There’s just something about horror as a genre that has always fascinated me. The anthropological implications alone are enough to pique my interest, let alone the cultural and psychological value it brings to the table. But more than anything, horror is one of the only literary and audio genres that illicit an actual, physical reaction from me. And, when you think about it, you probably grew up on bitesized horror stories.
“I always thought it was funny that people said, “Oh, this is a folk tale.’ …If you really break it down, it’s just a very childish version of a horror story.”
On today’s Coffee Break, my guest is the producer of horror podcasts Liberty and The White Vault and all-around awesome person K.A. Statz (but I just know her at Kaitlin). As a rising master of the macabre and a Renaissance woman in the fantasy, science fiction, and horror spectrums, Kaitlin understands that the most memorable stories out there are the ones that take hold of you.
“I can tell these short, scary stories. They not only help build this world, but they help people feel like a visceral interaction with what it is that I’ve spent so much time creating.”
In this week’s episode, Kaitlin and I have a wonderful conversation about how to write horror and what makes something frightening. Kaitlin also shares her thoughts on some surprisingly candid writing topics, such as giving yourself permission and feeling like you’ve earned the right to be creative, exposing your work to constructive criticism, and choosing your first critics.
“You just need to have the encouragement to go forward but also the willingness to say, ‘If I don’t get better, no one’s going to keep listening.'”
I had a blast talking about writing with my friend Kaitlin. I hope her passion for horror helps a few of you give the genre a chance and inspires you to give yourself permission to make something awesome! Be sure to check out all of the great podcasts and audio dramas she’s been working on. Thanks for listening and give yourself permission to make something awesome today!
Mentioned in this episode:
#Liberty
#TheWhiteVault
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Great episode with K.A. Statz. First 15 minutes and loved the point of view where you don’t have degrees in writing. I also study with different sources, like Stephen King On Writing, every day. I’m new to your podcast and signed for your e-mails also. Thanks!