Today’s episode is one of the most special I’ve ever recorded, at least for me. Simone St. James and Christina Henry join me for a conversation about the books of Mary Stewart, an extremely influential Suspense writer that wrote smart, independent women using gorgeous and witty prose. Her ability to write banter, romantic tension and high stakes suspense is unmatched, and it was such a joy to me to speak with two wonderful authors who love her work as much as I do.

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

Today I have TJ Payne on the show to chat about writing and how his career has taken him from Hollywood writing rooms to self-publishing to publishing with one of the Big 5. TJ’s screenwriting experience includes cherished memories working with Rob Reiner and on new and upcoming Netflix shows like The Boroughs (produced by the Duffer Brothers) and Little House on the Prairie. I also chat about his latest book, INTERCEPTS. All links and show notes available at https://www.sheworeblackpodcast.com/

Today I welcome back the always delightful Kate Khavari to give you all some book recommendations if you love the movie The Mummy. Kate’s new book, A BOTANIST'S GUIDE TO TRADITION AND TREACHERY, is also a perfect book comp to this iconic film. As always, Kate has impeccable taste, and she did ask for feedback from you all that read these recs, so be sure to follow her on social media. All links and show notes available at sheworeblackpodcast.com

Today I bring you another Goth Girl Summer episode with Rachel Harrison and Stephanie Gagnon from the Books in the Freezer podcast. We had so much fun with it last year, and there are an abundance of books perfect for summer that fit our spooky or melancholy moods so well. We had a great time, and I hope you enjoy listening to this episode as much as we had fun making it. All links and show notes available on my website at https://www.sheworeblackpodcast.com/

Book Recommendations:

Rachel

• The Compound by Aisling Rawle

• Greedy by Callie Kazumk

• Now is Not the Time to Panic by Kevin Wilson

• What the World Will Look Like When All the Water Leaves Us by Laura van den Berg

Stephanie

• Julie Chan is Dead by Liann Zhang

• Tell Me Yours, I’ll Tell You Mine by Kristina Ten

• Reliquary by Hanna Whitten

• Body Count by Cody Crowley

Agatha

• Wildfire at Midnight by Mary Stewart

• The Rules of Magic by Alice Hoffman

• Anita De Monte Laughs Last by Xochitl Gonzalez

• Dead Until Dark by Charlaine Harris

Today I have C.M Waggoner on the show to chat about her books, THE VILLAGE LIBRARY DEMON HUNTING SOCIETY and THE SOMEWHAT WICKED WITCH OF BRIGANDALE. We discuss voice and humor, her ability to write “women of a certain age,” and what it means to write cozy books with stakes. I love her style, her wit and her incredible imagination, so definitely add her books to your TBRs. All links and show notes at https://www.sheworeblackpodcast.com/

Today I welcome Savannah Stephens to the show to chat about Black Witches in fiction. To be clear, we are not talking about ‘black magic,’ we are discussing books that feature Black characters that are also witches. Savannah’s book, WITCH QUEEN RISING, is a genre blend of fantasy and horror that takes place in New Orleans. It has werewolves, vampires, and a witch who must reluctantly return home to assume her powers. We have some great book recommendations for you too. All links and show notes are available at https://www.sheworeblackpodcast.com/

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/