Afleveringen

  • Sunday Times Best-Selling Author of The Lamb, Lucy Rose steps into the Sick Sad Lit (virtual) studio for a fierce, funny, and fearless conversation about everything that fuels her fiction. From the folklore of her rural upbringing to the feminist lens that informs her monstrous female characters, Lucy unpacks how horror can be a home for complexity. The episode touches on the metaphor of cannibalism as relational consumption, the portrayal of mental illness and motherhood, and what it means to write while neurodivergent. Lucy also speaks candidly about the importance of creative freedom, Dakota Johnson’s career-changing shoutout, and the bold themes she’s tackling in her upcoming work.


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    Takeaways

    Lucy Rose's debut novel, The Lamb, explores complex themes of love and horror.The book uses cannibalism as a metaphor for love and relationships.Lucy discusses her neurodivergent experiences and how they influence her writing.The importance of community and connection in the book industry is highlighted.The mother-daughter relationship in The Lamb is portrayed with nuance and complexity.Lucy emphasizes the significance of mental health in the writing process.The setting of The Lamb draws from Lucy's rural upbringing and folklore.The impact of Dakota Johnson's book club on Lucy's career is profound.Lucy expresses a desire for her work to be adapted into a film with a strong creative vision.Future projects will explore themes of courage and bisexuality.

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  • In this episode of Sick Sad Lit, host Jen Eastwood sits down with acclaimed author Sarah Rose Etter to unpack the emotional and political weight of writing in a collapsing world. They explore how magical realism and dark fiction serve as tools for survival and resistance under late-stage capitalism, and how attention spans, burnout, and economic precarity shape the creative process.


    Through a raw and reflective conversation, Etter shares insights on the emotional labor of storytelling, the role of surrealism in literature, and what it means to write authentically amidst societal decay. Whether you're a writer navigating capitalism, a reader drawn to unflinching fiction, or a fan of Sarah Rose Etter’s work, this episode offers a powerful look at how literature endures—and resists—through crisis.


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    Takeaways

    The emotional toll of writing is significant in a capitalist society.Attention spans are affected by technology and media consumption.Writing style can reflect the author's own attention span and experiences.Surrealism in literature can provide a lens for discussing political and social issues.The struggle for financial security is a common theme among writers.Empathy in storytelling is crucial for connecting with readers.The impact of urban poverty is a pressing issue in contemporary literature.The unpredictability of timing in literature can affect its relevance.Dark fiction serves as a form of resistance and reflection of societal issues.The process of writing often involves navigating personal and professional identities.

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  • In this episode, horror author Gretchen Felker-Martin discusses her writing process, the impact of queer representation in horror literature, and crafting complex characters in books like Manhunt and Cuckoo. We explore taboo themes, dark fiction, and advice for emerging authors navigating today’s literary world.


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    Gretchen Felker-Martin, explores her journey as a writer, the impact of her novels 'Manhunt' and 'Cuckoo', and the importance of representation in horror literature. We discuss the creative process behind character development, the challenges of writing about taboo themes, and the future of horror and dark fiction in light of current societal issues. Gretchen shares her insights on the reception of her work within the queer community and highlights emerging voices in the genre, all while reflecting on her personal writing journey and discipline.


    Takeaways:

    Gretchen's debut novel 'Manhunt' was a significant success in the horror genre.Representation of diverse characters in horror literature is crucial.The creative process involves pushing boundaries to evoke strong emotions.Writing about taboo themes can be emotionally complex but necessary.The future of horror may be shaped by current societal challenges.Emerging authors are vital to the evolution of horror literature.Gretchen emphasizes the importance of local bookstores in supporting authors.The writing discipline is developed through overcoming personal challenges.Horror serves as a means to engage with uncomfortable truths.Gretchen's work is influenced by her childhood reading experiences. 

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  • Chuck Tingle joins Sick Sad Lit to explore queer horror, satirical romance, and the role of absurdity in the horror genre. We talk about identity, publishing, and how positivity and love become acts of protest in art — and in life.


    Preorder Lucky Day.

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    Join the conversation with Sick Sad Lit on Substack and Instagram.


    In this engaging conversation, Chuck Tingle, a renowned author in queer horror and satirical romance, discusses his unique approach to storytelling, the cathartic power of horror, and the importance of positivity in challenging times. He shares insights into his artistic process, the transition from writing Tinglers to horror novels, and the role of identity in his work. Tingle emphasizes the significance of absurdity in horror, the political themes present in contemporary literature, and the impact of pre-ordering books on authors' success. The discussion culminates in an exciting preview of his upcoming novel, 'Lucky Day,' which explores themes of bisexuality and existence.


    Takeaways

    Chuck Tingle is a unique voice in queer horror and satirical romance.Positivity is a natural state for Chuck, helping him navigate challenges.Horror can serve as a cathartic experience, reflecting life's complexities.Chuck's transition from Tinglers to horror novels showcases his artistic evolution.Absurdity in horror can amplify the fear factor, making it more relatable.Art can be a powerful form of protest and expression.The importance of identity and representation in storytelling is crucial.Chuck's anonymity allows for deeper connections with his audience.The horror genre is thriving with diverse voices and perspectives.Pre-ordering books is vital for supporting authors and their work.

    Chapters

    00:00 The Power of Positivity in Turbulent Times

    03:59 Exploring the Intersection of Love and Horror

    09:18 The Artistic Journey: From Tinglers to Horror Novels

    14:26 The Freedom of Anonymity: Chuck Tingle's Artistic Expression

    24:21 The Genesis of Chuck Tingle: Art, Identity, and Healing

    31:21 Exploring Horror: Grueling vs. Cathartic

    38:21 The Art of Creating Unique Monsters

    43:11 The Evolution of Horror in Contemporary Society

    49:52 The Importance of Message in Art

    58:47 Navigating Traditional Publishing vs. Self-Publishing

    01:04:51 Anticipating 'Lucky Day': A New Queer Horror Novel

    01:11:42 Ge Filter Fish - Neon Rapture.mp3

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  • Welcome to Sick Sad Lit — a podcast about the books that get under your skin. Host Jen Eastwood talks with the writers behind today’s most unsettling, unforgettable fiction: horror, gothic, surreal, and literary works that explore obsession, identity, rage, the body, and the bizarre.


    This is a space for complicated characters, experimental form, and authors who aren’t afraid to get weird — or honest.


    If you’ve ever called a book “unhinged” as a compliment, this show is for you.


    Season One premieres 22 May NZST. Subscribe now and get ready to spiral.

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