The Dark Mind Podcast

Shane Joaquin Jimenez is the author of short stories and essays featured in publications such as The Greensboro Review, Shotgun Honey, and the Los Angeles Review of Books, among others.

He joins Vince on the show to discuss his debut novel, Bondage, focusing on the complex character of Che Guevara Horowitz, her upbringing shaped by extremist ideologies, and the dark themes woven throughout the narrative. The conversation explores the symbolism in the story, the influence of celebrity culture, and the psychological dimensions of voyeurism and evil.

Jimenez offers insights on pacing in dark narratives, providing a detailed look at the motivations and fears driving the characters in his book. In this engaging dialogue, he examines themes of power, morality, and the intricacies of character archetypes within the noir genre. The discussion touches on the Kafkaesque elements of his narrative, the significance of settings like strip clubs, and the duality within his characters.

Jimenez also reflects on his influences from classic noir films and literature, the importance of feedback in writing, and his upcoming projects, including a collection of short stories. The conversation highlights the feminist undertones in his work and his exploration of personal meaning in a seemingly indifferent universe.

Website: https://www.shanejoaquinjimenez.com/about

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Shane-Joaquin-Jimenez/author/B0D5C1H3DR?ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_1&qid=1733502479&sr=1-1&isDramIntegrated=true&shoppingPortalEnabled=true

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shane_joaquin_jimenez/

Threads: https://www.threads.net/@shane_joaquin_jimenez

#shanejoaquinjimenez #bondage #cheguevarahorowitz #neonoir #extremistideologies #darkthemes #celebrityscandals #humannature #symbolism #mafia #kafkaesque #noir #privateeye #stripclub #barracuda #predation #morality #powerdynamics #feministthemes #giallo

Andrew Van Wey holds a B.A. in Screenwriting and an M.F.A. in Creative Writing. Before becoming a full-time writer, he spent over a decade teaching.

Andrew joins Vince on the show to discuss the intricate themes of memory, trauma, and identity in his writing. They explore how these elements shape the characters in his novel, with a particular focus on the psychological horror aspects and the impact of unresolved trauma on both personal and artistic lives.

The conversation delves into the dynamics of friendship, the role of secrets, and the potential for adaptation into other mediums, highlighting the balance between scientific realism and supernatural elements in horror storytelling.

Andrew also shares the scientific inspirations behind his work, including influences from the film Interstellar and the concept of black holes. He examines the themes of reality and perception in his novels, especially in Head Like A Hole. Additionally, the discussion touches on the nature of fear in horror writing, the value of feedback from beta readers, and Andrew’s life outside of writing and streaming.

Website: https://andrewvanwey.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/andrewvanwey/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heydrew/?hl=en

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B005NLLFU0

X: https://x.com/andrewvanwey

#truecrime #horror #memory #telepathy #bodyhorror #detectivefiction #psychologicalhorror #90stechnology #storytelling #characterdevelopment #trauma #identity #secrets #art #friendship #adaptation #sciencefiction #supernatural #kipthorne #blackholes #cosmichorror #lostcoast #horrorwriting #feedback #writingprocess #andrewvanwey #fiction

Ligia Cushman is a proud Dominican American author who was born and raised in the vibrant heart of New York City.

With dual master’s degrees in counseling and human services, Ligia brings depth, authenticity, and emotional resonance to her characters.

She joins Vince on the show to discuss her novel Magic Rising, the second installment of the Mosa Chronicles. Together, they explore the rich world of Transia, delving into character development, particularly the journeys of Sol and Lola, the significance of the House of Doramos, and the role of the Sanctum. Themes of love, morality, trauma, and the impact of fashion on identity are also examined, offering a deep dive into the narrative’s emotional landscape.

In this engaging conversation, Ligia discusses the multifaceted representation of women in her fantasy novels, emphasizing the importance of strong female characters and friendships. She reflects on the moral complexities of her characters, particularly concerning trust and betrayal. The discussion also touches on her personal journey as a Dominican-American author, the cultural influences shaping her world-building, and her collaborative creative process with her husband.

Ligia also shares insights on overcoming writer’s block, connecting with readers at events, and the excitement surrounding her upcoming audiobook release.

Website: https://lnguzman.com/

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Books-Ligia-Cushman/s?rh=n%3A283155%2Cp_27%3ALigia+Cushman

Barnes and Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/rise-of-a-dark-throne-ligia-cushman/1142333026

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@lygiawrites

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lygiawrites/

Audible: https://www.audible.com/search?searchAuthor=Ligia+N.+Cushman

#magicrising #ligiacushman #fantasyliterature #worldbuilding #characterdevelopment #mosachronicles #trauma #fashioninliterature #femaleempowerment #friendship #culturalidentity #creativeprocess #writersblock

Vince is joined by authors Joshua Lloyd Fox, Jason Daughrity, and Caleb Jones to discuss their contributions to the horror anthology Hospital of Haunts.

The conversation explores the architectural elements that enhance horror, as well as the personal experiences that shape their writing.

The authors share insights into their stories, the collaborative nature of the anthology, and their future projects, all while examining themes of life, death, and humor in horror storytelling.

In this engaging discussion, the speakers reflect on their diverse experiences, including military service as a corpsman and the intricacies of crafting horror stories.

They delve into the moral complexities of medical ethics, the allure of the afterlife, and the personal motivations behind their work.

The discussion also highlights the balance between family life and creative pursuits, culminating in the journey of Joshua Lloyd Fox and Heather Daughrity in founding Water Tower Hill Publishing—a platform dedicated to bringing unique stories to life.

#hospitalofhaunts #horroranthology #authorinterviews #afterlifeconcepts #architecturalhorror #writingprocess #scaresthatcare #joshualoydfox #jasondaughrity #military #corpsman #writing #horror #afterlife #publishing #watertowerhillpublishing

Joshua Loyd Fox

Website: https://www.watertowerhill.com/joshualoydfox

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B09PLK1LV4

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/joshualoydfoxauthor/

Barnes and Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/s/"Joshua Loyd Fox";jsessionid=44B93E0130D99E81B3F5C6DF4C9B0FEC.prodny_store02-atgap12?Ntk=P_key_Contributor_List&Ns=P_Sales_Rank&Ntx=mode+matchall

Jason Daughrity

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jason.daughrity

Caleb Jones

Website: https://www.calebjonesauthor.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/caleb_jones_author/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/caleb.jones.94214

Elizabeth Devecchi’s journey began in Rhode Island, where she grew up before venturing out to explore the world. 

Her academic path is marked by a BA in French from Wittenberg University, with a transformative year in Montpellier, France; a law degree from the Università di Torino in Italy; an LL.M. in International Law from The University of Iowa; and formal training in mediation.

Her passion for writing rekindled with her blog The Moon, The Sun, and Little Man, which later became part of her author website. 

Elizabeth began her literary career in her early 50s with her short story “The Hunt,” published in Ariel Chart (December 2021). Now a versatile writer, she covers multiple genres with a focus on character-driven narratives.

She joins Vince on the show to discuss her debut novel, "A Whisper in the Dark."

Elizabeth delves into themes of psychological horror, animal symbolism, and complex human relationships. 

They explore character motivations, the impact of bullying, and the roles of nature and photography in her story. 

She shares personal insights, such as her experience with an inner ear condition that inspired her protagonist’s journey.

Elizabeth reflects on the moral ambiguity in her characters and how it shapes reader responses. 

She also touches on her writing process, discussing topics like overcoming writer’s block, pacing in horror, and the value of accountability. 

Her academic background and family’s creative pursuits enrich her storytelling, as does her love for baking, which often accompanies her writing.

The conversation wraps with Elizabeth’s excitement for upcoming projects, leaving listeners inspired by her unique blend of horror and humanity.

Elizabeth Devecchi

Website: https://www.elizabethdevecchi.com/bio

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/esdevecchi/?_rdr

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Whisper-Dark-Horror-Novel-ebook/dp/B0DCZV3BM9

Alessia Devecchi

IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm15232102/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alessia-devecchi

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alessia.not.alecia/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61566881782043

#awhisperinthedark #elizabethdevecchi #horrorfiction #psychologicalhorror #creaturefeature #bullying #horrorwriting #storytelling #bittersweetendings #writersblock #inspiration #revisionprocess #personalinsights

Christa Carmen, an acclaimed Rhode Island-based horror author, joins Vince to discuss her latest novel, Beneath the Poet’s House. 

Known for works like The Daughters of Block Island (Bram Stoker Award winner and Shirley Jackson Award finalist) and Something Borrowed, Something Blood-Soaked (Indie Horror Book Award winner), Carmen delves into the inspirations, themes, and characters in her writing.

The conversation explores Sarah Helen Whitman’s influence, the significance of the séance scene, and the complex relationship between protagonist Saoirse and the enigmatic Emmett Powell. 

Carmen also discusses themes of addiction, emotional abuse, motherhood, and self-discovery, woven symbolically through elements like Saoirse’s black cat. 

She shares insights into her writing process, the stone tape theory’s role in her narrative, and the challenge of blending historical and supernatural themes, along with the excitement of collaborative projects and upcoming releases.

Website: https://www.christacarmen.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/christaqua/?hl=en

X: https://x.com/christaqua?lang=en

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B01LNXO35A

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@houseof1000christas

#KristaCarmen #BeneathThePoetsHouse #SarahHelenWhitman #EmmettPowell #Seance #GothicLiterature #CharacterDevelopment #PsychologicalThriller #LiteraryInspiration #BlackCatSymbolism #Addiction #EmotionalAbuse #StoneTapeTheory #Motherhood #WritingProcess #LiteraryThemes #SupernaturalElements #RhodeIslandHorror #CreativeCollaboration

J.J. Salas aka (Phrique) is a unique writer of splatter punk.

He joins Vince on the show to dicuss his debut novel "Gig of The Damned: Slay the Competiton," a unique horror novel that combines the vibrant world of drag queens with the thrilling elements of giallo.

They discuss the creative process behind the book, including the use of humor, character development, and the inclusion of a glossary to make the story accessible to a wider audience. JJ shares insights into the inspirations for the characters, the challenges of writing a horror-comedy, and the importance of representation in literature.

The conversation also touches on future projects and the author's personal journey in writing. He delves into the aesthetics of his work, the challenges of writing extreme horror, and the vibrant drag culture that inspires him.

J.J. also reflects on balancing his full-time job with his passion for writing, revealing his upcoming projects and the creative freedom he enjoys in his literary endeavors.

X: https://x.com/phrique

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/books.by.phrique/

Website: https://phrique.bigcartel.com

Substack: https://phrique.substack.com

Tmblr: https://www.tumblr.com/phrique-idoki

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Gig-Damned-Slay-Competition-Phrique/dp/B0D5WF4KM7

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@books.by.phrique

Threads: https://www.threads.net/@books.by.phrique

#phrique #jjsalas #gigofthedamnedslaythecompetition #giallo #dragqueen #indiehorror #splatterpunk

Andrew Najberg is a versatile author known for his debut novel The Mobius Door (Wicked House Publishing, 2023), Gollitok (Wicked House Publishing, 2023) and The Neverborn Thief (Olive-Ridley Press, 2024). He also penned the poetry collection The Goats Have Taken Over the Barracks (Finishing Line Press, 2021).

He joins Vince on the show to discuss his new collection of short stories entitled "In Those Fading Stars." 

They discuss the themes and inspirations behind the stories, including the blending of genres, the exploration of consciousness, and the impact of technology on society. 

They also touch on the topics of dystopian sci-fi, the nature of human consciousness compared to artificial intelligence, and the future of consumerism and cryptocurrency. The conversation covers various themes related to science fiction and storytelling. 

Some of the main themes include the use of science and technology in storytelling, the exploration of space and colonization, the impact of trauma and grief, the concept of housing in the future, and the potential of technology to offer hope in dire situations.  Najberg also discusses his personal health and wellness practices and shares information about his other upcoming books.

Website: https://andrewnajberg.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AndrewNajbergAuthor/

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B0CBNGGV9H

X: https://x.com/AndrewNajberg?ref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcamp%5Eserp%7Ctwgr%5Eauthor

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/andrewnajberg/

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@andrew.najberg

David Simms resides in the scenic Shenandoah Valley of Virginia with his family and a pack of furry companions, having escaped the hustle and bustle of New Jersey and Massachusetts. By day, he juggles roles as a psychology and special education teacher, a college English instructor, a counselor, and a music therapist. When the sun sets, David transforms into a ghost tour guide and lead guitarist for Slushpile, a band he co-founded alongside bestselling authors as part of the Killer Thriller Band.

David has delivered workshops across multiple states, focusing on innovative methods such as using music to enhance learning, encouraging teens to write creatively, and offering strategies to help teachers combat burnout. His diverse career includes a variety of published works, ranging from short stories in anthologies like Terrible Beauty, Traps!, and Darkness Rising to academic papers on music therapy and creative writing for adolescents.

He joins Vince on the show to discuss his novel Pierce the Veil, a psychological thriller that challenges preconceived notions of the afterlife. The story follows Boone, a man who was clinically dead for 23 hours and wakes up to find people obsessed with discovering whether he saw the other side. The conversation explores why people are fascinated with the afterlife and the fear of the unknown.

They also discuss the use of in medias res to create a dramatic opening, the research behind cryonics and near-death experiences, and the character of the Priest and the secretive Brotherhood. The discussion touches on the hyper-religiosity of Boone’s fiancée, Megan, and her obsession with him remembering a vision of the afterlife. The conversation delves into the consequences of fame and the desire for attention, as well as the portrayal of evangelical atheists in the story. It also explores the dynamics of talk shows and the need for people to be comforted and deceived.

The chapter highlights the cinematic elements of the book and the potential for a screenplay adaptation. The emotional struggles of the priest character are examined, emphasizing his desire for acceptance and the conflict between his religious beliefs and personal desires. In the final part of the conversation, David Simms and Vincent Midgard discuss themes of trauma, repressed memories, and the power of the unconscious mind. They explore the concepts of the id, ego, and superego, and how they influence decision-making processes.

They also touch on the use of trauma in conditioning and embedding commands. David shares his hopes for the future, including getting his books into the hands of more readers and potentially seeing his work adapted for the screen.

Website: https://davidsimmsmuse.com

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/stores/David-Simms/author/B00G2KJR9W?ref=ap_rdr&isDramIntegrated=true&shoppingPortalEnabled=true

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dsimms_muse/

#davidsimms #piercetheveil #fearthereaper #indieauthor

Rebecca Rowland is a Bram Stoker and Shirley Jackson award nominated author of cosmic, creature, and quiet horror. 

In this engaging conversation, Rebecca Rowland discusses her recent collection of short stories, "White Trash and Recycled Nightmares." 

She delves into the themes of her work, including the influence of nightmares on her writing, the complexity of her characters, and the emotional resonance of her stories. 

Rowland also reflects on her experiences as a Generation X writer and the impact of societal issues on her narratives. 

The discussion touches on various stories from her collection, exploring the psychological depth of her characters and the darker aspects of human nature.

Website: https://rowlandbooks.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rebecca_rowland_books/?hl=en

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Rebecca-Rowland/author/B07GCBFCXP?ref=ap_rdr&isDramIntegrated=true&shoppingPortalEnabled=true

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rebecca.rowland.author

#rebeccarowland #whitetrashandrecyclednightmares #indiehorror #americancannibal