Today I have Jennifer from the famous social media accounts, “Art of the Clinch,” which features book covers and information on vintage romance paperbacks, including vintage gothics during October. I wanted an episode about collecting these old paperbacks, whether you’re interested in old clinch covers, “women running from houses” gothic romances, or paperbacks from hell, and I thought Jennifer was the perfect guest for this. She’s a librarian that uses her skills towards her own collection, as well as documenting information on artists and old book covers everywhere. I’ve followed Jennifer since ye old twitter days, though now I follow her on Instagram and Threads. She’s in a lot of places, though, which I will have in my show notes at sheworeblackpodcast.com

I’m particularly excited because today I welcome Moorea Coorigan to the show to chat about Downton Abbey Readalikes. Her book, Thistlemarsh, is a historical fantasy that takes place in the aftermath of WWI. She’s really well read on this historical period, as you’ll see in the show, and we had an absolute blast talking about how the books we picked connect to one of our favorite comfort shows. All links and show notes available at https://www.sheworeblackpodcast.com/

Today I welcome Dawn Kurtagich to the show to chat about Folk Horror, a subgenre that spans the globe because of a universal interest in folklore and fairytale. We chose five books each as a springboard for our conversation, but we hope it helps if you want to give it a try. Dawn’s new book, THE SEVENTH SISTER, was the perfect launching pad for this subject since it’s about seven sisters who are sent to live on a remote island with their grandmother. It has rituals, forests and isolation…in other words, my favorite elements of Folk Horror. All links and show notes are at https://www.sheworeblackpodcast.com/

Today I welcome Nicole Glover to the show to chat about Cats in Fiction. We cover a range of genres, from Gothic to Cozy Fantasy. Nicole’s latest book, THE STARSEEKERS, is a blend of murder mystery, magic, and science - specifically space travel. Naturally, a cat is also at the heart of this story. She was a lovely guest and will also my Patreon Book Club featured author in October with her book THE CONDUCTORS. I have Nicole’s books in my Bookshop if you want to support my show as well as independent bookstores nationwide. All links and show notes available on my website at https://www.sheworeblackpodcast.com/

Today I welcome back Nat Cassidy to talk about Horror Comics, a topic near and dear to my heart, but it’s also one that may surprise you. Horror Comics have as much range as the Horror genre in regular fiction books, so I hope you all enjoy our chat and are inspired to walk into your local comic books shop to explore what’s out there. I will also have the titles from our chat that are still in print, as well as other favorites, in my Bookshop if you want to support my show as well as independent bookstores nationwide. All links and show notes available at https://www.sheworeblackpodcast.com/

Today I have the honor of chatting with the iconic Vincent Virga. His book, GAYWYCK was the first book published that featured gay characters to fall in love and have a happy ending. Until this point, gay characters were either villains or met tragic endings. I contacted him as part of my research for my own book about vintage Gothic Romances, and I’m delighted that his work is still in print.

All links and show notes at https://www.sheworeblackpodcast.com/

Today I welcome back Heather Fawcett to chat about her new book AGNES AUBERT’S MYSTICAL CAT SHELTER. It’s a cozy fantasy that takes place in an alternate magical version of 1920s Montreal, and I love the juxtaposition of cats, messy magicians, and a woman who will do anything to save all the stray cats of Montreal. Heather and I also chat about the importance of community in Cozy Fantasy, and she tackles some of my craft questions about writing. We had fun, and it’s a delightful book. All links and show notes at https://www.sheworeblackpodcast.com/

Today I welcome back a good friend and wonderfully terrifying writer, Johnny Compton to chat about his new book DEAD FIRST. It’s his first venture into genre blending his usual love of horror with mystery and noir. We get into his influences for the book as well as discuss how he gives his stories the flavor and atmosphere that immerse the reader in his stories. We also chat about his new story collection from Weird Tales called MIDNIGHT SOMEWHERE. My blurb on this book describes it as a more terrifying Twilight Zone, and I stand by that. 

All links and show notes at https://www.sheworeblackpodcast.com/

I want to start off by saying that I appreciate your patience waiting for me and my family to get better before editing and posting this episode. It’s difficult when the whole family is sick at once, especially during an ice storm, and I apologize for the delay. I also want to note that I have been asking my guests what bookstores they want to shout out, and while I didn’t ask Jayne while recording, she said that the Poisoned Pen in Scottsdale, Arizona is a wonderful bookstore that she highly recommends. I’ll link to it in shownotes. Now for introductions…Today I welcome back one of my favorite people, Jayne Ann Krentz. She is an incredibly kind and generous person who is also a much beloved Romantic Suspense writer that you may also know as either Jayne Castle or Amanda Quick. She came on the show to chat with me about her favorite Gothic tropes, and she gives some fun book recommendations that use these tropes too, which I have in my Bookshop. All links and show notes at https://www.sheworeblackpodcast.com/

Today I welcome back one of my favorite Gothic writers, Simone St. James. Her new book, A BOX FULL OF DARKNESS is out this month, perfect for fans of THE SUN DOWN MOTEL. We are careful not to reveal spoilers, but we enjoy revisiting her haunting fictional town of Fell, New York, and we chat about her inspirations that range from The X-Files to Stephen King novels read way too young. Simone is also my guest this month for my Patreon Book Club, so feel free to join us for a chance to ask her your questions directly. All links and show notes available at https://www.sheworeblackpodcast.com/