
Fear, Film, and Fiction – A Conversation with James Kaine This week, host Rob Southgate descends into the chilling world of horror with bestselling author, publisher, and filmmaker James Kaine. From his roots in Trenton, NJ to becoming a #1 Amazon horror author, James shares how his passion for visceral storytelling, cinema, and fear fuels his work — including his acclaimed novel The Dead Children’s Playground, which Publisher’s Weekly’s BookLife praised as a read that “will chill readers to the bone.” As the founder of Horror House Publishing and a pro member of the Horror Writer’s Association, James dives deep into what makes horror stick, how to keep readers up at night, and what it means to write stories that linger long after the last page. 🔖 About James Kaine James Kaine is a bestselling author, publisher and filmmaker born and raised in Trenton, NJ. An active pro member of the Horror Writer’s Association, he brings readers visceral, haunting tales of terror via his Horror House Publishing imprint. BookLife by Publisher’s Weekly proclaimed his novel, The Dead Children’s Playground, “will chill readers to the bone.” The book, the first in his American Horrors anthology series, has been a number 1 bestseller in U.S. Horror on Amazon, a reader selection for the 2025 Books of Horror Indie Brawl and is being translated into multiple languages, bringing James’s cinematic style of scary storytelling to a global audience. 📚 Check Out James Kaine’s Books 🩸 Explore his terrifying tales and #1 bestseller The Dead Children’s Playground on Amazon: 👉 🔗 Connect with James Kaine Online: 📘 Facebook: 📸 Instagram: 🐦 Twitter/X: 🔍 Episode Keywords: James Kaine, horror author, The Dead Children’s Playground, indie horror, psychological horror, horror writing tips, cinematic storytelling, horror fiction, Horror House Publishing, American Horrors, horror novels, indie publishing, Books of Horror, horror interviews, writing process 📲 Like What You Heard? Be sure to subscribe, rate, and share Ink Blots: Author Interviews so you never miss a chilling conversation with today’s most creative authors. 📢 Hashtags: #JamesKaine #HorrorAuthor #IndieHorror #DeadChildrensPlayground #HorrorWritersAssociation #HorrorBooks #ScaryStories #AuthorInterview #VisceralHorror #IndieAuthors #HorrorFiction #InkBlotsPodcast #HorrorCommunity #WritingTips #CinematicStorytelling
/episode/index/show/4dbe9565-2611-44dd-86c5-a46b7d04f105/id/37115225
info_outline
Viggy Par Hampton 2025 | Books and Brews 2
07/02/2025
Viggy Par Hampton 2025 | Books and Brews 2
Epidemiology Meets Terror – A Conversation with Viggy Parr Hampton In this electrifying episode, host Rob Southgate sits down with the multi-talented Viggy Parr Hampton, MPH — a horror author, epidemiologist, podcast host, and digital storyteller who's redefining what it means to be a modern horror writer. Known for titles like A Cold Night for Alligators, Much Too Vulgar, and The Rotting Room, Viggy brings an analytical eye and biting humor to her stories. She talks about how her background in public health shapes her unique brand of horror fiction, why humor and fear go hand-in-hand, and how her projects like the podcast Horror Humor Hunger and YouTube’s Tag Team Tales of Terror are pushing the genre in exciting new directions. Whether you're into body horror, satirical scares, or apocalyptic tension grounded in science, this episode is a must-listen. 📚 Explore Viggy’s Work: 🧠 Check out her books and podcast: 🔗 Connect with Viggy Online: 📸 Instagram: 🐦 Twitter/X: 📘 Facebook Author Page: 🔍 Episode Keywords: Viggy Parr Hampton, horror author, body horror, satirical horror, horror podcast, horror writing tips, women in horror, epidemiology in fiction, speculative fiction, indie author, social horror, DreadPop Magazine, Tag Team Tales of Terror, Horror Humor Hunger, public health and storytelling, dark fiction, horror humor, multimedia horror 📢 Hashtags: #ViggyParrHampton #HorrorAuthor #WomenInHorror #IndieHorror #EpidemiologyInFiction #TagTeamTalesOfTerror #TheRottingRoom #MuchTooVulgar #AColdNightForAlligators #DarkFiction #SatiricalHorror #PublicHealthHorror #HorrorPodcast #InkBlotsPodcast #WritingTips #StorytellersOfInstagram #HorrorHumorHunger 🎧 Subscribe to Ink Blots: Author Interviews on your favorite platform to catch future episodes featuring today’s most creative and unconventional authors!
/episode/index/show/4dbe9565-2611-44dd-86c5-a46b7d04f105/id/37115390
info_outline
Joe McClean | Sins of Survivors: A Carter Brothers Novel
06/25/2025
Joe McClean | Sins of Survivors: A Carter Brothers Novel
🔖 About Joe Mclean: Joe McClean spent his childhood in the wetlands of South Carolina and his adolescence was baked in Phoenix, Arizona where he first discovered his love for telling stories. After studying Shakespeare in college, nepotism from a general contractor uncle in NJ, delivered the education that would keep Joe fed while chasing artistic dreams. Over the years, his days swinging a hammer dwindled as he studied at the Royal National Theater in London, acted in national-touring children’s theater, wrote / produced / directed numerous short films & two indie features films: Life Tracker and The Drama Club. Soon after joining the Writers Guild of America, he wrote and produced his (yet to be released) third feature film, Viral, which was directed by and stars Blair Underwood, Sarah Silverman, and Alfre Woodard. Sins of Survivors is Joe McClean’s first story told in novel form. Joe lives with his wife and son in Los Angeles where he still chases dreams, occasionally supplemented by swinging his hammer. 📚 Order Joe McClean’s Books ✨ Use this link to order from Bookshop.org and support your local bookshop! 👉 🔍 Episode Keywords: Joe McClean, Ink Blots Podcast, Popular Fiction, Mystery, Thriller, Blair Underwood 🔗 Connect with Joe McClean: Instagram https://www.instagram.com/joe_mcclean_gb/ Facebook X Amazon Author Page 📲 Stay Connected Enjoying Ink Blots? Be sure to subscribe, rate, and share this episode with fellow book lovers, fantasy fans, and future authors. 📢 Hashtags: #JoeMcClean #BlairUnderwood #Mystery #MysteryAuthor #AuthorInterview #WritingTips #HistoricalThriller #Fiction #BookLovers #WritingCommunity #InkBlotsPodcast #CarterBrothers #AmWritingThrillers #PodcastForWriters #SinsofSurvivors
/episode/index/show/4dbe9565-2611-44dd-86c5-a46b7d04f105/id/37091450
info_outline
Valerie Willis 2025 | PopCon Indy
06/20/2025
Valerie Willis 2025 | PopCon Indy
Paranormal Passion and Powerful Storytelling – A Conversation with Valerie Willis In this spellbinding episode of Ink Blots, host Rob Southgate welcomes Valerie Willis, paranormal romance and fantasy author with 4 Horsemen Publications. Known for her intricate plots, emotionally complex characters, and steamy supernatural twists, Valerie dives deep into her writing process, what fuels her creativity, and how she connects mythology, magic, and romance in her books. She also shares advice for aspiring authors, discusses her publishing journey, and reveals what it's like to wear multiple hats as both a writer and an industry professional. 🔖 About Valerie Willis: Valerie Willis is a Dark Fantasy Paranormal Romance author based out of Central Florida. She loves crafting novels with elements inspired by mythology, superstitions, legends, folklore, fairy tales and history. In 2018, she received the Reader’s Favorite Bronze medal in ‘Fiction – Mythology’ and FAPA’s President’s Silver medal in ‘Fantasy/Sci-fi.’ You can find her hosting workshops or a guest speaker at many events sharing her expertise in self-publishing, novel writing, research in fiction, worldbuilding, character development, book design, reader immersion and more. Her Award-Winning Dark Fantasy Paranormal Romance, ‘The Cedric Series,’ is a wonderful blend of genres that appeal to a wide-range of readers described as “dramatic, lustful, and fantasy fulfilling.” The motto here is: “No immortal is beyond the ailments of man” and that includes powerful creatures, demons, witches and Gods. Many of the monsters present in battle derive from Medieval Bestiaries and adds a fun flavor of new yet deeply rooted assortment of creatures such as Coin Iotair, Shag Foal, Cynocephali, and many more. For Young Adult readers look for her Dark Urban Fantasy filled with coming-of-age lessons, the ‘Tattooed Angels Trilogy.’ Hotan is a failed reincarnation and is becoming immortal against his will. Life is complicated and often we withdraw within ourselves and shut others out when life becomes hard. As the story unfolds we learn the importance of opening up and asking for support in all its forms even beyond friends and family. Each immortal controls powers of nature like fire and wind or elements of humanity such as fear or judgment. You can often find this Author hosting workshops about writing and self-publishing in the Orlando, Florida area or working on the next novel. She loves to inspire other writers and creative minds. Be sure to visit her blog for some of the writing advice she has to offer. Uniquely, she brings in a perspective that has influences from Game Development and Graphic Design. 📚 Order Valerie Willis’s Books ✨ Get 10% off when you order directly from 4 Horsemen Publications! 👉 🔍 Episode Keywords: Valerie Willis, paranormal romance author, fantasy fiction, indie author, supernatural storytelling, writing process, author interview, mythology in fiction, book publishing, romance books, worldbuilding, 4 Horsemen Publications, aspiring authors, female authors, romantic fantasy 🔗 Connect with 4 Horsemen Publications: 📲 Stay Connected Enjoying Ink Blots? Be sure to subscribe, rate, and share this episode with fellow book lovers, fantasy fans, and future authors. 📢 Hashtags: #ValerieWillis #ParanormalRomance #FantasyAuthor #AuthorInterview #WritingTips #RomanticFantasy #MythologyInFiction #BookLovers #4HorsemenPublications #WritingCommunity #InkBlotsPodcast #WomenWriters #AmWritingFantasy #PodcastForWriters
/episode/index/show/4dbe9565-2611-44dd-86c5-a46b7d04f105/id/37002935
info_outline
Morgan Monroe and Kate Jenkins 2025 | PopCon Indy
06/20/2025
Morgan Monroe and Kate Jenkins 2025 | PopCon Indy
Rob Southgate interviews Morgan Monroe and Kate Jenkins, a writing duo from Four Horsemen Publications, about their journey and upcoming projects. Morgan and Kate met in a pirate RPG game in 2000 and have since written eight books in their "Legends of Corellia" series, with the ninth book, "Restoration and Ruin," set to release on December 6. They also have a spin-off series, "The Duchess," with three books releasing in August, September, and October. The duo will be at PopCon Indy 2025, where they will moderate a romantic panel and have sets of "The Duchess" series available for purchase. Order books featured on this podcast direct from 4 Horsemen Publication's website and get 10% all books and 15% off all pre-orders. By buying direct, the authors and the publisher make more money than when you buy from another source. By buying from , you support the author and indie publisher which allows them to keep creating great books. 🔍 Episode Keywords: writing duo, Morgan Monroe, Kate Jenkins, Four Horsemen Publications, Pop Con Indie, Legends of Corellia, Duchess series, RPG games, collaborative writing, book series, character-driven fantasy, political intrigue, romantic subplot, fan fiction, book releases Order tickets for PopCon Indy 2025 at ABOUT MORGAN MOREAU Morgan Moreau’s literary interests encompass various genres, including fantasy, historical fiction, crime and mystery, as well as contemporary fiction. She is an enthusiastic lover of The Little Mermaid, as is evident in her vivid red hair, mermaid tattoos, and ever-growing Ariel collection. Morgan also holds a deep affection for pirates, especially those who “wear fine things well,” though those in possession of jars of dirt will always hold a place in her heart. She lives in Alabama with her dog, Scarlett, and she looks forward to adopting more puppies in the future. Her current passions include higher education, animal rights, and watching the 1995 Pride & Prejudice at least once a month. In addition to her current literary loves, Morgan is a fan of mermaids, vampires, pirates, and superheroes, and she hopes to incorporate this into future works. ABOUT KATE JENKINS Kate D. Jenkins enjoys writing fantasy, Sci-fi and romance as much as she enjoys reading them. She lives in a small town in Idaho with her autistic teen who is her whole world, her parents, and between them, four dogs and eight cats. When not hanging with her son, she loves gaming, especially first person shooters and asymmetrical horror games she can play with friends. She’s a K-pop enthusiast and harbors a secret love of K-dramas and Anime, much to her mother’s displeasure as she’s slowly being sucked into them with her. Her favorite tropes are currently enemies to lovers, there was only one bed, coffee shops, time travel fixes it, and soul mates/soul identifying marks. She is hopeful one day she can talk her co author into writing these with her. ***************************************************************** Available from 4 Horsemen Publications Order Morgan and Kate's books today for 10% off! Follow 4 Horsemen Publications Facebook Instagram YouTube Website TikTok Pinterest ***************************************************************** 📲 Follow and Share Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review Ink Blots: Author Interviews to help more readers and writers discover these amazing conversations. 📢 Hashtags: #InkBlotsPodcast #AuthorInterview #WritersOnWriting #IndieAuthorPodcast #AuthorLife #WritingCommunity #PodcastForWriters #BookishPodcast #MorganMoreau #KateJenkins #4HorsemenPublications #IndieAuthors #CoWritingTeam #WritingPartners #WomenWhoWrite #4HorsemenAuthor #FantasyAuthor #Romantasy
/episode/index/show/4dbe9565-2611-44dd-86c5-a46b7d04f105/id/37091395
info_outline
Erik Deckers 2025 | PopCon Indy
06/20/2025
Erik Deckers 2025 | PopCon Indy
Rob Southgate interviews Eric Deckers, a humor columnist and author, about his upcoming appearance at Indie Pop Con 2025 in Indianapolis. Eric discusses his transition from Indiana to Orlando, his 30-year career in humor writing, and his recent book deals with Four Horsemen Publications. He shares insights into his writing process, influences like PG Wodehouse and Christopher Moore, and his experiences with humor columns. Eric also talks about his books, including "Mackinac Island Nation" and "Wither Utopia," and his love for Indiana's breaded pork tenderloin. Listeners are encouraged to engage with Eric on social media and attend Indie Pop Con to meet him. Order books featured on this podcast direct from 4 Horsemen Publication's website and get 10% all books and 15% off all pre-orders. By buying direct, the authors and the publisher make more money than when you buy from another source. By buying from , you support the author and indie publisher which allows them to keep creating great books. 🔍 Episode Keywords: Eric Deckers, humor columnist, Indie Pop Con 2025, Mackinac Island Nation, Wither Utopia, Four Horsemen Publications, Indiana, Orlando, ghost writing, content marketing, humor writing, Douglas Adams, PG Wodehouse, Christopher Moore, breaded pork tenderloin. Order tickets for PopCon Indy 2025 at ABOUT ERIK DECKERS Erik Deckers is a humor writer who comes to Florida by way of Indiana, “where the real people live.” He grew up wanting to write humor and satire after reading Catch-22, The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy, and Breakfast of Champions. After reading those, his biggest goal was to “speak truth to power and swear in books.” He figured he was a natural because he was already a smart ass and knew how to spell. Erik loves writing humor because he feels dramatic and literary writing is sad as hell, and he refuses to entertain himself with sadness because there’s already enough sadness in life. He has won several editorial awards from the Hoosier State Press Association for his newspaper humor columns. Erik is also a professional ghostwriter, and has co-authored several books on social media marketing, including Branding Yourself, No Bullshit Social Media, and The Owned Media Doctrine. And he is the president of the Kerouac Project of Orlando, and helps run the Writers Of Central Florida Or Thereabouts. When he’s not writing, he enjoys woodworking and visiting used bookstores and independent coffee shops. You can find Erik at , on Twitter at @, and on Instagram at @. ***************************************************************** Available from 4 Horsemen Publications Order Erik's books today for 10% off! Follow 4 Horsemen Publications Facebook Instagram YouTube Website TikTok Pinterest ***************************************************************** 📲 Follow and Share Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review Ink Blots: Author Interviews to help more readers and writers discover these amazing conversations. 📢 Hashtags: #InkBlotsPodcast #AuthorInterview #WritersOnWriting #IndieAuthorPodcast #AuthorLife #WritingCommunity #PodcastForWriters #BookishPodcast #ErikDeckers #4HorsemenPublications #HumorAuthor #SatireWriter #IndieBooks #WritersWhoThink #SmartHumor #CreativeVoices #AmWriting #HumorWriting #SatiricalFiction #AuthorVoice #WritingTips #WritingHumor
/episode/index/show/4dbe9565-2611-44dd-86c5-a46b7d04f105/id/37091380
info_outline
KN Fitzwater 2025 | PopCon Indy
06/18/2025
KN Fitzwater 2025 | PopCon Indy
Magic, Mayhem, and the Writer’s Mind – A Conversation with K.N. Fitzwater This week on Ink Blots, host Rob Southgate sits down with K.N. Fitzwater, a rising voice in speculative fiction from 4 Horsemen Publications. Known for blending fantasy with real-world emotion, Fitzwater opens up about their writing journey, genre-crossing creativity, and the deep themes hidden beneath their magical plots. From building entire worlds to channeling personal experience into page-turning fiction, K.N. delivers an inspiring, thoughtful, and often funny conversation that any writer or reader will love. 🔖 About KN Fitzwater: K.N.Fitzwater was born and raised in the heart of the bluegrass. When she’s not weaving tales from her writing desk, you can find her curled up with her three cats, Tabatha, Blondie, and Richard, reading another fantastic adventure, or puttering around in her little vegetable garden. The Doppelganger Queen is the first of the Silver Fox series. It was made when she was at a crossroads with her career. When she finished the first draft of the book, she realized then her true calling of storytelling and adventure. 📚 Order K.N. Fitzwater’s Books ✨ Take 10% off when you order directly from 4 Horsemen Publications! 👉 🔍 Episode Keywords: K.N. Fitzwater, speculative fiction, fantasy author, character-driven stories, worldbuilding, writing advice, author interview, indie fantasy, 4 Horsemen Publications, writing inspiration, queer authors, magical realism, creative writing podcast, storytelling tips 🔗 Connect with 4 Horsemen Publications: 📲 Don’t Miss a Beat Love discovering new voices in fiction? Subscribe to Ink Blots: Author Interviews, leave us a review, and share this episode with a fellow reader or writer in your life! 📢 Hashtags: #KNFitzwater #SpeculativeFiction #FantasyAuthor #IndieAuthors #AuthorInterview #WritingPodcast #WritingCommunity #4HorsemenPublications #Worldbuilding #BookLovers #QueerAuthors #InkBlotsPodcast #AmWriting #PodcastForWriters #CreativeWritingTips
/episode/index/show/4dbe9565-2611-44dd-86c5-a46b7d04f105/id/37002920