She Wore Black

Today I welcome Emma Cole to the show to chat about movies that blend horror and romance, which is also the topic of her new nonfiction book, LOVE NEVER DIES: ROMANCE IN HORROR MOVIES. We talk about a range of films, from Hitchcock to the Lost Boys, and my favorite era…the 90s resurgence of luxurious Gothic in film, including Dracula, Interview with a Vampire, and Sleepy Hollow. It was a lot of fun to read this book, then watch some of these movies! A project I hope you all indulge in. Links and show notes available at https://www.sheworeblackpodcast.com/

Today I welcome back Isabel Canas to the show to chat about her new book, THE HOUSE OF GARDENIAS. It’s a Gothic YA novel that is as riveting and haunting as her other books. It was great to chat with her about writing for this audience while maintaining everything we’ve come to love from her as a writer. I highly recommend it for fans of her work, and her tour info is in show notes if you want to see her talk about it in-person. Links to her books and book tour in show notes at https://www.sheworeblackpodcast.com/

Today Erin Craig returns to the show to chat about “Theater in Gothic.” Erin’s new book, OUR STRANGE DUET, is a retelling of PHANTOM OF THE OPERA. Erin does make a point of noting that this is not a retelling of the novel. Rather, it’s a tie-in to the 40th anniversary of Andrew Lloyd Weber’s musical, so our theme is tied to both the theatrical story and the theatrical production. I hope you enjoy our book recommendations! All links and show notes available at https://www.sheworeblackpodcast.com/

Today Rachel Harrison returns to the show to chat about her new book, KISS SLAY REPLAY, a horror timeloop novel with Rachel’s signature wit, wisdom, and creativity. We chat about the range of horrors in the novel, from monsters to facing each new day with normal responsibilities. We also chat about brides, dead brides, weddings with paintings of dead brides, and the good, the bad and the ugly of weddings. We talk about writing too, and I hope it’s helpful. All links and show notes available at https://www.sheworeblackpodcast.com/

Today I welcome Megan Crane and Nicole Helm to the show, the writing duo known as Hazel Beck. It’s a short episode, but we pack a lot in, including their origin story and Witchlore series, leaning into “cozy horror” for their new book, SOME KIND OF HAUNTED, and their twist on twins and fiber arts to bring about that cozy and horror combination for effective genre blending. All links and show notes available at https://www.sheworeblackpodcast.com/

Today I welcome Anna from Anna Rose Reads, and Lorin from Paperback Bish in an episode full of equine delights. It’s our long awaited Horse episode where we chat about horses in fiction, from childhood stories to genre books like romance and horror. You’ll be able to tell from all our laughter that we had a great time and I hope you learn a few things about horse symbolism and get a few book recs along the way. I’d intended to post this episode a few weeks from now, but with everything happening right now, I felt the need to move this up. Anna and Lorin have been diligent in their research of reputable groups trying to combat the horrifying wild horse round ups. Links to these organizations, including The Wild Horse Refuge and American Wild Horse Conservation, will be in my show notes with the books we recommend at https://www.sheworeblackpodcast.com/

Today Del Sandeen returns to the show to chat about one of my favorite themes, “Sisters in Gothic.” Del’s’ new book, THESE WALLS REMEMBER, is the perfect tie-in to this topic, and it was really interesting that I found someone else who is an only child that shared my interest and enthusiasm for sisters as a character type in Gothic and Horror. There is a lot of range in the books we recommend. All links and show notes available at https://www.sheworeblackpodcast.com/

Today I welcome Olivie Blake to the show to discuss her new Hollywood set Gothic novel, DREAMLAND. You might know her from her fantasy sensation, THE ATLAS SIX, but she writes Horror as well, with an intelligence and depth that I am delighted to highlight here. We chat about everything from her use of identity for Gothic isolation to her use of fires as eco-horror. It’s a great conversation and it was my honor to have her on the show.

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

Today I’m launching a new series that features Independent Book Stores, and I’ve invited Lauren Komer from the Twisted Spine to kick things off! We chat about who they are, their inspiration to open a Horror bookstore, and we learn about their programs and books their customers clamor for. It’s a fun peek into an important part of the book world.

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

Today I welcome AG Slatter to the show, also known as Angela Slatter. She writes incredible gothic fantasy fairy tale retellings, including her latest book, A FOREST, DARKLY, about a menopausal forest witch. This is why I invited her on to chat about a beloved character type, “The Witch in the Woods.” We have a great chat about the work these characters do in story and for the Gothic, and we give some great recommendations. Angela is a wonderful guest and I know you’re going to love this episode.

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