This Is Horror Podcast

In this podcast, Raphael Montes talks about The Secret Dinner, the Seagull Soup Riddle, writing about taboo topics , and much more.

[4:10] Conversation start/early life lessons.

[8:55] The films and books Raphael was consuming from an early age.

[13:30] Writing stories that don’t fit into an easy genre box.

[17:00] Planning The Secret Dinner.　

[21:35] Dark comedy.

[26:30] The seagull soup riddle.

[29:30] The real-life Piglet.

[34:40] The Secret Dinner in conversation with Chuck Palahniuk.

[45:15] Our generation’s search for meaning.

[49:20] Brazil’s reaction to The Secret Dinner.

[53:35] Are any taboo topics off limits for Raphael?

[59:25] Horror chose me.

[1:03:45] Vegan reaction.

[1:08:35] Religion’s effect on Raphael’s life and presence in Brazil and the book.

[1:13:40] Connect with Raphael and final thoughts.

Full podcast show notes are available here: https://www.thisishorror.co.uk/tih-675-raphael-montes-on-the-secret-dinner

Support This Is Horror Podcast on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/thisishorror

In this podcast, Richard Jerram talks about lessons learnt writing The Makoto Murders, his writing routine, what defines success, and much more.

[2:50] The Makoto Murders and its journey with Titan Books.

[11:15] Richard’s writing routine.

[16:20] Writing to music or silence.

[23:20] What defines success?

[33:50] Making protagonist, Ken Kato, half British/half Japanese.

[45:00] Ken’s obsession with Makoto and the realities of stalking in Japan.

[55:00] Lessons learnt writing The Makoto Murders.

[1:01:30] Advice to eighteen-year-old self.

[1:03:50] Connect with Richard.

Full podcast show notes are available here: https://www.thisishorror.co.uk/tih-674-richard-jerram-on-lessons-learnt-writing-the-makoto-murders-writing-routine-and-what-defines-success

Support This Is Horror Podcast on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/thisishorror

In this podcast, Richard Jerram talks about The Makoto Murders, living in Tokyo, Japan, winning the Crime Writers’ Association’s Debut Dagger Award, and much more.

[3:15] Early life lessons growing up.

[6:00] The best and worst things about taking a creative writing MA.

[10:15] Retirement from work as an economist and decision to pursue writing fiction.

[11:45] Arriving in Tokyo, Japan in 1987.

[14:55] The Makoto Murders launch event.

[17:25] The Makoto Murders elevator pitch.

[20:20] Writing a novel with a sociopathic protagonist.

[28:15] Japan setting.

[29:35] Planning and writing process for The Makoto Murders.

[34:55] Workshopping two endings.

[37:10] Including specific details to Japan.

[38:50] Next books and projects.

[43:55] Advantages and disadvantages of living in Japan, Singapore, and London.

[45:30] Becoming fluent in Japanese.

[49:10] Life and art imitating one another: winning the Crime Writers’ Association’s Debut Dagger Award.

[54:00] Landing a literary agent.

[58:10] Film and TV rights.

Full podcast show notes are available here: https://www.thisishorror.co.uk/tih-673-richard-jerram-on-the-makoto-murders-living-in-tokyo-japan-and-winning-the-crime-writers-associations-debut-dagger-award

Support This Is Horror Podcast on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/thisishorror

In this podcast, E. L. Chen talks about Slasher Summer, slasher movies, the best writing advice she’s ever heard, and much more.

[4:25] Slasher Summer elevator pitch.

[6:25] First experiences with slasher movies.

[11:30] Watching A Nightmare on Elm Street.

[16:35] Lessons taken from other slasher stories within horror fiction.

[18:55] Planning process.

[24:30] The cabin backstory.

[26:20] Editorial input.

[31:40] Slasher references.

[38:00] Favourite slasher.

[40:30] Lessons learnt writing Slasher Summer.

[44:50] One Of Us Is Already Dead.

[54:20] Best and worst writing advice.

[1:00:15] Advice to eighteen-year-old self.

[1:03:10] Something that frightens Elaine.

[1:07:00] Connect with E. L. Chen.

Full podcast show notes are available here: https://www.thisishorror.co.uk/tih-672-e-l-chen-on-slasher-summer-slasher-movies-and-best-writing-advice

Support This Is Horror Podcast on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/thisishorror

In this podcast, E. L. Chen talks about Sweetside Motel, writing routine, inverting gothic novel expectations, and much more.

[3:15] Conversation start/early life lessons.

[10:00] Identity, stereotypes, and rebellion.

[13:40] First experiences with story/writing in YA, Fantasy, and Horror.

[18:30] Authenticity and writing for yourself first.

[21:05] Writing routine and time management.

[23:30] Drafting, revising, and working in numerous environments.

[28:40] Website origins and web design career.

[31:15] Book releases and publishing timelines.

[34:10] Book promotion and contracts.

[35:30] Literary agent journey and querying strategy.

[44:55] Sweetside Motel and writing during and about the pandemic.

[47:30] COVID consistency in book.

[50:25] Inverting gothic novel expectations and locations.

[53:45] Chinese-Canadian misconceptions and trip to Hong Kong.

Full podcast show notes are available here: https://www.thisishorror.co.uk/tih-671-e-l-chen-on-sweetside-motel-writing-routine-and-inverting-gothic-novel-expectations

Support This Is Horror Podcast on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/thisishorror