Ink and Riffs—April edition

Ink and Riffs is a regular review series written by me, Citywide Co-Host Max Bowen, to talk about what I’m reading and listening to and why I think it’s awesome. Feel free to send suggestions to citywidemax@yahoo.com.


INK

“Astonishing X-Men” (comic)
Not a current title, but after checking out the adaptation on WebToon, I decided to dive back into this one. I love the sarcastic, witty dialogue, and Joss Whedon really shines as the writer for this series. The different plots come after some really dark storylines (genocide at Genosha and Jean Grey dying) and you can see how it weighs on the team. But hey, it usually works out…right?

Check this out on the Marvel Unlimited app.

“When Shadows Burn” (book)
I’ve been listening to the audiobook of “When Shadows Burn” by Todd Brown and it’s a really captivating tale. Here’s a quick rundown:

In the heart of Raven’s Cross, Virginia, the decaying Scott house looms. Its broken-window eyes watch a town desperate to forget. When Roxy, a teenage girl, vanishes into a sweltering night, long-buried fears erupt, and suspicion turns savage. The townspeople turn on the newcomers, blaming them for what they refuse to face in themselves. As polite smiles crack and old grudges resurface, Raven’s Cross’s genteel mask begins to slip, revealing the rot beneath.

Performer Emily Woo Zeller coneys the story perfectly and has created an array of voices that fit the characters well and just as important, can easily be recognized. Todd’s story doesn’t rush, taking the time to build the scenes, and the suspense, before jumping you when you least expect it.

Get your copy at https://www.toddbrownwrites.net/


RIFFS

“Tissues” (music)
This new from ALT BLK ERA has such a slick vibe to it with a mix of different sounds, creating a great musical atmosphere. I really dug this one, and am excited to check out their upcoming EP, “Our World,” coming out on May 22.

Check out more at www.altblkera.com.

“Labyrinth” (music)
The sound of “Labyrinth” by Zhaklina ft. Anastasia Elliot, is as haunting as it is beautiful, an epic blend of music that builds up as it goes and punches through right to your core. The song focuses on breaking free from the hold of unhealthy patterns and relationships that blur the line between devotion and self-erasure, inspired by the imagery of nightmares and the disorientation of grief, and one can feel the power that flows through it.

You can explore the work of both artists at http://www.zhaklina.com/ and www.beacons.ia/anastasiaelliot 

Ink and Riffs

Ink and Riffs is a regular review series written by me, Citywide Co-Host Max Bowen, to talk about what I’m reading and listening to and why I think it’s awesome. Feel free to send suggestions to citywidemax@yahoo.com.

INK

“Beneath the Trees Where Nobody Sees: Right of Spring” (comic)
This sequel to the 2024 release of this truly addictive title continues the story of Samantha Strong, everyone's favorite brown bear who runs the town hardware store. Just one thing: Samantha’s s serial killer with dozens of bodies buried in the woods, and no one’s safe—even the residents of the town of Woodbrook, where she calls home.
When the sister of one of Samantha’s victims comes to Woodbrook seeking answers, Samantha is only too happy to help….wait, what? Well, this one’s going to be interesting, and I tore through the issues to get to the absolute mind-blowing ending.
Check out more about the series at https://tinyurl.com/4jsrna4y.







“Making it So: A Memoir” (book)
I’ve been loving Patrick Stewart’s autobiography. “Making it So” covers his entire life, beginning with his childhood in the small town of Mirfield, England. I’m at the part where Stewart discovers his love of acting and we begin to see the direction his life is taking.
The book is really amazing. He holds nothing back, giving the reader such detail that it effortlessly paints the picture. He speaks to the good and the bad, such as the difficult home life caused by his father, and how it impacted him years later. Being a fan of Stewart’s work since “Star Trek: The Next Generation,” I was very happy to get this book for my birthday and cannot wait to see what’s on the next page.
You can find this book at your favorite book retailer.

RIFFS

“War Child” (music)
Pop-rock artist Mick Rochford’s “War Child” brings us the story of loss of children in wars. This is a powerful and heartfelt story with a message we should all hear. “You didn’t know my name, but you kill me all the same” is such a strong line, one of many that you find in this single.
Follow Mick on Instagram at rochfordmick.

“Primadonna” (music)
“Primadonna,” by Donna Dafi really drew me in and kept me listening with its strong, eclectic pop sounds. Dafi draws on her German, Nigerian and Albanian roots, and I got a sense of power throughout the song. The music has the kind of energy and passion that can’t be ignored.
Learn more about Donna’s music by following her on Instagram at donnadafi.

Ink and Riffs: Deep sea horrors and fantastic worlds

Ink and Riffs is a regular review series written by me, Citywide Co-Host Max Bowen, to talk about what I’m reading and listening to and why I think it’s awesome. Feel free to send suggestions to citywidemax@yahoo.com. 

“Into the Drowning Deep” (Audiobook)
The audiobook version of this deep-sea horror, written by Mira Grant, had me hooked (no pun intended), right from the beginning as we’re introduced to a found-footage style recording of an attack by mermaids. Yep, that’s what’s happening here.

The story follows Tory Stewart, a sonar specialist who becomes obsessed with mermaids after her sister's disappearance. Tory's sister Anne worked as a reporter for Imagine Entertainment. While filming a mockumentary about mermaids, the crew of Imagine's ship Atargatis vanished. Tory vows to discover the truth about what happened to her sister, and when a second scientific expedition is commissioned to discover what happened, she joins up without hesitation.

Needless to say, things will not go as planned.

The delivery of the story by Christine Lakin is absolutely perfect. Lakin does the different voices effortlessly and really captures the feelings of the story, whether that’s love, sorrow, or bone-cutting fear—especially that last one. I’ve been turned off by lackluster narrations in the past, and this one had the opposite effect. A solid listen to a truly terrifying tale.

“The Hunger and the Dusk” (comic)
I’ve been a fan of fantasy for years, so when I saw the cover of this IDW title, I had to read it. So before I get into G. Willow Wilson’s awesome story, let’s talk about the amazing artwork by Chris Wildgoose.

The art is so damn good, with every color on the palette, laid out to create beautiful, detailed scenes that always capture the attention. I especially liked the diverse character designs, from the clothes to the creatures to the weapons. You can tell Chris is a fantasy aficionado.

Now, onto the story. In a dying world, only humans and orcs remain—mortal enemies battling for territory and political advantage. But when a group of ancient humanoids known as the Vangol arrive from across the sea, the two struggling civilizations are forced into a fragile alliance to protect what they have built.

The tension is high in this series, as humans and orcs fight not only the Vangol, but each other, as they strive to maintain the uneasy peace. This is shown in the relationship between Callum Battlechild, who leads The Last Men Standing, and orcish healer Tara, who both have to speak for their respective races and make this alliance work—because the fate of all rests in the balance.

I recently finished the first volume of the series, and cannot wait to see what happens next.

“Ben Huchenson” (music)
After hearing singer-songwriter Ben Hucheson’s new single “Almost There,” I decided to check out his self-titled 2022 album. Trust me, this one is worth listening to.

Ben’s got an amazing voice, and delivers a lot of stories over the 12 tracks, from a treasured relationship in “Thinking About You” to “Poison,” an upbeat, high-energy tune that warns of someone to watch out for. “Faith” is a really powerful song and my favorite off the album.

The music is really catchy, an easy-listening folk sound that puts one at ease in some tracks and gets the feet tapping in others. I can easily see Ben on a stage, the audience singing along with each song.

Ben’s been singing for some years now, and described as “wise beyond his years” by Julianne Regan (All About Eve). I think that sums it up perfectly. Ben sings with the voice of a seasoned traveler, but with the energy of someone in the early stages of their journey. The stories in the songs are instantly relatable and delivered in a way that you can’t ignore—and you really shouldn’t, because this is one musician to keep an eye on.

New book sends us to a creepy island—with pie

Whatever you do, don’t eat the pie. That’s it. That’s all the warning you get.

In Monique Asher’s new book, “Don’t Eat the Pie,” we’re taken to Camillia Island, where Sam moves her family after her mother-in-law falls ill. All seems well and there’s even a pie competition, until Sam’s daughter Emma begins seeing ghosts who try to warn her of something.

Monique talks about the absolutely amazing cover art and introduces us to the artist who created it. We talk about what inspired the book and her writing process. Monique goes into Camillia Island, what makes it the way it is and the things Emma sees.

And speaking of hauntings , Monique is also the co-host of the “Stay The Night Podcast” and shares her experiences recording the episodes at some of the most haunted places around.

Author’s new book paints a nightmare dreamscape

We’ve all had some pretty intense nightmares, but hey, they’re all dreams, right…..right? Our next guest shares a world where dreams can indeed kill you.

Author Deirdre Swinden joins us to talk about, “Somnium” to through Crystal Lake Entertainment. Here’s a look at what’s in store:

Immerse yourself in a terrifying blend of psychological horror and high-tech science fiction in this riveting novel where dreams can kill. Gillian Hardie experiences nightmares so intense they threaten her very existence, thanks to a glitch in Somnium Corporation’s groundbreaking dream advertising technology. Every night, her sleep unleashes monsters that her body reacts to as if they were real, pushing her to the edge of despair.

Armed with her lucid dreaming skills, Gillian battles these horrors, but when an accident traps her in a perpetual dream state, she must rely on Nathan Keller, a nightmare warrior, and Dex Cooper, an Operator, to navigate this nightmarish reality. With her darkest fears manifesting like never before, Gillian faces a race against time to survive a threat that could unleash unimaginable horrors from the depths of her mind.

Deirdre goes into the creation of her nightmare world, and the terrors that stalk Gillian. We learn about how she blended sci-fi and horror, and how she researched the dream technology that’s used. She talks about the writing process for her debut book and how she came to be working with Crystal Lake Entertainment.

Citywide Bytes—Cold time in the city with new anthology

Let’s face it, cities are just awesome. Whether it’s Boston, Paris, London, they have a life all their own, and sometimes, they wind up as characters in a story.

That’s the premise for our latest Citywide Bytes interview with R.B. Wood, Mike Allen and Xan van Rooyen to talk about “Winter in the City,” a collection of 18 different stories from new and veteran writers from around the world. 

As the book’s editor, R.B. goes into the book’s origins and how he found the many writers, while Mike and Xan talk about their stories and why they chose their particular cities.

The book’s going to be related on Dec. 10 through R.B.’s Ruadán Books and he shares what it means for this to be the company’s debut release.

The debut of Ink and Riffs!

Ink and Riffs is a regular review series written by me, Citywide Co-Host Max Bowen, to talk about what I’m reading and listening to and why I think it’s awesome. Feel free to send suggestions to citywidemax@yahoo.com. 

Proctor Valley Road (comic) — What to do when you just gotta have those Janis Joplin tickets? Well, charging for a trip down a supposedly haunted road seems like a good idea….just so long as it’s not actually haunted.

Writers Grant Morrison (Klaus), Alex Child (BBC’s Holby City) and artist Naomi Franquiz (Tales from Harrow County) have created this singular horror series released by BOOM! Studios. August, Rylee, Cora & Jennie organize a “Spook Tour” on the most haunted stretch of road in America, but when things go south, they not only have to face the monsters, but the town that holds them responsible.

What drew me in wasn’t just the creepy horror atmosphere, but the characters themselves. They all have a deep backstory, such as Cora’s crippling fear of the dark or Jennie’s dream of being an astronaut and taking down the social barriers in her way. You get to know these four well and care about them a lot more when things go south. The art is also really good and Franquiz does a great job at creating a horrifying world that is always getting scarier. 

Check out the comic at https://www.boom-studios.com/series/proctor-valley-road/. 

White Fire (book) — I’ve long been a fan of the Pendergast book series by Douglas Preston and Lincoln Child, and recently picked up where I left off awhile ago. Here’s a quick look at the plot:

“In 1876, in a mining camp called Roaring Fork in the Colorado Rockies, eleven miners were killed by a rogue grizzly bear. Corrie Swanson has arranged to examine the miners' remains. When she makes a shocking discovery, town leaders try to stop her from exposing their community's dark and bloody past.”

As I write this, I’m just about done with the book and it’s been a real pleasure to read. I loved the setting and how it plays into the story. The twists, while not hard to guess this time, were fun to encounter and the different characters are deep and well thought-out. History is often a big part of these books and the look into the town’s past, both good and bad, was one of the more enjoyable aspects.   

If you’re looking to give this a read, visit https://www.prestonchild.com/books/whitefire/. 

Pale Strangers (music) — The self-titled EP by this kickass rock duo is showing a strong start to this new project, formed following a separation of their last band, Rival Bones. 

This is the kind of rock I grew up with, and listening to “Pale Strangers,” I’m reminded of a lot of the bands I love, while at the same time, appreciating the fact that these guys are bringing their own elements to the music. 

The quick and fierce intro leads to “Deep Waters,” amps up fast from the opening chords. “Witches of the Wasteland” is my personal favorite from the album a real wave of sound with a chorus that I can easily see myself singing along to.

The five-track EP brings a lot to the table, with strong, precise instrumentation blended with some powerhouse vocals. This is the kind of music that has you moving right off the bat, and that alone tells me that this is a band worth listening to. 

Hear all the band’s music at https://open.spotify.com/artist/2jvUQiQnxK3uLpj67dwP8N?si=hciGv-HyQ76m1nJpZ8LRRQ. 

 

Joseph Falank combines personal drama with a spooky atmosphere in his newest book

Three couples. A weekend at a secluded lake house. What could go wrong?

Quite a lot, as it turns out. Joseph Falank’s new book, “The Vanishing at Echo Lake” (Oct. 22), combines the each couple’s relationships issues with a mysterious cabin where the living have a tendency to go missing without a trace.

Joseph talks about what inspired the book, not his first in the horror genre, and how he created both the world of the cabin and the people, in a way that makes them matter to the reader. He goes into the force surrounding the cabin and how we learn of its effect on the people there. The book’s set amidst the COVID pandemic and we look at why this was done and how it impacts the story.

Joseph even gives us a sneak peek at his next project, a fantasy story that his daughter helped inspire.

 

John Raposa tries a new genre with “All In The Cards”

When author John Raposa was last on the show, it was in 2017 for his dystopian thriller “Children of Apis” series. Now, he has a new book out, “All In The Cards” and while the book is indeed a thriller, this has a much darker tone. Here’s a look at the synopsis:

Danny and Leigh are your typical teenagers until a mystical deck of cards comes into their possession. What started as an innocent visit to a gypsy's tent results in a decision that alters the path of their lives.

For Danny, the cards are both intriguing and addictive. To Leigh, they have a dark quality that should have been left alone. As the lives of Danny and Leigh unfold, the cards' sinister nature begins to emerge, and their dark powers have a chilling reach.

As the cards' predictions are revealed, Danny and Leigh are forced to question everything they thought they knew. Are the cards really predicting their future, or is it all mere coincidence? And what is the true purpose of this sinister deck?

In this episode, John, Curtis and Max talk about where the idea for the book came from, and his use of a regular deck of playing cards for this dark presence. John goes into the new experiences he had in the writing process for a psychological thriller and how he developed his main characters.

Five By Five: From fandom to first novel, C.L. Kelley explores the world of vampires in “Corpus”

By Max Bowen

As the old saying goes, write what you know.

C.L. Kelley is a longtime fan of vampires and in her debut book, “Corpus,” (Torrid Waters, Aug. 16) she puts her own mark on the genre. Here’s a look at what’s in store.

Nameless, powerful beings, lost in their hunger and forgotten pasts, roam the streets after sunset. But an awakening stirs within them, sharpening their minds and unearthing memories of a dark history and an even darker future.

This chilling foray into vampire fiction pits the hunter against the hunted in a world brimming with supernatural horror and action. The plot thickens with the presence of shapeshifters, adding layers of unpredictability to the already tense atmosphere. Even the seasoned monster hunters find themselves outmatched by these evolving adversaries. The once comforting break of dawn no longer signifies safety.

C.L. Shares what inspired the story, as well as how the vast world of vampires helped (or hindered) the writing process. She talks about some favorite scenes as well as the role of the monster hunters.

You’ve got a pretty complex story here. Did it change much from the initial concept?
The overall concept of the story stayed the same, but what changed was the scope. I don't think I understood how tricky it would be to juggle multiple POVs that were all alien minds whose motivations would be removed from normal humans. I also had to make sure I gave each of the vampire characters distinct personality traits within their inhumanity that would still be relatable, while still not making them too sympathetic. It also became a lot more action-oriented with each rewrite, which is not something I usually gravitate toward, but as someone who enjoys plenty of video games and action movies, was very fun to write.

What about the vampire theme made this your choice for a debut novel?
I've always been interested in vampires, and when I conceived the story, the world was fresh off the popularity of the “Twilight” franchise, and going back even further than that, “Interview with the Vampire.” I wanted to take vampires back to their roots as barely sapient grave things. The film “Near Dark” was a solid touchstone for me. Although my vampires are more explicitly supernatural, I liked how the film showed vampires as dirty drifters who fundamentally could not function in society or hide what they were for very long. And then I wanted to build them up from there, make them evolve into something greater and more dangerous.

Vampire fiction has had so many different stories over the years. Was that a help or a hindrance with your book?
It was a help in that I had a lot of rich inspiration to draw from, and it was a hindrance in that I didn't want to retread old ground or do something that someone else had already done better. I had read a LOT of vampire fiction over the years, and I had also watched a lot of films. I knew that it would be a fool's errand to try and create something that was completely free of those influences, but I wanted to say something that I felt at the very least had not been said before. I wanted to explore different corners of the “vampire's experience,” so to speak. What was it like to lose your identity? Your sense of community and bodily integrity? And how could you get those back in a way that wasn't the old way, but working with the new you?

Is there a favorite scene?
I have a few, and I'll try to word them in a way that won't give too much away. The introduction of the female vampire is a favorite, in that it operates almost like it's own self-contained mini-story. I like the first look we get at one of the vampires' lairs and how he collects his trophies. All the action sequences were a blast. I felt like a kid playing with my action figures again! I'm particularly proud of the climax, because that was tricky to write and it required a lot of work.

Who are the monster hunters in the book and what role will they play?
We quickly find out in our story that the monster hunters aren't the “good guys” but neither are they “bad guys” either. Just like the vampires, they operate within their own code of morality and what is considered a “good” outcome for their actions. With each rewrite, I expanded these characters more and more, giving them each their own quirks and powers, while still keeping them mysterious figures from the point of view of the vampires. Coming up with all the insidious ways they've worked to counteract different vampire abilities was enjoyable, especially as a long time superhero nerd who had plenty of “which power would beat who?” conversations.

“The Thing in the Wind” takes readers on a walk through a haunted woods

With his new book, Bill Mullen is making the pivot from thriller to horror. “The Thing in the Wind” goes on a dark journey through the Canadian wilderness, but there’s a lot more to it. The book is now available through Crystal Lake Entertainment, here’s a look at the story:

A search party stumbles upon an unspeakable horror that threatens both their lives and sanity.

In the heart of the Canadian wilderness, a harrowing tale of survival and psychological horror unfolds in this gripping novel. Amidst the vast, unforgiving landscape, a woman’s world is shattered by the mysterious disappearance of her mother in the remote reaches of northern Saskatchewan. Along with her father and a small, determined search party, she embarks on a desperate quest for answers, only to encounter an unspeakable terror lurking in the shadows of the ancient forests.

As the group navigates the treacherous wilderness, their journey becomes a chilling fight for survival against not only the harsh elements but also a malevolent force that defies explanation. Haunted by eerie premonitions and the feeling of being stalked by an unseen entity, they begin to realize that they are facing a horror far beyond their wildest imaginations.

Bill, Curtis and Max talk about the origins of the book and the work that went into it from a research and story building perspective. Bill shares his love of horror and how it went going from his thriller “Red Nocturne,” to a much darker tale. He also goes into the location for the book and how this shapes the story to come.

 

Citywide Bytes: NecronomiCon—the home of weird fiction literature

Ken Vaughn

Who here likes weird fiction? Wow, that’s a lot of hands. Ok then, listen up, because NecronomiCon Providence is the place for you!

In this episode of Citywide Bytes, Ken Vaughn, director of core programming for this bi-annual showcase, talks about the panels, guest speakers, special events and much more that await those eager to check out this weird and fun convention. We spotlight the guests of honor and Ken talks about the work to bring them all together.

We also look at how this event has grown over the years from its inception in the 90s to what it has become today. NeconomiCon takes place from August 15-18 in Providence, Rhode Island at the Omni Hotel.

Thomas Smith takes on an imaginative journey with “Other Places”

Horror author Thomas Smith has written some wildly terrifying tales over the years, and in his new horror collection, “Other Places” (Cemetery Dance), he brings us 16 different stories, all in his signature style.

In this interview, Thomas talks about the phone call from friend of the show Kevin Lucia that got this book rolling, and how he created each story. We learn which was the most fun to write, and get a peek at some of the themes and ideas he incorporated.

We look at the dedication to fellow horror writer Joe Cherkes and the history between the two that led to Thomas choosing Joe for this honor. Thomas talks about his own type of writing and what he hopes the reader gets out of it—and you may be surprised by what he has to say.

Richard Farren Barber’s new book gives a fresh take on the dead

Richard Farren Barber is the author of dozens of books, novellas and short stories over 30 years, and in this episode, we see his creative spirit at work in “One of the Dead,” released through Crystal Lake Entertainment.

In this episode, Curtis and Max talk with Richard about what inspired a story wherein the undead look just like us and spread, not through devouring the living, but by stealing their life force by touch. We meet Nick, the protagonist and learn how he must fight the living dead when they go after his girlfriend Abby, a task that he is wholly unprepared for.

Richard shares the inspiration for the creepy-as-hell cover for “One of the Dead,” which features a figure in yellow wandering through a graveyard. Speaking of settings, the locations for the book came from Nottingham, where Richard has lived for many years and he talks about how they influence the story.

 

Amanda Blake shares the meal to end all meals in “Question Not My Salt”

Ever been to a dinner and you just know it’s going to go badly? Well, you may have a new perspective after reading Amanda Blake’s extreme horror story, “Question Not My Salt,” available through Crystal Lake Entertainment. Here’s a little taste of what’s in store:

“Sierra's first American Thanksgiving promises to be unforgettable when her college roommate, Zoe, invites her to the Samuels family feast. But as the ten-hour banquet unfolds, it becomes clear this is no ordinary holiday gathering. With everyone bound by a chilling rule—eat and drink exactly as served, and enjoy it, or face dire consequences—the traditional celebration quickly takes a dark and macabre turn.”

Amanda joins us to talk about how this book came to be and some inspiration received from greats like “Hannibal” and “The Texas Chainsaw Massacre.” This began as a short story and we go into how it grew into the 150-page book it is now, as well as how Amanda likes to pace the more intense scenes.

As they say, ‘don’t judge a book by its cover,’ but the art for “Question Not My Salt” gets a lot of talk as we dive into this macabre design. Amanda talks about how the characters of Zoe, Sierra and Mother all fit in and how Sierra handles this rather unexpected family dinner.

Citywide Bytes-Nick Roberts sinks his teeth into “Mean Spirited”

They say you should never judge a book by its cover, but in the case of Nick Roberts’ new release, “Mean Spirited,” it’s that wonderfully terrifying art that captures the feel of this new horror story. The book is released through Crystal Lake Entertainment.

Released just a day before this recording, the story centers on how an alcoholic teacher and father’s world spirals out of control when a former student is killed and he is left with her dog and the dark presence that follows it.

Nick and Max talk about the creation of Matt Matheny and why Nick went this type of character, as well as how he handles the challenges that await. His ex-wife, Lucy, also plays a role and we look at how the two work together to unravel what is going on. 

We discuss the dog, Conehead, and get a glimpse into the darkness that follows him. Nick also talks about the amazing cover art and the different aspects of the book that it captures.

The Pastor of Horror returns with a found footage nightmare

Ezekiel Kincaid, known as “The Pastor of Horror” and “The Paranormal Pastor” returns to the show to talk about his new book. “The Tetromet Tapes,” a part of his ongoing Tetromet Universe.

Set in 1990 in a small town in Louisiana, the book adapts the found footage movie style as a literary device. Five 12-year-old boys find some VHS tapes in the trash can of their neighbor, Edgar Craddock. The sickening footage leads the five friends down a rabbit hole of shadows and darkness, seeking to discover the truth around an ancient cult, a haunted road, and Edgar Craddock.

Ezekiel and Max dive into just what is on the tapes and where the footage leads the boys. He talks about Edgar Craddock, a character which plays a wider role in the Tetromet Universe. We also learn about the five boys, who reflect Ezekiel’s childhood friends, and how their different personas drive the story.

The book is currently out on Amazon and Godless, an e-book publisher launched three years ago and Ezekiel shares how he came to work with them. And of course, no horror conversation is complete without talking about the book’s epic cover.

Zombies and dream horror in Crystal Lake double-header

In this episode, we’re talking to four of the horrific minds behind two recent releases by Crystal Lake Publishing: “Never Wake: An Anthology of Dream Horror” and “Dark Tide 10: The Dead Shall Rise.”

In the first interview, Max talks with Kenneth Cain and Tim Meyer, the editors of this collection of short stories with a dream horror theme. We talk about what dream horror is and how the different authors express it in their stories.

Kenneth and Tim go into the editing process and how they worked with the different authors to improve their work while at the same time preserving their original voice. We talk about the book’s cover art, which has a wonderfully trippy cover.

Following this, Max and Curtis are chatting with Armand Rosamilia and Erin Louis, two of the three writers who contributed to ‘The Dead Shall Rise,” a collection of zombie stories. Jay Wilburn, who wrote “Prepare Because Death is Coming” passed away in 2022. Armand and Erin talk about Jay’s story and their experience with him as a writer and friend.

We also go into their stories—Armand’s has a family on vacation when the zombie apocalypse breaks out and Erin’s main character Tiffney leading a group of survivors at a strip club assaulted by the living dead. Both talk about their interest in zombies and the new directions that this book took them in.

Being in front of and behind the camera with Tonya Todd

For my next guest, between all she does on set, behind the camera and behind the mic, I’m glad she found the time to talk with me. This episode features Las Vegas-based actress, podcaster and writer Tonya Todd.

Tonya and I dive into her various projects, starting with her work on the series “Dark Ops,” which is on Knight TV+. Dark Ops follows the inner workings of the FBI's Behavior Analysis Unit 2 whose mission is to hunt down and dismantle ransomware crime syndicates global and we take a close look at Tonya’s character Senator Anne. This is a part she had little time to prepare for, and we talk about how she got into character, as well as the ways that she made Senator Anne her own.

Tonya is also working on the short film “Mourning Sacrifice,” wherein a detective helps a woman find her missing husband. This film is Tonya’s directorial debut, and it’s also based on a short story she wrote. She shares the casting process, how the characters changed the story, as well as being in the big chair for the first time.

Legends and myths tie together a three-story horror collection

It’s that time of year, so what better to talk about than a three-story release form Crystal Lake Publishing? “Dark Tide 9: An Unholy Triquetera,” features new works by William Meikle, Curtis M. Lawson, and Jason Parent.

Jason joins us to talk about his story, “A Knot Within a Knot,” in which the survivor of a plane crash finds himself going from bad to worse. Meanwhile, an elderly woman faces off against a god of night and his steed from the confines of her airplane seat, while another hides from night and storm in the hope of a new dawn.

Jason, Curtis and I talk about how this book got its start and the different stories done by Parent, Lawson and Meikle as well as the different myths and legends that each writer utilizes.