This Is Horror Podcast

Michael David Wilson and Bob Pastorella
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The This Is Horror Podcast is a show for readers, writers, and creators hosted by Michael David Wilson and Bob Pastorella. We interview writers, artists, publishers, editors, and creatives every week. Over 600 episodes, we have interviewed creatives including Chuck Palahniuk, Dean Koontz, Joe Hill, David Dastmalchian, Joe R. Lansdale, Charlaine Harris, Ellen Datlow, David Moody, Jennifer Lynch, Gemma Files, and Josh Malerman.

  1. 16 hr ago

    Michael David Wilson on The Girl in the Video, Gaijin J-Horror, and Horror Set in Japan

    In this podcast, Michael David Wilson talks about The Girl in the Video, Gaijin J-Horror, horror set in Japan, and much more. With special guests Dan Howarth and David Moody. [2:35] Conversation start/Michael’s first experience with The Girl in the Video story. [7:15] Setting stories in Japan. [10:45] One Story Per Week Writing Challenge and Writing More Seriously. [18:10] Alternating between writing stories set in the UK and Japan/where is home? [29:25] Reissuing The Girl in the Video and reflecting on the story six years after initial publication. [50:05] Adding value and bonuses for readers. [57:25] What Michael’s high standards mean for the second edition of The Girl in the Video and books in general. [1:07:30] Being authentic and refusing to be inauthentic. [1:09:40] The impact of social media, AI, and the digital age and the relevance of The Girl in the Video today. [1:17:10] How Michael and his writing has changed since he first wrote The Girl in the Video. [1:25:30] Projecting confidence, turning 40, and mini life crises. [1:39:35] Don’t chase trends. [1:49:45] Words of wisdom to leave listeners with about writing and Michael’s writing journey. Full podcast show notes are available here: https://www.thisishorror.co.uk/tih-676-michael-david-wilson-on-the-girl-in-the-video-gaijin-j-horror-and-horror-set-in-japan Support This Is Horror Podcast on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/thisishorror

  2. 17 Aug

    Raphael Montes on The Secret Dinner, The Seagull Soup Riddle, and Writing About Taboo Topics

    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

  3. 9 Aug

    Richard Jerram on Lessons Learnt Writing The Makoto Murders, Writing Routine, and What Defines Success

    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

  4. 31 Jul

    Richard Jerram on The Makoto Murders, Living in Tokyo, Japan, and Winning the Crime Writers’ Association’s Debut Dagger Award

    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

  5. 21 Jul

    E. L. Chen on Slasher Summer, Slasher Movies, and Best Writing Advice

    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

  6. 13 Jul

    E. L. Chen on Sweetside Motel, Writing Routine, and Inverting Gothic Novel Expectations

    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

  7. 6 Jul

    David Moody on Kemberton, Weoley Castle, and Writing About the Human Condition

    In this podcast, David Moody talks about serialising fiction, embracing boredom, the long road to the Hater movie, and much more. [3:00] Kemberton elevator pitch and real-life inspiration. [11:20] Bullying, domestic violence, and the emotional impact of Kemberton. [23:25] A huge turning point in the book. [31:55] Beta-reader feedback. [38:20] Writing about the human condition. [42:10] Weoley Castle. [51:55] Nailing the ending. [1:03:05] Writing for enjoyment. [1:08:40] Final thoughts. Full podcast show notes are available here: https://www.thisishorror.co.uk/tih-670-david-moody-on-kemberton-weoley-castle-and-writing-about-the-human-condition Support This Is Horror Podcast on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/thisishorror

  8. 27 Jun

    David Moody on Serialising Fiction, Embracing Boredom, and the Long Road to the Hater Movie

    In this podcast, David Moody talks about serialising fiction, embracing boredom, the long road to the Hater movie, and much more. [3:00] Conversation start. [4:50] Biggest changes in last year. [7:20] Hater film adaptation. [20:05] Dirty Day. [24:00] Money, happiness, writing, and having enough. [39:35] Embracing boredom and going offline. [47:00] Cinema etiquette. [1:00:05] Serialising Kemberton. Full podcast show notes are available here: https://www.thisishorror.co.uk/tih-669-david-moody-on-serialising-fiction-embracing-boredom-and-the-long-road-to-the-hater-movie Support This Is Horror Podcast on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/thisishorror

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About

The This Is Horror Podcast is a show for readers, writers, and creators hosted by Michael David Wilson and Bob Pastorella. We interview writers, artists, publishers, editors, and creatives every week. Over 600 episodes, we have interviewed creatives including Chuck Palahniuk, Dean Koontz, Joe Hill, David Dastmalchian, Joe R. Lansdale, Charlaine Harris, Ellen Datlow, David Moody, Jennifer Lynch, Gemma Files, and Josh Malerman.

Information

  • Creator
    Michael David Wilson and Bob Pastorella
  • Years Active
    2013 - 2026
  • Episodes
    690
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2011–2025 This Is Horror. All rights reserved.
  • Show Website
    This Is Horror Podcast