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For over three decades Ellen Datlow has been at the centre of the horror community. She is the queen of editors, the doyenne of anthologisers, the person who gets to declare what is the Best Horror of the Year.

And she has come back to talk to me after I lost the conversation file the first time around…!

That major mishap may have been a blessing in disguise, as since then she has published two standout anthologies, dealing with very different branches of horror. Body Shocks is a bumper collection of extremely nasty body horror; When It Gets Dark is a collection of stories inspired by the life and work of Shirley Jackson. One is icky, one is spooky, one makes you cringe, the other makes you shiver. And both are packed with stellar names. 

As well as discussing these anthologies, we talk about Ellen’s career in horror, how she does what she does, and what words like ‘horror’ and ‘scary’ mean to her. She talks about big names she worked with, and gives us some ideas on who the big names of tomorrow will be.

Oh, and she also lets slip that she collects doll limbs … a perfect little nugget to season this mix.

Enjoy. 

Body Shocks: Extreme Tales of Body Horror is out now from Tachyon Press

When Things Gets Dark: Stories Inspired by Shirley Jackson is out now from Titan Press

Other books mentioned in this episode include:

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