Writing and Killing Unicorns

Nelly
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What does it mean to be a writer? Am I bragging if I tell people I am a writer? Am I a failure or scared if I don't? Writing and Killing Unicorns is a raw and unapologetic look into what it means to be a writer and how a crumbling world could affect the craft and the writer, hosted by me, Karen. Hollywood would have us believe books can be written in five minutes-that inspiration is this magical creature. It's time for those lies to die. Writing is hard, and scary, and fun, and healing. I will discuss the joys and fears of being a creative with the written word in a world that is literally crumbling at the seams. Through self-understanding, research and the help of people in the business, let's learn together. And remember: if you have a pen in your hand, no matter what, you're write. 

  1. We Write in the Dark: Horror, Hauntings, and the Self with Channel Harry

    JUL 16

    We Write in the Dark: Horror, Hauntings, and the Self with Channel Harry

    Send us a text In this hauntingly beautiful episode of Writing and Killing Unicorns, we welcome writer Channel Harry to explore the deeply intertwined worlds of horror and healing. Titled We Write in the Dark, this conversation dives into the ways horror allows us to confront trauma, navigate ancestral memory, and survive the shadows of the self. Channel shares insight on the intersection of ancestry and mental health, unearthing how generational hauntings and personal struggles manifest in both life and story. Together, we discuss how horror, often dismissed as escapism or sensationalism, becomes a transformative space—a genre that doesn’t just terrify, but tends to wounds and makes space for reckoning. From ghosts of the past to inner monsters, this episode is a meditation on writing as ritual, horror as resistance, and storytelling as a path to wholeness. Topics Covered: Why horror is a powerful tool for healingMental illness, stigma, and the self as a haunted houseWriting through ancestral trauma and inherited memoryThe personal as supernatural: locating fear in lived experienceHow horror provides a language for the unspeakableCrafting stories that confront and transform pain Lintr.ee: Chanel Harry: The Mistress of Horror  Instagram: authorbae Remember: There are no shortcuts to writing. Only the craft.

    53 min

  2. JUN 6

    Wait, Am I Writing a Self-Help Book?

    Send us a text Writing a self-help book is not what I expected—and honestly, it scares me. I never saw myself as the kind of person who’d write one, let alone admit out loud that I might have something to say that could help someone else. But here I am. Doing the thing that feels too big, too vulnerable, and too real. So, Season Two? It’s about unmasking—and then making something out of what’s revealed. This season isn’t about perfection or performance. It’s about honesty. It’s about the sacred work of facing yourself, pulling back the layers, and asking: Now that I see myself clearly, what can I build from here? How can I help others? I'll be bringing you with me as I write this self-help book in real time—sharing the truth behind the pages. I’ll also be in conversation with other authors about their own creative journeys, the people that were an influence on them, the stories they’ve dared to tell, and how they take care of themselves while doing this work. We’ll talk about fear, grief, healing, creation, and the quiet power of choosing to keep going. So if you’re still with me—thank you.  Let’s keep going. Together. Connect with Me: Email: writingandkillingunicorns@gmail.comInstagram: @the_krnelsonAuthor Website: thekrnelsonwriter.comRemember: There are no shortcuts to writing. Only the craft.

    19 min
  3. Between Life and Labels: Writing Humanity in Horror - Jack Callaghan

    MAY 30

    Between Life and Labels: Writing Humanity in Horror - Jack Callaghan

    Send us a text There are two things you need to know before listening to this episode: The zombie apocalypse is over, and it has been for some time.The world doesn’t need a hero.What it needs—what this episode explores—is something much more human: awkward friendships, fierce loyalty, and flawed people trying to make sense of a broken world. This week, we talk with author Jack Callaghan about writing horror that isn't just scary—but also deeply honest. Jack’s stories mix undead mayhem with biting humor and real heart, confronting themes of identity, belonging, and survival through characters who feel anything but destined for greatness. Together, we dig into: Whether monsters are stand-ins for society—or just for usHow the undead offer a mirror to the human conditionWhy weird, fun books can still carry emotional and political weightThe dance between subtlety and clarity when you’re writing fast and fierceHow to make meaning without preaching—and how to write with purpose anywayPlus: zombies, outsider kids, and the moments when symbolism sneaks in through the back door. We believe good stories don’t have to be tidy, and truth doesn’t always wear a cape. Join us for interviews with genre-defiers, rule-breakers, and writers who kill off more than just their darlings. Follow Jack Callaghan Facebook: Jack Callaghan Instagram: @jackcallaghanauthor YouTube: @jackcallaghan6104 Like what you hear? Rate and review the show wherever you listen. It helps strange little podcasts like ours survive the apocalypse. Remember: There are no shortcuts to writing. Only the craft.

    56 min
  4. Bloodlines and Broken Minds: Horror as a Path to Healing - Nadira Jamerson

    MAY 19

    Bloodlines and Broken Minds: Horror as a Path to Healing - Nadira Jamerson

    Send us a text In this episode of Writing and Killing Unicorns, I had the absolute honor of speaking with horror writer and cultural storyteller Nadira Jamerson. This conversation left me breathless, grounded, and strangely healed. Nadira opens up about how she uses horror not just to scare—but to unearth, confront, and ultimately mend what’s been broken. We talk about what it means to be a Black woman writing horror, how trauma and mental health show up in her stories, and the power of ancestral memory and folklore in crafting narratives that hold both shadow and light. She also shares how she protects her spirit while writing deeply emotional and often painful material—and offers guidance for the next generation of Black girls who feel called to the dark. Some highlights we dig into: Horror as a tool for processing painThe deep relationship between fear, healing, and identityHow Nadira's characters act as vessels for shadow workCreating boundaries when writing from personal woundsThe rise of a Black horror aesthetic—and what liberation looks like through that lensThis isn’t just a conversation. It’s a reclamation. Tap in. 🔗 Mentions: Follow Nadira: IG Why Black Women are Embracing HorrorFollow Nadira on her website!Remember: There are no shortcuts to writing. Only the craft.

    1h 2m
  5. The Myth of the Happy Ending: What Happens After You Get an Agent? - Ally Russell

    MAY 10

    The Myth of the Happy Ending: What Happens After You Get an Agent? - Ally Russell

    Send us a text You got an agent—now what? In this candid and insightful episode, host Nelly sits down with author Ally Russell to talk about the gritty realities of traditional publishing after you land representation. From querying to editor submission hell, editorial rejection, and maintaining mental health through the highs and lows, Ally gives us a transparent look behind the curtain. This is not a fairy tale ending — it's the start of a new adventure full of monsters, uncertainty, and growth. Sort of like a Witcher quest… but with fewer swords and more emails. Whether you're in the trenches of querying, on submission, or just trying to figure out what’s next, this episode will give you wisdom, laughs, and the honest truth the writing streets don’t always tell you. In This Episode: Ally’s early brushes with rejection and resilienceThe emotional rollercoaster of querying and signing with an agentWhat really changes — and what doesn’t — after you get “the call”The harsh truths of going on submission to editorsHow community, mindset, and dark humor keep us goingWhat Ally wishes she’d known from the startLinks & Mentions: Follow Ally Russell: @onedarkallyGet your copy of It Came from the Trees wherever books are soldFollow @the_krnelson for updates and behind-the-scenesSubscribe, rate, and review the podcast on your favorite platformRemember: There are no shortcuts to writing. Only the craft.

    1h 4m
  6. Monsters, Magic, and Margins: Weaving Identity into Fantasy and Horror - Azalea Crowley

    APR 29

    Monsters, Magic, and Margins: Weaving Identity into Fantasy and Horror - Azalea Crowley

    Send us a text Welcome to Writing and Killing Unicorns, the podcast where we gut glitter, hunt tropes, and build stories that actually mean something. In today's episode, I talk with the brilliant Azalea Crowley, a modern fantasy horror romance author who crafts wildly inclusive worlds featuring autistic, disabled, queer, and Filipino/Native Hawaiian characters—and the monsters they love (or become). We dive deep into: How monsters act as metaphors for survival, resistance, and identityWriting disability, queerness, and Indigenous experience into magic and horrorHow trauma, healing, and weirdness fuel transformative storytellingBuilding supernatural worlds that embrace accessibility and chosen familiesThe radical act of centering marginalized characters as powerful, complex beingsAzalea’s stories tear open old tropes and stitch them back together with claws, chaos, and love—and we talk about all of it. If you’ve ever wanted your fantasy to bite back—or if you love your monsters messy, magical, and meaningful—you’ll want to stay for this one. Connect with Azalea Crowley: Website: Azalea CrowleyInstagram: azaleacrowleyauthor If you loved this episode, please subscribe, rate, and leave a review—it helps more weirdos find us!  Remember: There are no shortcuts to writing. Only the craft.

    1h 1m
  7. Imposter Syndrome, Self-Motivation, and the Why of Writing - Nailah King

    APR 19

    Imposter Syndrome, Self-Motivation, and the Why of Writing - Nailah King

    Send us a text In this episode of Writing and Killing Unicorns, we’re joined by the brilliant Nailah King for a rich and honest conversation on the complexities of the writing life. From battling imposter syndrome to finding your “why,” Nailah unpacks the emotional landscape of being a writer in a world that often questions your belonging. We explore what fuels self-motivation when external validation is scarce, how cultural identity and tradition inform the way we tell stories, and the transformative power of showing up for ourselves—even when the inner critic gets loud. This one is for anyone who's ever wondered if they’re really a writer, or who’s searching for the courage to write from a place of authenticity and cultural truth. 📝 What We Talk About: Nailah’s personal journey through imposter syndrome and creative doubtThe tension between self-motivation and external recognitionHow cultural roots and traditions influence storytelling and voiceWhy understanding your “why” can ground your writing practiceThe importance of community for writers from marginalized backgrounds 💌 Connect with Nailah: IG: @nailahkingwrites Website: msha.ke/nailahkingwrites 🔗 Mentioned in the Episode: Pomodoro TechniqueWrite Brave ChallengeBeavis & Butt-head Do America (Trunk Jumping Clip)Remember: There are no shortcuts to writing. Only the craft.

    1h 10m

  8. APR 2

    The 10 Don'ts of Being a Successful Writer

    Send us a text Welcome to Writing and Killing Unicorns, where I serve up the hard truth about writing, no sugarcoating, no fluff. In today’s episode, I’m breaking down the 10 Don’ts of Being a Successful Writer. This is the kind of tough love every writer needs to hear (and probably needs to stop ignoring). From procrastinating like it’s an Olympic sport, to obsessing over perfection (news flash: your first draft is allowed to suck), I’m shining a spotlight on the habits that are quietly wrecking your writing career—and trust me, you don’t want to be guilty of any of them. I’m here to call out the things you’re doing that are holding you back, whether you’re stuck in a creative rut, overthinking every sentence, or waiting for “inspiration” to show up like a magic fairy (spoiler: she’s not coming). In this episode, we’re tossing out the excuses, ditching the bad habits, and putting your writing journey on the path to success. But don’t worry, it’s not all doom and gloom—I’m bringing the laughs, the tough love, and the no-nonsense advice you need to stop spinning your wheels and finally get your work out there. So, grab a cup of coffee (or a glass of wine, because, hey, we’re writers), and let’s dive into the 10 things you absolutely should NOT do if you want to be a successful writer. By the end of this episode, you’ll have a fresh perspective, a few laughs, and more than enough motivation to stop sabotaging yourself. Ready to stop making excuses and start writing like a boss? Let’s get into it. Remember: There are no shortcuts to writing. Only the craft.

    30 min
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About

What does it mean to be a writer? Am I bragging if I tell people I am a writer? Am I a failure or scared if I don't? Writing and Killing Unicorns is a raw and unapologetic look into what it means to be a writer and how a crumbling world could affect the craft and the writer, hosted by me, Karen. Hollywood would have us believe books can be written in five minutes-that inspiration is this magical creature. It's time for those lies to die. Writing is hard, and scary, and fun, and healing. I will discuss the joys and fears of being a creative with the written word in a world that is literally crumbling at the seams. Through self-understanding, research and the help of people in the business, let's learn together. And remember: if you have a pen in your hand, no matter what, you're write. 

Information

  • Creator
    Nelly
  • Years Active
    2022 - 2025
  • Episodes
    15
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2025 Writing and Killing Unicorns
  • Show Website
    Writing and Killing Unicorns