Writing and Killing Unicorns

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In this hauntingly beautiful episode of Writing and Killing Unicorns, we welcome writer Channel Harry to explore the deeply intertwined worlds of horror and healing. Titled We Write in the Dark, this conversation dives into the ways horror allows us to confront trauma, navigate ancestral memory, and survive the shadows of the self.

Channel shares insight on the intersection of ancestry and mental health, unearthing how generational hauntings and personal struggles manifest in both life and story. Together, we discuss how horror, often dismissed as escapism or sensationalism, becomes a transformative space—a genre that doesn’t just terrify, but tends to wounds and makes space for reckoning.

From ghosts of the past to inner monsters, this episode is a meditation on writing as ritual, horror as resistance, and storytelling as a path to wholeness.

Topics Covered:

• Why horror is a powerful tool for healing
• Mental illness, stigma, and the self as a haunted house
• Writing through ancestral trauma and inherited memory
• The personal as supernatural: locating fear in lived experience
• How horror provides a language for the unspeakable
• Crafting stories that confront and transform pain

Lintr.ee: Chanel Harry: The Mistress of Horror 

Instagram: authorbae

Remember: There are no shortcuts to writing. Only the craft.

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Writing a self-help book is not what I expected—and honestly, it scares me.

I never saw myself as the kind of person who’d write one, let alone admit out loud that I might have something to say that could help someone else. But here I am. Doing the thing that feels too big, too vulnerable, and too real.

So, Season Two? It’s about unmasking—and then making something out of what’s revealed.

This season isn’t about perfection or performance. It’s about honesty. It’s about the sacred work of facing yourself, pulling back the layers, and asking: Now that I see myself clearly, what can I build from here? How can I help others?

I'll be bringing you with me as I write this self-help book in real time—sharing the truth behind the pages. I’ll also be in conversation with other authors about their own creative journeys, the people that were an influence on them, the stories they’ve dared to tell, and how they take care of themselves while doing this work.

We’ll talk about fear, grief, healing, creation, and the quiet power of choosing to keep going.

So if you’re still with me—thank you.
 Let’s keep going. Together.

Connect with Me:

• Email: [email protected]
• Instagram: @the_krnelson
• Author Website: thekrnelsonwriter.com

Remember: There are no shortcuts to writing. Only the craft.

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There are two things you need to know before listening to this episode:

1. The zombie apocalypse is over, and it has been for some time.
2. The world doesn’t need a hero.

What it needs—what this episode explores—is something much more human: awkward friendships, fierce loyalty, and flawed people trying to make sense of a broken world.

This week, we talk with author Jack Callaghan about writing horror that isn't just scary—but also deeply honest. Jack’s stories mix undead mayhem with biting humor and real heart, confronting themes of identity, belonging, and survival through characters who feel anything but destined for greatness.

Together, we dig into:

• Whether monsters are stand-ins for society—or just for us
• How the undead offer a mirror to the human condition
• Why weird, fun books can still carry emotional and political weight
• The dance between subtlety and clarity when you’re writing fast and fierce
• How to make meaning without preaching—and how to write with purpose anyway

Plus: zombies, outsider kids, and the moments when symbolism sneaks in through the back door.

We believe good stories don’t have to be tidy, and truth doesn’t always wear a cape. Join us for interviews with genre-defiers, rule-breakers, and writers who kill off more than just their darlings.

Follow Jack Callaghan
Facebook: Jack Callaghan
Instagram: @jackcallaghanauthor
YouTube: @jackcallaghan6104

Like what you hear? Rate and review the show wherever you listen. It helps strange little podcasts like ours survive the apocalypse.

Remember: There are no shortcuts to writing. Only the craft.

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In this episode of Writing and Killing Unicorns, I had the absolute honor of speaking with horror writer and cultural storyteller Nadira Jamerson. This conversation left me breathless, grounded, and strangely healed. Nadira opens up about how she uses horror not just to scare—but to unearth, confront, and ultimately mend what’s been broken.

We talk about what it means to be a Black woman writing horror, how trauma and mental health show up in her stories, and the power of ancestral memory and folklore in crafting narratives that hold both shadow and light. She also shares how she protects her spirit while writing deeply emotional and often painful material—and offers guidance for the next generation of Black girls who feel called to the dark.

Some highlights we dig into:

• Horror as a tool for processing pain
• The deep relationship between fear, healing, and identity
• How Nadira's characters act as vessels for shadow work
• Creating boundaries when writing from personal wounds
• The rise of a Black horror aesthetic—and what liberation looks like through that lens

This isn’t just a conversation. It’s a reclamation. Tap in.

🔗 Mentions:

• Follow Nadira: IG 
• Why Black Women are Embracing Horror
• Follow Nadira on her website!

Remember: There are no shortcuts to writing. Only the craft.

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You got an agent—now what? In this candid and insightful episode, host Nelly sits down with author Ally Russell to talk about the gritty realities of traditional publishing after you land representation. From querying to editor submission hell, editorial rejection, and maintaining mental health through the highs and lows, Ally gives us a transparent look behind the curtain.

This is not a fairy tale ending — it's the start of a new adventure full of monsters, uncertainty, and growth. Sort of like a Witcher quest… but with fewer swords and more emails.

Whether you're in the trenches of querying, on submission, or just trying to figure out what’s next, this episode will give you wisdom, laughs, and the honest truth the writing streets don’t always tell you.

In This Episode:

• Ally’s early brushes with rejection and resilience
• The emotional rollercoaster of querying and signing with an agent
• What really changes — and what doesn’t — after you get “the call”
• The harsh truths of going on submission to editors
• How community, mindset, and dark humor keep us going
• What Ally wishes she’d known from the start

Links & Mentions:

• Follow Ally Russell: @onedarkally
• Get your copy of It Came from the Trees wherever books are sold
• Follow @the_krnelson for updates and behind-the-scenes
• Subscribe, rate, and review the podcast on your favorite platform

Remember: There are no shortcuts to writing. Only the craft.

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Welcome to Writing and Killing Unicorns, the podcast where we gut glitter, hunt tropes, and build stories that actually mean something.

In today's episode, I talk with the brilliant Azalea Crowley, a modern fantasy horror romance author who crafts wildly inclusive worlds featuring autistic, disabled, queer, and Filipino/Native Hawaiian characters—and the monsters they love (or become).

We dive deep into:

• How monsters act as metaphors for survival, resistance, and identity
• Writing disability, queerness, and Indigenous experience into magic and horror
• How trauma, healing, and weirdness fuel transformative storytelling
• Building supernatural worlds that embrace accessibility and chosen families
• The radical act of centering marginalized characters as powerful, complex beings

Azalea’s stories tear open old tropes and stitch them back together with claws, chaos, and love—and we talk about all of it.

If you’ve ever wanted your fantasy to bite back—or if you love your monsters messy, magical, and meaningful—you’ll want to stay for this one.

Connect with Azalea Crowley:

• Website: Azalea Crowley
• Instagram: azaleacrowleyauthor

 If you loved this episode, please subscribe, rate, and leave a review—it helps more weirdos find us! 

Remember: There are no shortcuts to writing. Only the craft.

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In this episode of Writing and Killing Unicorns, we’re joined by the brilliant Nailah King for a rich and honest conversation on the complexities of the writing life. From battling imposter syndrome to finding your “why,” Nailah unpacks the emotional landscape of being a writer in a world that often questions your belonging.

We explore what fuels self-motivation when external validation is scarce, how cultural identity and tradition inform the way we tell stories, and the transformative power of showing up for ourselves—even when the inner critic gets loud.

This one is for anyone who's ever wondered if they’re really a writer, or who’s searching for the courage to write from a place of authenticity and cultural truth.

📝 What We Talk About:

• Nailah’s personal journey through imposter syndrome and creative doubt
• The tension between self-motivation and external recognition
• How cultural roots and traditions influence storytelling and voice
• Why understanding your “why” can ground your writing practice
• The importance of community for writers from marginalized backgrounds

 💌 Connect with Nailah:

IG: @nailahkingwrites

Website: msha.ke/nailahkingwrites

🔗 Mentioned in the Episode:

• Pomodoro Technique
• Write Brave Challenge
• Beavis & Butt-head Do America (Trunk Jumping Clip)

Remember: There are no shortcuts to writing. Only the craft.

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Welcome to Writing and Killing Unicorns, where I serve up the hard truth about writing, no sugarcoating, no fluff. In today’s episode, I’m breaking down the 10 Don’ts of Being a Successful Writer. This is the kind of tough love every writer needs to hear (and probably needs to stop ignoring). From procrastinating like it’s an Olympic sport, to obsessing over perfection (news flash: your first draft is allowed to suck), I’m shining a spotlight on the habits that are quietly wrecking your writing career—and trust me, you don’t want to be guilty of any of them.

I’m here to call out the things you’re doing that are holding you back, whether you’re stuck in a creative rut, overthinking every sentence, or waiting for “inspiration” to show up like a magic fairy (spoiler: she’s not coming). In this episode, we’re tossing out the excuses, ditching the bad habits, and putting your writing journey on the path to success.

But don’t worry, it’s not all doom and gloom—I’m bringing the laughs, the tough love, and the no-nonsense advice you need to stop spinning your wheels and finally get your work out there. So, grab a cup of coffee (or a glass of wine, because, hey, we’re writers), and let’s dive into the 10 things you absolutely should NOT do if you want to be a successful writer.

By the end of this episode, you’ll have a fresh perspective, a few laughs, and more than enough motivation to stop sabotaging yourself. Ready to stop making excuses and start writing like a boss? Let’s get into it.

Remember: There are no shortcuts to writing. Only the craft.

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Nope.
I could end the podcast there, but let’s be real—where’s the fun in that?

This episode is all about breaking free from the idea that you must commit to one genre for life. Spoiler alert: You don’t. Despite what the "pick it and stick it" crowd says, writing across genres can actually make you a better, more versatile writer.

In This Episode, We Cover:

🖋️ The myth of being stuck in a single genre
🧠 How forcing yourself into one category stifles creativity
🎭 Why writing different genres builds your storytelling skills
🛠️ How exploring new genres can add new tools to your writing toolbox
🚦 Knowing when to experiment and when to commit

You are not just a "romance writer," "sci-fi writer," or "mystery writer." You’re a writer, period. So if an idea in a different genre sparks your interest, don’t fight it—write it.

Got thoughts on today’s episode? Ever felt stuck in a genre and fought your way out? Or are you still trying to figure out if you should switch things up? Drop a comment and let’s chat! I’d love to hear your take—whether you agree, disagree, or just want to share your own genre-hopping adventures.

Hit the comments and let’s talk! 🚀

And don’t forget to tune in next time for "9 Ways to Exercise and Increase Your Creativity." If your creativity feels like it's been skipping the gym, don’t worry—I’ve got you covered. In the next episode, we’ll explore fun, practical ways to flex those creative muscles and keep the ideas flowing.

Until then, keep writing, keep experimenting, and most importantly—keep slaying those unicorns. 🦄✍️

Remember: There are no shortcuts to writing. Only the craft.

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Welcome to Writing and Killing Unicorns, the podcast where we dive deep into the magic and mayhem of storytelling. In this episode, we’re stepping into uncharted territory with LaDarrion Williams, New York Times bestselling author of Blood at the Root.

Fantasy is a genre built on imagination, but getting published in it is a whole different kind of adventure. LaDarrion takes us through his journey from aspiring writer to bestselling author, sharing insights on world-building, crafting immersive settings, and making magic feel real. If you’ve ever wondered how to bring a fantasy world to life—or what it takes to break into publishing—this episode is for you.

🌍 What You’ll Learn in This Episode
✨ The moment LaDarrion knew writing was his calling
✨ The winding road to publication in the fantasy genre
✨ How Blood at the Root was born—characters first, or world first?
✨ The art of world-building and why it’s essential to storytelling
✨ Techniques for creating believable magic systems
✨ The balance between deep lore and reader immersion
✨ Avoiding info dumps while making a world feel rich and lived-in
✨ The biggest challenges in world-building—and how to overcome them
✨ A sneak peek at what LaDarrion is working on next!

📚 Books & Resources Mentioned

• Blood at the Root by LaDarrion Williams
• Bones at the Crossroads by LaDarrion Williams

🔮 Follow LaDarrion Williams
Stay updated on LaDarrion’s work and upcoming projects:
🌐 linktr.ee: @ladarrionw
📖 Instagram: @itsladarrion
📖 Twitter/X: @ItsLaDarrion

🎧 Subscribe & Stay Connected
If you love the show, don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and leave a review! Follow us for more behind-the-scenes insights and future episodes:
📲 Instagram: the_krnelson
📩 Got questions or topics you want us to cover? Email us at [email protected].

📢 Next Episode: "Am I Stuck with This Genre?"
Feeling boxed into one genre? In our next episode, we explore the uncertainty many writers face about whether they should stick to the genre they’re known for or break free into something new. We'll discuss the pros and cons of genre-hopping, how to transition without losing your audience, and whether you really need a pen name to switch things up. Don’t miss it!

#Fantasy #WorldBuilding #LaDarrionWilliams #BloodAtTheRoot #WritingPodcast #MagicSystems #AuthorLife #GenreHopping

Remember: There are no shortcuts to writing. Only the craft.