Join Kait Armada and CJ as they discuss their recent reading of Lindy Ryan's horror novel Dollface, sharing their thoughts on the plot, writing style, and their favorite horror moments. They also delve into upcoming book plans, horror movie references, and the challenges of balancing creativity with daily life.

Grab your copy of Dollface here: https://bookshop.org/a/94484/9781250888914

Grab your copy of Wolf Worm here: https://bookshop.org/a/94484/9781250829825

Make sure to follow Dark Side of the Word on Instagram to stay up to date. And make sure to comment, rate, and subscribe to help other listeners find their next book. 

CJ: 

Blog - https://www.wellreadtart.com/

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/awellreadtart/

Bookshop Affiliate: https://bookshop.org/shop/awellreadtart 

Kait:

Blog - https://darksideoftheword.com/

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/kaitarmada/

Bookshop Affiliate: https://bookshop.org/shop/darksideoftheword 

00:00 Opening

03:19

Upcoming Adaptations and Literary Discussions

08:54

The Power of Publicity Teams

09:32

Exploring Dollface: A Unique Horror Novel

10:22

Content Warnings and Reader Expectations

12:53

Character Reflections: Jill and Her Journey

14:26

Themes of Beauty and Horror

17:55

Suspense and Reader Engagement

19:51

Writing Style and Literary Critique

27:45

Appreciating the Good Amidst the Flaws

34:09

Exploring Horror Elements in Literature

37:04

The Art of Writing Disturbing Scenes

40:16

Evaluating the Author's Future Works

41:54

Previewing Next Month's Book: Wolf Worm

In this episode, Kait and CJ dive into various topics surrounding literature, including their personal writing journeys, the impact of cultural representation in writing, and the joys of creative hobbies like embroidery. They discuss significant updates in the publishing industry, including the rise of AI and its implications for authors and publishers. The conversation also touches on exciting adaptations of popular literary works and Scholastic's new approach to engaging young readers with faster-paced, illustrated middle-grade books. Throughout, they emphasize the importance of reading and creativity in today's digital age. For the book club, they chat about How to Fake a Haunting, covering the cover art, character dynamics, and the emotional depth of the narrative. They analyze the role of trauma and realism in horror, particularly focusing on themes of alcoholism and co-parenting. The discussion also touches on the scare factor of the book, psychological insights, and future reading plans, highlighting the complexity of the characters and the unique approach to ghost stories.

Grab your copy of How to Fake a Haunting here: https://bookshop.org/a/94484/9781662530746

Grab your copy of A Box Full of Darkness here: https://bookshop.org/a/94484/9780593200414

Make sure to follow Dark Side of the Word on Instagram to stay up to date. And make sure to comment, rate, and subscribe to help other listeners find their next book. 

CJ: 

Blog - https://www.wellreadtart.com/

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/awellreadtart/

Bookshop Affiliate: https://bookshop.org/shop/awellreadtart 

Kait:

Blog - https://darksideoftheword.com/

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/kaitarmada/

Bookshop Affiliate: https://bookshop.org/shop/darksideoftheword 

00:00

Introduction to Book Discussions

01:56

Writing Updates and Personal Life

07:53

Book News and Industry Insights

13:48

The Impact of AI on Publishing

21:40

Brandon Sanderson's Adaptations

27:29

Scholastic's New Approach to Middle Grade Books

34:34

Diving into How to Fake a Haunting

42:56

Exploring Themes of Trauma and Haunting

52:26

Realism in Horror: A Discussion on Relationships

01:00:05

Looking Ahead: Future Reads and Recommendations

Grab your copy of Spread Me here: https://bookshop.org/a/94484/9781250387332

In this episode, Kait and CJ return for season four of their podcast, discussing their health challenges, personal updates, and the changes coming to the show. They share their reading experiences, including joining a book club and exploring new genres. The hosts also delve into the impact of Baker and Taylor's closure on libraries and the rising costs of e-books. Throughout the conversation, they emphasize the importance of community, creativity, and support in their writing journeys. They dive into dicussing Spread Me by Sarah Gailey, sharing their contrasting opinions on the book’s themes, character arcs, and overall enjoyment. 

Make sure to follow Dark Side of the Word on Instagram to stay up to date. And make sure to comment, rate, and subscribe to help other listeners find their next book. 

CJ: 

Blog - https://www.wellreadtart.com/

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/awellreadtart/

Bookshop Affiliate: https://bookshop.org/shop/awellreadtart 

Kait:

Blog - https://darksideoftheword.com/

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/kaitarmada/

Bookshop Affiliate: https://bookshop.org/shop/darksideoftheword 

00:00

Introduction and Season 4 Kickoff

01:22

Personal Updates and Health Struggles

16:21

Writing Progress and Creative Journeys

19:23

Overcoming Creative Blocks

25:00 

Book News

44:42

Diving into Spread Me: Expectations vs. Reality

53:19

Exploring Themes of Desire and Identity

01:04:12

Critique of Character Development

01:10:54

Exploring Themes of Gender and Language

01:12:50

Final Thoughts and Next Book Discussion

Grab your copy of Man, F*ck This House here! https://bookshop.org/a/94484/9798212638388

In this in-depth conversation, Brian Asman discusses his latest book, Man, F*ck This House, a book filled with the classic horror style that we know and love. Many of the stories could easily be turned into movies. From first self-publishing the title, to its success and eventual traditional release, Asman doesn’t hold back on spilling the book’s journey. Asman covers what’s changed in the new release, how he picked the additional short stories, and his inspiration. But we didn’t make this interview easy. We hit hard with the questions about what he read as a kid, what keeps him up at night, and all things horror movies. There might even be a scary spider story thrown in as well. And be worn, CJ and I dig deep with Man, F*ck This House, and make Asman spill all the story’s secrets, so come prepared because there are spoilers. 

Find Brian Asman here -

Website: https://brianasmanbooks.com/?srsltid=AfmBOoqjjVHqRlHqy_L_RntZdzf64BxJaAEo2y7Gx6Cjuizu3_l7EhSc

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thebrianasman/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/brian.asman.14/

IMBD: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm11836452/?ref_=nv_sr_srsg_0

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/17223300.Brian_Asman

Make sure to follow Dark Side of the Word on Instagram to stay up to date. And make sure to comment, rate, and subscribe to help other listeners find their next book. 

CJ: 

Blog - https://www.wellreadtart.com/

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/awellreadtart/

Bookshop Affiliate: https://bookshop.org/shop/awellreadtart 

Kait:

Blog - https://darksideoftheword.com/

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/kaitarmada/

Bookshop Affiliate: https://bookshop.org/shop/darksideoftheword 

00:00Introduction to Brian Asman and His Works

02:33Exploring 'Man F*ck This House' and Its Themes

05:29Character Analysis: Damien and the House

08:32The Role of Humor in Horror

11:30Doppelgangers and Their Significance

14:36The Evolution of Horror Tropes

17:27Visual Storytelling in Horror Literature

22:27Engaging Readers Through Visualization

25:22Desensitization to Horror

29:05Exploring Indie Horror Literature

32:12Urban Legends and Their Influence

37:26Balancing Horror with Hope

41:15Behind the Tire Swing: A Journey of Creation

44:29Personal Horror Stories

49:27The Evolution of 'Man, Fuck This House'

55:23Self-Publishing Success and Industry Changes

01:00:25The Future of Horror Literature

Grab your copy of What Stalks the Deep here! https://bookshop.org/a/94484/9781250354921In this engaging conversation, T. Kingfisher discusses her latest release for the Sworn Soldier series, What Stalks the Deep. From fairytales to horror, Kingfisher has a way of injecting whimsy into all of her writing. Her latest edition is no different — there might have been a few tears at the end. We go over her entire publishing journey, from her start in children’s books to why she made the switch to her more adult-oriented titles, including why she goes by the pen name T. Kingfisher. She also shares insights into her creative process, the importance of research, and the emotional depth of her characters. Then we get a boost of inspiration in hearing about her self-publishing journey. A treat for anyone who loves her writing, our Kingfisher interview is a treat for the writers and the readers. Find T. Kingsiher (Ursula Vernon) Here - Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/redwombatstudio/?hl=enWebsite: https://redwombatstudio.com/Online Short Stories: https://redwombatstudio.com/short-stories/Artwork: https://redwombatstudio.com/other-works/Make sure to follow Dark Side of the Word on Instagram to stay up to date. And make sure to comment, rate, and subscribe to help other listeners find their next book. CJ: Blog - https://www.wellreadtart.com/Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/awellreadtart/Bookshop Affiliate: https://bookshop.org/shop/awellreadtart Kait:Blog - https://darksideoftheword.com/Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/kaitarmada/Bookshop Affiliate: https://bookshop.org/shop/darksideoftheword Introduction to T. Kingfisher02:02Exploring the Whimsy in Horror04:02The Journey from Children's Books to Horror08:16The Transition to Self-Publishing10:38The Significance of Pen Names13:56Finding Inspiration and Creativity17:57Video Games as a Source of Inspiration19:53The Importance of Research in Writing26:09Creating Sympathetic Monsters29:37Logical Extremes in Horror Writing34:35The Intersection of Engineering and Writing38:12Future of the Sworn Soldier Series43:19Cultural Workarounds and Gender Dynamics46:08Character Development and Acceptance of the Supernatural49:34Writing Style and Historical Fiction54:47The Essence of Storytelling and Historical Accuracy01:01:18Dream Jobs and Fascination with Entomology

Grab your copy of The Late-Night Witches here: https://bookshop.org/a/94484/9780593818558

It’s time to dive into our next book club read, The Late-Night Witches by Auralee Wallace — a great cozy read as we enter the “ber” months. We cover all aspects, from why it falls under the category of a dark cozy book, to why we love the Practical Magic influences, and the reasons we will be recommending it to people. In addition, we discuss the latest bookish news, what we’ve been consuming, and updates on our creative journeys. Want to continue the conversation with us? Make sure to comment below or DM us on Instagram. 

Make sure to follow Dark Side of the Word on Instagram to stay up to date. And make sure to comment, rate, and subscribe to help other listeners find their next book. 

Pumpkin Bread Recipe: https://www.wellreadtart.com/cinnamon-sugar-pumpkin-bread/

Sworn Soldier Reviews: 

Book 1 - https://youtu.be/zfB5sM2N13k

Book 2 - https://youtu.be/S2mjLx3ZOOA

CJ: 

Blog - https://www.wellreadtart.com/

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/awellreadtart/

Bookshop Affiliate: https://bookshop.org/shop/awellreadtart 

Kait:

Blog - https://darksideoftheword.com/

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/kaitarmada/

Bookshop Affiliate: https://bookshop.org/shop/darksideoftheword 

00:00

Introduction and Bookish News

04:32

Discussion on New Releases

16:15

Writing Journeys

20:33

Navigating Grief and Creativity

28:09

Writing Progress and Goals

30:15

Book Club Discussion Starts

41:51

Character Development and Reader Engagement

43:28

Pacing and Plot Progression

45:02

Convenience in Storytelling

49:26

Chick Lit vs. Fantasy

54:29

Palette Cleansers in Reading

57:00

Announcing our next episode

Grab your copy of this episode’s book An Academy for Liars here: https://bookshop.org/a/94484/9780593638323

In this episode, we discuss CJ’s latest content obsessions while Kait dives into her new book tracker and winning the game CJ didn’t even know she was competing in. Then we dive into discussing our book club pick, An Academy for Liars. We discuss Henderson’s setting, her character development, plot devices, and her possible inspiration for the book. 

Make sure to follow Dark Side of the Word on Instagram to stay up to date. And make sure to comment, rate, and subscribe to help other listeners find their next book. 

CJ: 

Blog - https://www.wellreadtart.com/

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/awellreadtart/

Bookshop Affiliate: https://bookshop.org/shop/awellreadtart 

Kait:

Blog - https://darksideoftheword.com/

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/kaitarmada/

Bookshop Affiliate: https://bookshop.org/shop/darksideoftheword 

00:00

Opening

04:40

Exploring New Shows: The Hunting Wives and North of North

07:48

Book Recommendations: Everyone Is Lying to You

10:47

Nightmares and Plot Twists: The Writer's Mind

13:57

Writing Progress and Book Tracking

21:30

The Colorful Book Tracker

24:19

Authenticity in Book Reviews

27:21

Diving into 'An Academy of Liars'

46:00

Harry Potter Vibes and YA Comparisons

52:12

Standalone vs. Series: The Dilemma

58:30

Final Thoughts and Ratings

Grab your copy of this episode’s book Will My Cat Eat My Eyeballs here: https://bookshop.org/a/94484/9780393358490

In this episode, we change things up by discussing our favorite movies, shows, and books from the first half of the year (even though CJ cheats). We then dive into this episode’s book, Will My Cat Eat My Eyeballs by Caitlin Doughty. And since this was a nonfiction book, we added in our own morbidly curious questions. Share your answers below. 

Grab your copy of next episode’s book An Academy for Liar here: https://bookshop.org/a/94484/9780593638309

Podcast Episode / Bat Eater and Other Names for Cora Zeng: https://youtu.be/MwhYn3AMkBY

Make sure to follow Dark Side of the Word on Instagram to stay up to date. And make sure to comment, rate, and subscribe to help other listeners find their next book. 

CJ: 

Blog - https://www.wellreadtart.com/

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/awellreadtart/

Bookshop Affiliate: https://bookshop.org/shop/awellreadtart 

Kait:

Blog - https://darksideoftheword.com/

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/kaitarmada/

Bookshop Affiliate: https://bookshop.org/shop/darksideoftheword 

00:00

Opening

05:38

Favorite Horror Books of the Year

08:37

20:08

Favorite Movies and Their Impact

22:53

Diving into Favorite Shows

26:40

Discussion on Will My Cat Eat My Eyeballs?

29:53

Humor and Death: A Unique Perspective

33:37

Humor in Death: Space Corpses and Parodies

41:26

Morbid Curiosity Q&A: Engaging with Death

In this episode, Kait and CJ discuss their recent reads, including Home is Where the Bodies Are and delve into the complexities of family dynamics portrayed in literature. The conversation also touches on podcast recommendations for escapism, the evolution of horror, and the nuances of age gaps in young adult literature. Through their lively banter, they reflect on the importance of character development and the impact of societal issues on storytelling. 

Two Girls One Ghost Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/4aFNuODLKP1NvhQb7P3Kbn?si=8c41e50051124532

Grab Your Copy of Will My Cat Eat My Eyeballs here: https://bookshop.org/a/94484/9780393358490

Make sure to follow Dark Side of the Word on Instagram to stay up to date. And make sure to comment, rate, and subscribe to help other listeners find their next book. 

CJ: 

Blog - https://www.wellreadtart.com/

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/awellreadtart/

Bookshop Affiliate: https://bookshop.org/shop/awellreadtart 

Kait:

Blog - https://darksideoftheword.com/

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/kaitarmada/

Bookshop Affiliate: https://bookshop.org/shop/darksideoftheword 

00:00

Introduction and Excitement for Upcoming Books

04:02

Exploring New Shows and Escapism

13:16

Exploring recent reads

21:27

Writing Progress and Techniques

28:53

Book Club Discussion: Home is Where the Bodies Are

35:17

Expectations vs. Reality in Thrillers

38:18

Character Dynamics and Family Drama

44:09

The Nature of Suspense vs. Thriller

48:36

Final Thoughts and Recommendations

53:41

Diving into Genre Preferences

58:35

Upcoming Reads and Recommendations

01:05:41

Wrap-Up and Final Thoughts

Grab your copy here! https://bookshop.org/a/94484/9780778368458

In this episode, Kait and CJ explore the world of books, discussing their recent reads, including Bat Eater and Other Names for Cora Zeng. They share their thoughts on the impact of weather on reading choices, the significance of emotional depth in storytelling, and their creative processes. The conversation also touches on recent TV show cancellations, current shows, and the balance between light and heavy content in entertainment. Kait provides updates on her writing progress, while CJ shares insights into his writing process using index cards. They discuss Bat Eater and Other Names for Cora Zeng by Kylie Lee Baker, for the book club, exploring its unique blend of horror, social justice themes, and character depth. They share their ratings, delve into the cultural aspects of ghost folklore, and reflect on the emotional impact of character deaths. The conversation highlights the book's creative writing and its reflection of real-world issues, ultimately expressing excitement for the author's future works.

Grab a copy of our next book club pick, Home is Where the Bodies Are: https://bookshop.org/a/94484/9798212182843

Make sure to follow Dark Side of the Word on Instagram to stay up to date. And make sure to comment, rate, and subscribe to help other listeners find their next book. 

CJ: 

Blog - https://www.wellreadtart.com/

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/awellreadtart/

Bookshop Affiliate: https://bookshop.org/shop/awellreadtart 

Kait:

Blog - https://darksideoftheword.com/

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/kaitarmada/

Bookshop Affiliate: https://bookshop.org/shop/darksideoftheword 

00:00

Book Discussions and Updates

02:23

Exploring New Reads and Recommendations

10:47

Current Shows and Movie Recommendations

21:17

Creative Projects and Self-Publishing

31:39

Book Discussion: Bat Eater and Other Names for Cora Zhang

40:57

The Purpose Behind Horror

45:50

Exploring Themes of Racism and Stigma

49:47

Asian Influences in Modern Horror

54:08

The Gory Yet Creative Aspects of Horror