🎙️ Exploring the Depths of Horror Writing with Aaron Dries!

We talk with horror author Aaron Dries and we dive into the murky, eye opening and transformative waters of storytelling.

In this episode, we discuss the importance of gratitude in creative communities, the challenges of navigating writing conferences, and the significance of giving back to the writing world. 

Aaron shares insights from his unique narrative journey in Dirty Heads, touching on themes of nostalgia, authenticity, and the role of personal experiences in shaping compelling characters.

We explore how vulnerability fosters deep connections between writers and readers, and why a supportive community is essential for growth. 

Don’t miss this opportunity to learn about the balance between life and art, the value of mentorship, and how to embrace authenticity in your writing process. Tune in for a conversation rich in inspiration and insight! 

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to the Podcast and Welcome to Aaron Dries!

03:15 Gratitude and Community Support

09:12 Navigating Conferences and Building Connections

14:29 The Importance of Giving Back in the Writing Community

18:27 Feeding Creativity and Setting Boundaries

27:36 Discussion on 'Dirty Heads' and Unique Narrative Structure

36:05 Exploring Nostalgia in Storytelling

43:57 The Complexity of Writing Authentic Characters

49:20 The Writing Process: Finding Flow and Inspiration

56:49 Confrontation and Authenticity in Writing

62:40 The Impact of Personal Experience on Writing

69:05 Navigating Vulnerability and Community in Writing

81:03 Overcoming Fear and Embracing Opportunities

84:12 The Power of Mentorship and Vulnerability

90:05 Writing as Self-Care and Authenticity

100:15 The Importance of Diverse Voices in Literature

110:26 Closing Thoughts and Future Aspirations

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Join us in this captivating episode as we chat with paranormal romance author K.E. Turner, known for her spicy stories that blend history, romance, and the supernatural. Discover how K.E. balances her writing career with daily life, all while exploring vital themes of mental health and creativity.

• Writing Process: K.E. shares her approach to crafting relatable characters and intimate scenes, emphasizing emotional connection over physical details.
• Historical Inspiration: Learn how her love for history shapes her narratives and influences her unique world-building in paranormal romance.
• Mental Health Matters: We discuss the importance of mental health and self-care in maintaining creativity, alongside the impact of life events on her writing process.
• Navigating Challenges: K.E. opens up about the struggles of social media, marketing, and the pressure of being an influencer in today’s literary landscape.
• Personal Narratives: Explore the significance of tarot cards in her creative journey and how her favorite books have influenced her writing.
• Recognition & Future Plans: Hear about K.E.'s proud moment of winning the Ruby Award and her exciting plans for diversifying her writing portfolio.

• Romance novels provide a platform for exploring complex human relationships and emotions.
• Authenticity is essential for connecting with readers and building genuine relationships.
• Historical accuracy and research play a critical role in shaping narratives.
• Downtime is vital for fostering creativity and inspiration.
• K.E. shares valuable tips for aspiring authors in the paranormal romance genre.

• 00:00 Introduction to Authors and Writing Careers
• 05:03 The Influence of Spicy Romance Novels on Readers and Relationships
• 09:59 The Financial Realities of Writing Careers and Mental Health Support
• 18:02 The Importance of Open Conversations About Sex and Mental Health
• 23:13 The Impact of Life Events on Mental Health and Creativity
• 30:28 The Influence of Tarot Cards and Personal Narratives
• 55:16 Favorite Books and Historical Inspiration
• 01:31:29 Understanding Male Perspectives in Intimate Scenes
• 01:47:20 Tips for Aspiring Authors in Paranormal Romance

Tune in to A Sense of Wonder - The Podcast on Apple Podcasts and Spotify for an insightful and entertaining conversation with K.E. Turner that will inspire both readers and aspiring writers alike!

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🎙️ Join us for a powerful conversation that dives deep into the heart of horror!

In this episode, we celebrate 'Women in Horror' Month and explore the incredible contributions of women to the genre.

We discuss the transformative power of horror writing, uncovering how it serves as a cathartic outlet to tackle deep, meaningful themes. 

But that’s not all!

We’ll delve into the importance of community and inclusivity in the arts, highlighting how supportive networks empower writers and artists alike. 

Get ready to confront the challenges of comparison and self-sabotage that can stifle creativity, and learn how to cultivate presence, boundaries, and self-discovery to enhance your mental well-being and creative energy.

We’ll also touch on the value of short stories, the emotional weight of personal experiences in storytelling, and the impact of current events on mental health and creativity. 

Listen as Lauren Elise (L.E.) Daniels shares her insights on the Mental Health Initiative for the Horror Writers Association and discusses triggers, post-traumatic growth, and the vital role of community in the horror genre. 

Plus, we’ve throw in some fun chat about favourite horror movies and what inspires our writing journeys!

Whether you’re a seasoned writer or a horror enthusiast, this episode is packed with authenticity, vulnerability, and invaluable tips for aspiring horror writers. Don’t miss it! 

✨ Tune in now and be part of a conversation that celebrates creativity, resilience, and the dark beauty of storytelling!

Chapters

• 00:00 Celebrating 'Women in Horror' Month
• 07:00 Community and Inclusivity in the Arts
• 40:18 The Impact of Personal Experiences on Writing
• 47:29 Navigating Situational Distress and Trauma
• 56:36 The Power of Authentic Storytelling
• 01:03:02 Favourite Horror Movies and Writing Inspirations
• 01:11:19 Writing from Personal Pain and Healing
• 01:17:14 Mental Health Initiative for Horror Writers Association
• 01:24:19 Triggers, Post-Traumatic Growth, and Community in Horror Writing
• 01:37:29 Advice for Aspiring Horror Writers

In episode 2, 2026, hosts, Selina and Jarryd talk traditional publishing with Dianna Evans of Bushland Castle Productions.

We cover practicing gratitude, feeding or fouling our creativity, active mindfulness, creating a publishing company, and supporting writers and their stories.

We get into ways to balance creativity and personal life, the influence of mindfulness on creativity, the connection to childlike wonder and inspiration, and our favourite genres and reading habits.

We share share insights on self-care, mindfulness, and the impact of childhood influences on our creative work, researching book covers for self-publication, the challenges of writing and coaching, and the details of a speculative fiction novella series due for release later in 2026.

Takeaways

• Practicing gratitude
• Feeding or fouling
• Active mindfulness
• Creating a publishing company
• Supporting writers and their stories Self-care and balance in creative work
• Influence of mindfulness on creativity Diverse Reading Preferences
• Challenges of Writing and Coaching
• Otherworldly Emergence Speculative Fiction Novella Series from Bushland Castle Productions

Chapters

• 00:00 Introduction and Podcast Overview
• 34:12 Active Mindfulness
• 40:29 Creating a Publishing Company
• 49:01 Supporting Writers and Their Stories
• 55:09 Influence of Mindfulness on Creativity
• 01:04:15 Childlike Wonder and Inspiration
• 01:14:15 Favorite Genre and Reading Habits
• 01:33:13 Challenges of Writing and Coaching
• 01:53:46 Speculative Fiction Novella Series

In episode 1 of A Sense of Wonder, hosts Selina and Jarryd explore the importance of creativity, mental health, and the writing process.

They discuss gratitude, the role of nostalgia in emotional resilience, and the intricacies of writing coaching. The episode emphasises the significance of self-care for creatives and the responsibility authors have in representing their genres authentically.

Through personal anecdotes and professional insights, the hosts aim to inspire listeners to reconnect with their sense of wonder and creativity.

In this engaging conversation, Selina and Jarryd explore the intricacies of writing across various genres, the importance of understanding genre expectations, particularly in romance and horror.

They discuss the elements that make horror effective, the intersection of comedy and horror, and the influence of acting on writing.

The conversation also goes down some unexpected paths and into the significance of emotional memory in character development, the role of dialogue, and the benefits of feedback in the writing process.

Additionally, they touch on the importance of mental health in character portrayal and the creative use of writing prompts to overcome writer's block.

Takeaways

• Gratitude - what are you grateful for?
• Tools of the Trade Research and accuracy are crucial in writing to ensure the representation of characters, settings, and experiences.
• Sensitivity readers play a vital role in providing feedback and ensuring cultural and experiential accuracy in writing. Acting classes can benefit writers
• Emotional memory work can deepen character development

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to A Sense of Wonder Podcast

00:29 Practicing Gratitude: Finding Joy in Difficult Times

01:59 Genres and Author Responsibilities

45:59 Exploring Paranormal and Romance Genres

48:53 The Impact of Acting on Writing

51:44 The Art of Understanding Characters

54:51 Emotional Memory in Writing

57:11 The Importance of Dialogue

58:57 Becoming a Fiction Book Coach

01:03:51 The Influence of Mental Health on Writing

01:08:43 Exploring Writing Prompts