Ink Blots: Author Interviews

Claws, Clues, and Clever Crimes – A Conversation with Nick Smith

In this delightfully mysterious episode, host Rob Southgate sits down with Nick Smith, author of the unique and genre-blending cat noir mystery series from 4 Horsemen Publications. Nick shares how he created his feline sleuths, blended noir aesthetics with cozy mystery charm, and developed stories that appeal to both mystery lovers and cat enthusiasts alike.

From hard-boiled inspiration to the humor of writing animal protagonists, Nick reveals the heart, humor, and craft behind his quirky, crime-solving cats.

Nick Smith is a bestselling author, film director, producer and actor who lives in Western New York. He is a Contingency Professor at SUNY Fredonia. Originally from Bristol, England, he trained at the BBC Natural History Unit and has since worked on over 100 movies and TV productions, including the horror movie 8 Graves (2020), fang-favourite comedy The Little Vampire (2000), and the action movie Cold Soldiers (2018). His books include Cloudwalking, American Spirit, Songs for Persephone, and non-fiction guides to screenwriting and movie marketing. Milk Treading, the first novel in his Whiskers in the Dark series, has been featured on NPR's All Things Considered, translated into Italian, adapted into an Edinburgh Fringe Festival play, and praised by the New York Times, Tod Goldberg, Jilly Cooper and David Letterman.

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

Nick Smith, cat noir, mystery author, cozy mystery, animal detective fiction, writing podcast, feline sleuths, author interview, indie mystery, noir storytelling, crime fiction, writing animals, creative writing, book recommendations, 4 Horsemen Publications

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In this mind-expanding episode, host Rob Southgate chats with Andy T. Hanson, science fiction author with 4 Horsemen Publications, about building futuristic worlds that feel eerily real. From his take on artificial intelligence and interstellar politics to his process for creating tension-driven narratives, Andy offers fascinating insights into the craft of writing intelligent, immersive sci-fi.

Plus, Andy shares his favorite sci-fi authors, the tech that inspires his storytelling, and practical advice for writers who want to explore speculative fiction.

Order tickets for PopCon Indy 2025 at https://popcon.us/popcon-indy/

Andy T. Hanson is an author of science fiction, general fiction and dystopian horror. After driving Abrams tanks in the US Army, Andy settled into life as a regional-stage actor. He parlayed that passion first into playwriting – most notable of which is Molly's Chamber, his modern-day take on the old Irish folk song Whiskey In The Jar – then graduating to screenwriting, with Paradise Valley, a former Los Angeles Film Festival quarterfinalist script. On the strength of their modest success, he tried his hand at the ultimate goal, Sci-fi novels. His first foray into that magical world was The Despot Chronicles, a dystopian three-part epic series. The first of which, Calamity, is set for release on 10/26/24 by 4 Horsemen Publications, Inc.'s. Andy is thrilled to occupy a slot among their fantastic stable of authors.

Residing in Bay City, Michigan, Andy is an avid Detroit, and Michigan in general, sports fan and somehow finds time to write in the midst of a busy life packed with Lions games, golf, a healthy love of film and television of all genres, grilling and chilling with his big family, in particular his lovely wife Lauren and son Teddy, and devouring science fiction, historical fiction and fantasy novels.

His literary inspirations include, but are in no way limited to, (in no specific order) George R.R. Martin, Stephen King, Bernard Cornwell, Lee Child, Maya Angelou, Sara Rosett, Bertrand Russel, Thomas Paine, Stephen Fry, Carl Sagan, Kurt Vonnegut, Julia Sweeny, Neil DeGrasse Tyson and Michael Crichton.

Andy is attracted to stories with well-fleshed out characters, especially gray characters. "The greatest thrill I've discovered in these past years at the keyboard is the immense joy that comes from simply being present as your story seems to grow of its own volition."

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

Andy T. Hanson, science fiction author, sci-fi podcast, speculative fiction, worldbuilding, futuristic storytelling, book interview, indie sci-fi, writing sci-fi, creative writing, 4 Horsemen Publications, AI in fiction, space opera, author interview, aspiring writers

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Join Rob Southgate for a captivating conversation with PC Nottingham, sci-fi author with 4 Horsemen Publications, whose stories are rich with mythology, immersive worldbuilding, and emotionally complex characters. In this episode, PC pulls back the curtain on how he creates new worlds, blends classical influences with modern themes, and crafts unforgettable characters that leap off the page.

Whether you're a sci-fi fanatic, a writer seeking craft insight, or just love geeking out about storytelling, this episode is packed with creative fuel and literary magic.

PC Nottingham, scifi author, worldbuilding, writing process, book publishing, indie scifi, mythology in fiction, writing inspiration, character creation, #AuthorInterview, fantasy series, creative writing, storytelling tips, 4 Horsemen Publications, aspiring writers

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✨ Take 10% off when you order from 4 Horsemen Publications! 👉 Shop PC Nottingham's books

About PC Nottingham

PC is a science fiction and fantasy author from the Great Lakes region of the USA. Sci fi has been a deep love for PC, growing up on Star Wars movies and reading the Animorphs series. The Star Wars novels along with classic sci fi greats like Asimov and Le Guin are constant sources of inspiration and wonder. PC loves taking his daughters to the zoo and the occasional sushi or taco date with his wife. With the help of friendly scientists and science documentaries, PC tries to blend what is just on the technological horizon with the impossible in his stories. PC is a NaNoWriMo winner and an active critiquer in the Scribophile community.

Be sure to follow PC on Twitter for updates. @nottingham_pc

Visit PC's website at authorpcnottingham.com and sign up for the newsletter.

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In this episode, Rob Southgate interviews Chelsea Burton Dunn, a talented author from 4 Horsemen Publications, about her creative journey, writing process, and what fuels her passion for storytelling. Chelsea shares how her background in history and education influences her characters and plotlines, and gives valuable tips for aspiring writers trying to break into publishing.

From powerful female leads to bookish humor, this episode is packed with inspiration, authenticity, and cryptid love.

author interview, Chelsea Burton Dunn, writing advice, historical fiction, fiction author, book publishing, character development, writing routine, book inspiration, 4 Horsemen Publications, Rob Southgate, female authors, indie authors, book marketing, writing process

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ABOUT CHELSEA BURTON DUNN

Chelsea Burton Dunn is a Kansas City native – the Missouri side not the Kansas side. That matters to locals. Where is that you might ask? Right, smack-dab in the middle of the country. She has two beautiful children and is married to a superb partner, but let's not forget their two snuggly cats and eager-eater of a dog. Having always been a little strange herself, she instantly fell in love with paranormal, supernatural, and fantasy books, movies and tv shows as a child. Did everyone think it was a phase? Absolutely. Was it? Absolutely not. Being weird is a blessing, not a curse. She's always embraced that part of herself and those around her. She started writing from a very early age, actually finishing a vampire novel in high school, but had a bad experience with self publishing and has sense left that world she created behind, though she does boast a tattoo of a spade on her finger in its honor. She is a lover of music, having her other love and talent be for singing. She performed on main stage operas in the children's chorus from grade school to high school. Chelsea loves to delve into the difficulties of life, love, and loss, while spicing it up with a little magic and monsters. As she liked to say when she was younger, "the monsters in my head need to come out to play every once in a while," so giving them life on the page seemed appropriate. You can see more about Chelsea, her projects, and find her social medias by going to www.chelseaburtondunn.com

ABOUT KILLERS NEVER DIE

Ten years after the ritual that changed everything, Ace is now not only an Elder alongside her mate Nero, but the mother of a vampire child named Octavian. But the miraculous nature of his existence isn't the only thing that has Ace wondering what's in store for them. The tenuous alliance between the witches and the werewolves seems to be unraveling. Additionally, Srinta—Nero's sire and the first of their bloodline—seems to be going insane with fear over a demon that Ace and Nero have never heard of before. Ace believes the witches are planning something catastrophic. Will she and the others find a way to thwart the plan, or will they suffer the consequences?

ABOUT BY MOONLIGHT

Vee focuses on her work as a locksmith; being an empath makes her very aware of the supernatural beings that live amongst humans. As a serial killer terrorizes the nation from east to west coast, she can't ignore the fact the reports scream were-creature. Thankfully, she has an angel-like guardian named Durran watching her back per the Elders' decree. When her empath powers set her attention on a girl changing into a wolf for the first time, she springs into action.

Shane, the local pack leader, can't ignore Vee's involvement. He also can't deny the instant connection he has with the empath. An uncontrollable need and uncanny desire to protect Vee has him questioning if this is purely instinct or his actual feelings. As they get to know each other, romantic tensions begin to blossom between them. He'll tear anyone apart who dares endanger her.

Vee will have to decide to remain hidden or embrace her powers to protect the newfound friends and love in her life.

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Available from 4 Horsemen Publications https://4horsemenpublications.com/our-authors/chelsea-burton-dunn/

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