Killer Prose

In this episode of Killer Pros, Tanner chats with cover designer Ruth Anna Evans about all aspects of cover design. They discuss Ruth's career, her approach to designing book covers, and the intricacies of working with a cover designer, including licensing. Ruth shares her journey from designing covers for her own books due to budget constraints to becoming a professional cover designer. The conversation also covers the importance of typography, lighting, texture, and focal points in creating effective book covers. Ruth offers practical advice for authors looking to create visually appealing covers and emphasizes the importance of practice and...

In this solo episode of the Killer Pros podcast, Tanner discusses recent changes in his revision process, particularly shifting back to using notecards for outlining and revisions. He also shares personal updates, including recovering from a fractured arm which has impacted his writing and podcasting activities. Tanner highlights his ongoing projects, such as working on the revision of his book 'The Haint' and launching his voiceover services at tannersvoice.com. He emphasizes the importance of keeping the creative process simple and effective.

00:00 Introduction and Podcast Overview

00:46 Personal Update and Challenges

02:14 Voiceover Work and...

In this episode of the Killer Pros podcast, host Tanner interviews Meriah Gutterson, an experienced editor from Marked Up Editing. They discuss the editing process, the importance of maintaining story continuity, and the common mistakes new authors make. Mariah shares valuable insights on how to work with an editor and the benefits of early consultation. She also provides tips for character development, maintaining an author's voice, and meeting reader expectations. They touch upon the intricacies of editing for different English dialects and explore how editors can impact an author's growth. This episode is a must-listen for indie authors seeking...

In this solo episode of the Killer Pros podcast, I discusses my writing process, recent projects, and how I developed my unique voice and style as a horror thriller writer. I share insights on genre blending, my evolving writing style, and the outline process for my latest works, including 'The Hant.'

00:28 Introduction

01:02 Current Writing Projects

01:42 Exploring Genre Blends

04:07 Finding My Writing Voice

11:53 Developing 'The Haint' and My World

19:17 Upcoming Plans and Conclusion

Connect with the show at: https://www.killerprose.com/voicemail/

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In this episode of the Killer Pros, Tanner interviews author Brad Ricks about his new series, 'The Night Crew.' They discuss the intricacies of blending horror with action thriller elements, the evolution of writing styles, and the challenges of creating authentic and engaging stories. Brad shares insights into his writing process, character development, and the motivation behind his vampire lore, while also touching on the importance of accurate details and the collaborative nature of indie publishing.

00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome

00:46 Discussing the Night Crew

01:29 Blending Horror and Action

03:13 Writing Journey...

In this episode I discusses updates on my upcoming mystery book 'Fools & Corpses' and details on setting up a home studio for audiobooks. I also reflects on the challenges of deciding between Amazon's KU and Kobo Select for distribution. In the meat of the episode, I take a look at different types of plot twists in storytelling, focusing the importance of foreshadowing and avoiding overuse.

00:00 Introduction and Podcast Updates

00:55 Exciting News: First Book Release

01:23 Navigating the Audiobook Journey

02:15 Debating Amazon Exclusivity

04:56 Exploring Plot Twists in Writing

07:05 Types...

In this episode of Killer Prose, Tanner discusses strategies for dealing with writer's block and managing stress. He offers personal insights into his own practices for de-stressing and staying focused, such as prioritizing workouts and meditation, observing the world for inspiration, and experimenting with his writing process. Tanner also provides updates on his current projects, including 'Fools and Corpses' and 'The Haint,' sharing lessons learned from revisions and character development. Additionally, he highlights the importance of keeping oneself open to inspiration and adjusting writing habits to overcome creative blocks.

00:00 Introduction to Writing During Stressful Times

In this episode of Killer Prose, I interview J.D. Barker, an international and New York Times bestselling author known for titles like 'The Fourth Monkey,' 'Dracul,' and his upcoming novel, 'We Don't Talk About Emma.' J.D. discusses his new book, his co-authoring process, and his unique deal with Simon & Schuster. He shares insights into his writing and publishing journey, the changes in the industry, and his approach to mentoring new authors. The conversation also touches on innovative marketing strategies, including a one-of-a-kind giveaway for his upcoming book, 'Something I Keep Upstairs.' J.D...

In this episode of the Killer Prose Podcast, host Tanner Rutledge wishes listeners a happy New Year and invites them to share their upcoming projects for 2025. Tanner discusses his decision to merge his mystery and horror writings under his own name, eliminating the need for a pen name to reduce marketing expenses. He reflects on the professional changes in 2024, including transitioning to commission sales to fund his book projects. Looking ahead, he anticipates releasing his first mystery novel 'Fools and Corpses' by June 2025, followed by a horror novel and another book in the Ted and Darcy series. Tanner emphasizes...

In this episode of Killer Prose Podcast, Tanner is joined by Cassandra O’Sullivan Sachar, an accomplished writer and associate English professor in Pennsylvania. With her work featured in over forty creative publications, including The Horror Zine, Wyldblood Magazine, and Tales from the Moonlit Path, Cassandra brings a wealth of experience to the table.

We discuss the craft of writing, teaching horror fiction at the university level, and the art of using scenery to convey a variety of information to your readers. Cassandra also shares insights into her works: her dark suspense novel, Darkness There but Something Mor...

In this episode of Killer Prose, we’re joined by Lee Mountford, the bestselling author behind the Haunted and Darkfall series. Lee shares his journey to becoming a full-time indie author, offering insights into planning and writing series, collaborating with editors, and crafting haunted house stories and genre blends.

Whether you’re a writer seeking inspiration or a horror fan curious about what goes into creating spine-chilling fiction, this is an episode you won't want to miss.

Don’t forget to connect with us at killerprose.com, where you’ll find all our social media links and...

We have some new episodes coming. I'll also be taking the show to once a month for a while so we can stay consistent while work, life, and writing are so hectic right now. 

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Ivy Tholen is the author of “Tastes Like Candy," “Maul Rats,” and the upcoming "Mother Dear." She lives in Los Angeles. Don’t mention “A Nightmare on Elm Street 3: Dream Warriors” to her, or she will never shut up.

In this episode, we delve into the world of indie authorship. Whether you're curious about carving out time to write, mastering the craft of horror, knowing the right moment to seek feedback, or getting a behind-the-scenes glimpse into the indie author life, this episode has you covered. Stay tuned for insights, tips, and real-world experiences that every aspiring indie author...

Today I'm joined by author, Andrew Najberg. Andrew is the author of the best-selling (#1 US Horror Amazon) novels The Mobius Door (Wicked House Publishing, 2023) and Gollitok (Wicked House Publishing, 2023), as well as The Neverborn Thief (Olive-Ridley Press, 2024), the forthcoming collection of short fiction In Those Fading Stars (Crystal Lake Publishing, 2024) and the forthcoming novel Extinction Dream (Wicked House Publishing, 2025). His short fiction has appeared in Fusion Fragment, Khoreo, Translunar Travelers Lounge, Utopia Science Fiction, Prose Online, Psychopomp Review, Solar Press Horror Anthology, and is forthcoming in Make Your Presence Known Anthology, and the Gods and Globes III Anthology. Currently...

Today I'm joined by Bryan Alaspa. Bryan wrote his first short story in the third grade, way back in the 70s. He's now the author of more than 60 books and novels, all of them on the dark side of life.

In today's episode Brian and I talk about craft, story inspiration, and different avenues for publication. 

Connect with Bryan at https://www.bryanwalaspa.com/

Connect with him on X (Twitter) @ https://x.com/bryanalaspa

Find his Horror Fiction Podcast When the Night Comes @ https://www.bryanwalaspa.com/when-the-night-comes-out-the-podcas

Connect w...

In today's episode, I'm joined by Clay Stafford. We cover pretty much everything. We talk about the opportunities at the Killer Nashville Conference, trad publishing vs self publishing, and getting out there and meeting agents. 

Clay Stafford is an American bestselling and award-winning author, poet, screenwriter, and playwright; film and television producer, director, showrunner, actor; book, film, and stage reviewer as well as public speaker. He has sold nearly four million copies of his books and has had his work distributed in sixteen languages. He is founder and CEO of the annual Killer Nashville International Writers’ Conference and...

Today, I'm joined by horror author Brad Ricks. Brad talks about his debut novel Fear Not the Dead, his path to writing and publication, and his feelings on the craft.  We also get into playing with timelines, things you don't think about before being published, and why he writes horror.

You can find Brad, links to his socials, and his books at https://www.bradricks.com/

Purchase Fear Not the Dead https://www.amazon.com/Fear-Not-Dead-Brad-Ricks-ebook/dp/B0CYS3DLL9/ref=sr_1_1?crid=9QM6HCJXQWN5&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.NtYkrOtkbgQ_LP3jBvlp4DslBCMvJGLuwrhwO72P9JDGjHj071QN20Lu...

In today's episode, I talk a little about TikTok and someof the changes that are coming, even if the app sells and is permitted to operate in the USA. I also talk about some of the things I'm working on and how I feel about my current project. 

Connect with the show and read blog posts at www.killerprose.com

follow us on FB IG and Tik Tok @killerprosepodcast

Join the live streams on FB, YouTube, and Twich, just search for the Killer Prose Podcast.

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Plotting provides a road map, but can you plot too much? Is it possible to plott key story beats, and still leave enough elbow room for your charaters and settings to come alive? I talk about this and more in today's episode of Killer Prose Podcast.

Connect with the show and read blog posts at www.killerprose.com

follow us on FB IG and Tik Tok @killerprosepodcast

Join the live streams on You Tube and Twich, just search for the Killer Prose Podcast.

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MJ Mars, author of The Suffering from Wicked House Press, drops by today to share what it was like to break into the horror genre, her process, and some a few personal stories. MJ has been featured in a plethora of magazines, anthologies, and podcasts - including her story Better Then Mardis Gras on season 13 Ep. 16 of The No Sleep Podcast.

Connect with MJ Mars at https://mjmarsauthor.com

Get The Suffering at https://www.amazon.com/Suffering-Novel-MJ-Mars-ebook/dp/B0BTMPKHHK/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1V69CPK7EE4OB&keywords=the+suffering+mj+mars&q...

On today's episode, I'm joined by Blaine Daigle, author of The Broken Places from Wicked House Publishing. We spend about 45 minute diving deep into his process, how he uses Pro Writing Aid and Autocrit, and how he writes scenes that invoke such deep reactions. 

You can connect with Blain at https://www.blainedaigle.com or on his Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100086562623387 and IG at https://www.instagram.com/blainedaigleauthor/

And be on the lookout for his new book A Dark Roux

Connect with the show on FB, IG, a...

Following genre expectations is key to connecting with readers. But how do you stand out? How do you create something new inside of established structures. In today's episode I talk shop with internationally published author and writing processor Andrew Najberg.

Andrew Najberg is the author of the novel The Mobius Door (Wicked House Publications, 2023) and the forthcoming novels Gollitok (Cactus Moon Press, 2023) and The Neverborn Thief (Olive-Ridley Press, 2024), as well as the collection of poems The Goats Have Taken Over the Barracks (Finishing Line Press, 2021). His short fiction has appeared in Prose Online, Psychopomp Review, Bookends Review...

Last episode, I talked about my top 5 resources for horror writers. This week, I'm deep diving Plottr and going through exactly how it's made my process easier and faster.

Email the show at writingfright@gmail.com

FB and IG @writingfright

TikTok @writingfrightpod

Follow us at www.writingfright.com

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Writing is hard. For the vast majority of us starting out, it takes months or years to complete a piece of long form content. It takes time to plan a story, and it doesn’t matter if you are a plotter or discovery writer. (Our first drafts just look different)

The steps are pretty must the same. We see where the story goes and end with a first draft or detailed outline. Then, we revise and draft a coherent story.

It can be difficult to stay on track. So why not streamline your individual process an...

Over the past several months, I struggled with my identity as a writer and keeping my cozy mystery on track even though it has several horror elements and a definite creepy factor. You guys voiced your opinions on the direction of the show and I have to agree. Let’s keep this show indie and horror. Writing Fright is back. This show is a resource for all writers, but I really want to focus the details on the darker side of fiction... and nonfiction.

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This week, I talk about what could have been a major set back, and how these 3 things helped me stay on track to finish my latest book.

Follows us on FB IG Twitch and YouTube @killerprosepodcast

Email the show at killerpenbooks@gmail.com

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Edward Morris joins us to discuss his new book Alphabet of Lighting. We talk about starting out as a professional writer, building relationships with other authors, finding your voice, and so much more. Edward shared some amazing advice and lessons he's earned along the way.

You can find his book Alphabet of Lighting at:

Barns & Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/alphabet-of-lightning-edward-morris/1142007521

At Broken Eye Books: https://www.brokeneyebooks.com/news/alphabet-of-lightning-by-edward-morris#/

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Alphabet-Lightning-There-Was-Crooked/dp/194037264X/ref=sr_1_1?crid=3UQF2KAWUZES2&keywords=alphabet+of+lightning&qid=1676591135&sprefix...

So much has changed, including the name of the show. Writing Fright is now The Killer Prose Podcast. We'll be diving deeper into the Thriller Genres: Mystery, Thriller, Crime, and Suspense -  as well as, horror. In today's episode, I spend the first 15 minutes talking about my goals for 2023, including my production schedule, habits, and wordcounts. In the second half, I dive into how I'm plotting these next three novels and brining on an editor for my extended outlines.

Email the show killerprosepodcast@gmail.com Follow us on FB IG Twitch and Youtube @killerprosepodcast

Intro a...

We all need help, especially as we grow as writers. But, what is mentorship and how do we find those people and resources that change our worlds?

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Tame that wild story! I wanted to write a book but ended up with a tangle of plots and sub plots. What helped? Learning and prioritizing story beats to write to genre. John Truby's book Anatomy of Genres was an amazing help. I discovered him on Joanna Penn's podcast The Creative Pen.

Choosing my route to becoming and professional author was one of the hardest decisions I had to make. Later in on the episode, I talk about why I chose indie publishing and what that actually means.

You can find Anatomy of Genres at:  h...

There's no denying it. Distractions are distracting, but that doesn't have to slow you down. Here's how, and why, I write with background noise and no longer lock the door when I write.

email the show writingfright@gmail.com

Follow me on FB, IG, Slasher, and Twitch @writingfight

Check out Holly's Writing Classes @ hollyswritingclasses.com and listen to Alone In a Room With Invisible People

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Are you having trouble connecting to a story? Do the characters seem weak and the story just falls flat? Here's what happened to my first few attempts at the Haint and what I learned about how Theme Guilds everything in the story.

Follow the show on FB, IG, Slasher, and Twitch @writingfright

email the show @writingfright

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On this episode I talk about some of the things I'm thankful for as they pertain to my writing. I also update my Holiday Gift List for writers.

Holly's Writing Classes:  https://www.hollyswritingclasses.com/

Pro Writing Aid: https://prowritingaid.com/

Follow us on FB, IG, Twtich, and Discord @writingfright

email the show writingfright@gmail.com

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I thought it would be a waist of time, but the truth is this really helped to dial in my story and show me what was missing. Doing an extended outline (to start off or in the revision process) is a fantastic way to get on track. Listen for details.

Email your comments and questions to writingfright@gmail.com

Follow us on FB, IG Twitch, and Discord @writingfright

Join the live writing sessions every Sunday on Facebook and Twitch

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It's no secret, the economy is in a down swing. And, 2023 is projected to get worse, but with that comes some amazing opportunity for writers and content creators.

Follow us on FB, IG, Twitch, Discord and Slasher @writingfright

email the show writingfright@gmail.com

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As a new writer, how do you tell if your story should be shared, when it needs more work, or when its time to burry it and move on? This is my experience with it. And, yes I have a trunk book or two that will never see the light of day... Koala with a Pocket Knife. 

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After numerous classes, workshops, coaches, I was floored when these two simple things leveled me up. My horror writing style went from B movie blah to fun and frightening.  Connect with me on FB, IG, Twitch, and discord @writingfright email the show writingfright@gmail.com Make sure to join out live events on FB and Twitch! Intro and outro music provided by Super Strange Synths by YellowTree -- https://freesound.org/s/482961/ -- License: Attribution 4.0

Horror Writers! The first draft is done. Now, the real work begins. There's a stack of 200 plus pages, messed up plots, and mid manuscript cast changes - you need to tame this wild best of a "book." It's easy to get overwhelmed in this stage. Here's a quick trick I leaned to stay organized and keep my subsequent drafts on point. 

Email the show writingfright@gmail.com Connect with us on FB, IG, Twitch, and Discord @writingfright. Make sure to follow the FB page to be in the loop with upcoming live writing event and have access t...

Still wondering about the use of prologues? Here's my thoughts on when to use and when to avoid them. I also talk about the upcoming live streams and weekend write with me streams. Email the show at writingfright@gmail.com Follow on FB, IG, Twitch, Discord @writingfright Join the patron https://www.patreon.com/writingfright --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/writingfright/message

Worried about how to find an editor. In today's episode, I go over how to find an editor, recap were I've been for the pas few months, and talk about why having the right editor is important.

connect with me on FI, IG, Twitch, and Discord @writingfright

Email me at writingfright@gmail.com

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