Ink Blots: Author Interviews

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: 👉 https://tr.ee/DC9ha3tE-N

🔗 Connect with R. J. Joseph: 🌐 Website: www.rhondajacksonjoseph.com 📱 Social: @rjacksonjoseph

📸 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

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: @elizabethdevecchiwrites

• 📘 Facebook: Elizabeth Devecchi – Author

• 🌐 Website: www.elizabethdevecchi.com/

🔍 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

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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: 👉 Joey Powell Author Page

🪓 Visit Mad Axe Media: 👉 www.madaxemedia.com

🔗 Connect with Joey Online:

• 📸 Instagram: @wowcooljoeywrites | @madaxemedia

• 📘 Facebook Author Page: Follow here

🔍 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

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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: 👉 James Kaine's Amazon Author Page

🔗 Connect with James Kaine Online:

• 📘 Facebook: @JamesKaineWrites

• 📸 Instagram: @JamesKaineWrites

• 🐦 Twitter/X: @JamesKaineBooks

🔍 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

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:

• Amazon Author Page

• Podcast: Horror Humor Hunger

• Website

• Linktree – One place for everything

🔗 Connect with Viggy Online:

• 📸 Instagram: @viggyparrhampton

• 🐦 Twitter/X: @viggyhampton

• 📘 Facebook Author Page: Follow here

🔍 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!

🔖 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! 👉 https://bookshop.org/a/10588/9780063316782

🔍 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 https://www.facebook.com/people/Ginger-Beard/61574666273047/
• X https://x.com/Joe_McClean
• Amazon Author Page https://amzn.to/4k7nIqb

📲 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

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.

• • Link
  • WordPress
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Instagram
  • Goodreads
  • LinkedIn

📚 Order Valerie Willis's Books

✨ Get 10% off when you order directly from 4 Horsemen Publications! 👉 Shop Valerie's books here

🔍 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:

• Facebook

• Instagram

• YouTube

• Website

• TikTok

• Pinterest

📲 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

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 4horsemenpublications.com, 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 https://popcon.us/popcon-indy/

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.

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Available from 4 Horsemen Publications

https://4horsemenpublications.com/our-authors/morgan-a-moreau/

https://4horsemenpublications.com/our-authors/katie-jenkins/

Order Morgan and Kate's books today for 10% off!

Follow 4 Horsemen Publications

Facebook https://www.facebook.com/4horsemenpubs

Instagram https://www.instagram.com/4horsemenpublications/

YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@4HorsemenPublications

Website https://4horsemenpublications.com/

TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@4_horsemen_publications

Pinterest https://www.pinterest.com/4HorsemenPub/

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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

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 4horsemenpublications.com, 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 https://popcon.us/popcon-indy/

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 ErikDeckers.com, on Twitter at @edeckers, and on Instagram at @erikdeckers.

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Available from 4 Horsemen Publications https://4horsemenpublications.com/our-authors/erik-deckers/

Order Erik's books today for 10% off!

Follow 4 Horsemen Publications

Facebook https://www.facebook.com/4horsemenpubs

Instagram https://www.instagram.com/4horsemenpublications/

YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@4HorsemenPublications

Website https://4horsemenpublications.com/

TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@4_horsemen_publications

Pinterest https://www.pinterest.com/4HorsemenPub/

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Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and review Ink Blots: Author Interviews to help more readers and writers discover these amazing conversations.

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#InkBlotsPodcast #AuthorInterview #WritersOnWriting #IndieAuthorPodcast #AuthorLife #WritingCommunity #PodcastForWriters #BookishPodcast #ErikDeckers #4HorsemenPublications #HumorAuthor #SatireWriter #IndieBooks #WritersWhoThink #SmartHumor #CreativeVoices #AmWriting #HumorWriting #SatiricalFiction #AuthorVoice #WritingTips #WritingHumor

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! 👉 Shop K.N. Fitzwater's books

🔍 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:

• Facebook

• Instagram

• YouTube

• Website

• TikTok

• Pinterest

📲 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