Dark Side of the Word

Kait and CJ
  • 5.0 (2)
  • BOOKS
  • UPDATED MONTHLY

We weed out the good, the bad, and the creepy so you don't have to. Join us as we discuss our latest book club reads, content recommendations, creative updates, and author interviews. All topics are dissected and debated from a creative’s perspective. New episodes are posted every second and fourth Thursday of the month.

  1. FEB 12

    Horror Book Club | How to Fake a Haunting | Christa Carmen

    In this episode, Kait and CJ dive into various topics surrounding literature, including their personal writing journeys, the impact of cultural representation in writing, and the joys of creative hobbies like embroidery. They discuss significant updates in the publishing industry, including the rise of AI and its implications for authors and publishers. The conversation also touches on exciting adaptations of popular literary works and Scholastic's new approach to engaging young readers with faster-paced, illustrated middle-grade books. Throughout, they emphasize the importance of reading and creativity in today's digital age. For the book club, they chat about How to Fake a Haunting, covering the cover art, character dynamics, and the emotional depth of the narrative. They analyze the role of trauma and realism in horror, particularly focusing on themes of alcoholism and co-parenting. The discussion also touches on the scare factor of the book, psychological insights, and future reading plans, highlighting the complexity of the characters and the unique approach to ghost stories. Grab your copy of How to Fake a Haunting here: https://bookshop.org/a/94484/9781662530746 Grab your copy of A Box Full of Darkness here: https://bookshop.org/a/94484/9780593200414   Make sure to follow Dark Side of the Word on Instagram to stay up to date. And make sure to comment, rate, and subscribe to help other listeners find their next book.  CJ:  Blog - https://www.wellreadtart.com/ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/awellreadtart/ Bookshop Affiliate: https://bookshop.org/shop/awellreadtart  Kait: Blog - https://darksideoftheword.com/ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/kaitarmada/ Bookshop Affiliate: https://bookshop.org/shop/darksideoftheword  00:00 Introduction to Book Discussions 01:56 Writing Updates and Personal Life 07:53 Book News and Industry Insights 13:48 The Impact of AI on Publishing 21:40 Brandon Sanderson's Adaptations 27:29 Scholastic's New Approach to Middle Grade Books 34:34 Diving into How to Fake a Haunting 42:56 Exploring Themes of Trauma and Haunting 52:26 Realism in Horror: A Discussion on Relationships 01:00:05 Looking Ahead: Future Reads and Recommendations

    1h 13m

  2. JAN 29

    Horror Book Club | Spread Me | Sarah Gailey

    Grab your copy of Spread Me here: https://bookshop.org/a/94484/9781250387332 In this episode, Kait and CJ return for season four of their podcast, discussing their health challenges, personal updates, and the changes coming to the show. They share their reading experiences, including joining a book club and exploring new genres. The hosts also delve into the impact of Baker and Taylor's closure on libraries and the rising costs of e-books. Throughout the conversation, they emphasize the importance of community, creativity, and support in their writing journeys. They dive into dicussing Spread Me by Sarah Gailey, sharing their contrasting opinions on the book’s themes, character arcs, and overall enjoyment.  Make sure to follow Dark Side of the Word on Instagram to stay up to date. And make sure to comment, rate, and subscribe to help other listeners find their next book.  CJ:  Blog - https://www.wellreadtart.com/ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/awellreadtart/ Bookshop Affiliate: https://bookshop.org/shop/awellreadtart  Kait: Blog - https://darksideoftheword.com/ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/kaitarmada/ Bookshop Affiliate: https://bookshop.org/shop/darksideoftheword  00:00 Introduction and Season 4 Kickoff 01:22 Personal Updates and Health Struggles 16:21 Writing Progress and Creative Journeys 19:23 Overcoming Creative Blocks 25:00  Book News 44:42 Diving into Spread Me: Expectations vs. Reality 53:19 Exploring Themes of Desire and Identity 01:04:12 Critique of Character Development 01:10:54 Exploring Themes of Gender and Language 01:12:50 Final Thoughts and Next Book Discussion

    1h 19m

  3. 10/09/2025

    Author Interview | Brian Asman | Man, F*ck This House

    Grab your copy of Man, F*ck This House here! https://bookshop.org/a/94484/9798212638388 In this in-depth conversation, Brian Asman discusses his latest book, Man, F*ck This House, a book filled with the classic horror style that we know and love. Many of the stories could easily be turned into movies. From first self-publishing the title, to its success and eventual traditional release, Asman doesn’t hold back on spilling the book’s journey. Asman covers what’s changed in the new release, how he picked the additional short stories, and his inspiration. But we didn’t make this interview easy. We hit hard with the questions about what he read as a kid, what keeps him up at night, and all things horror movies. There might even be a scary spider story thrown in as well. And be worn, CJ and I dig deep with Man, F*ck This House, and make Asman spill all the story’s secrets, so come prepared because there are spoilers.  Find Brian Asman here - Website: https://brianasmanbooks.com/?srsltid=AfmBOoqjjVHqRlHqy_L_RntZdzf64BxJaAEo2y7Gx6Cjuizu3_l7EhSc Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thebrianasman/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/brian.asman.14/ IMBD: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm11836452/?ref_=nv_sr_srsg_0 Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/17223300.Brian_Asman Make sure to follow Dark Side of the Word on Instagram to stay up to date. And make sure to comment, rate, and subscribe to help other listeners find their next book.  CJ:  Blog - https://www.wellreadtart.com/ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/awellreadtart/ Bookshop Affiliate: https://bookshop.org/shop/awellreadtart  Kait: Blog - https://darksideoftheword.com/ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/kaitarmada/ Bookshop Affiliate: https://bookshop.org/shop/darksideoftheword  00:00Introduction to Brian Asman and His Works 02:33Exploring 'Man F*ck This House' and Its Themes 05:29Character Analysis: Damien and the House 08:32The Role of Humor in Horror 11:30Doppelgangers and Their Significance 14:36The Evolution of Horror Tropes 17:27Visual Storytelling in Horror Literature 22:27Engaging Readers Through Visualization 25:22Desensitization to Horror 29:05Exploring Indie Horror Literature 32:12Urban Legends and Their Influence 37:26Balancing Horror with Hope 41:15Behind the Tire Swing: A Journey of Creation 44:29Personal Horror Stories 49:27The Evolution of 'Man, F**k This House' 55:23Self-Publishing Success and Industry Changes 01:00:25The Future of Horror Literature

    1h 3m

  4. 09/25/2025

    Author Interview | T. Kingfisher (aka Ursula Vernon) | What Stalks the Deep

    Grab your copy of What Stalks the Deep here! https://bookshop.org/a/94484/9781250354921In this engaging conversation, T. Kingfisher discusses her latest release for the Sworn Soldier series, What Stalks the Deep. From fairytales to horror, Kingfisher has a way of injecting whimsy into all of her writing. Her latest edition is no different — there might have been a few tears at the end. We go over her entire publishing journey, from her start in children’s books to why she made the switch to her more adult-oriented titles, including why she goes by the pen name T. Kingfisher. She also shares insights into her creative process, the importance of research, and the emotional depth of her characters. Then we get a boost of inspiration in hearing about her self-publishing journey. A treat for anyone who loves her writing, our Kingfisher interview is a treat for the writers and the readers. Find T. Kingsiher (Ursula Vernon) Here - Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/redwombatstudio/?hl=enWebsite: https://redwombatstudio.com/Online Short Stories: https://redwombatstudio.com/short-stories/Artwork: https://redwombatstudio.com/other-works/Make sure to follow Dark Side of the Word on Instagram to stay up to date. And make sure to comment, rate, and subscribe to help other listeners find their next book. CJ: Blog - https://www.wellreadtart.com/Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/awellreadtart/Bookshop Affiliate: https://bookshop.org/shop/awellreadtart Kait:Blog - https://darksideoftheword.com/Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/kaitarmada/Bookshop Affiliate: https://bookshop.org/shop/darksideoftheword Introduction to T. Kingfisher02:02Exploring the Whimsy in Horror04:02The Journey from Children's Books to Horror08:16The Transition to Self-Publishing10:38The Significance of Pen Names13:56Finding Inspiration and Creativity17:57Video Games as a Source of Inspiration19:53The Importance of Research in Writing26:09Creating Sympathetic Monsters29:37Logical Extremes in Horror Writing34:35The Intersection of Engineering and Writing38:12Future of the Sworn Soldier Series43:19Cultural Workarounds and Gender Dynamics46:08Character Development and Acceptance of the Supernatural49:34Writing Style and Historical Fiction54:47The Essence of Storytelling and Historical Accuracy01:01:18Dream Jobs and Fascination with Entomology

    1h 5m

  5. 09/11/2025

    Horror Book Club | The Late-Night Witches | Auralee Wallace

    Grab your copy of The Late-Night Witches here: https://bookshop.org/a/94484/9780593818558 It’s time to dive into our next book club read, The Late-Night Witches by Auralee Wallace — a great cozy read as we enter the “ber” months. We cover all aspects, from why it falls under the category of a dark cozy book, to why we love the Practical Magic influences, and the reasons we will be recommending it to people. In addition, we discuss the latest bookish news, what we’ve been consuming, and updates on our creative journeys. Want to continue the conversation with us? Make sure to comment below or DM us on Instagram.  Make sure to follow Dark Side of the Word on Instagram to stay up to date. And make sure to comment, rate, and subscribe to help other listeners find their next book.  Pumpkin Bread Recipe: https://www.wellreadtart.com/cinnamon-sugar-pumpkin-bread/ Sworn Soldier Reviews:  Book 1 - https://youtu.be/zfB5sM2N13k Book 2 - https://youtu.be/S2mjLx3ZOOA CJ:  Blog - https://www.wellreadtart.com/ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/awellreadtart/ Bookshop Affiliate: https://bookshop.org/shop/awellreadtart  Kait: Blog - https://darksideoftheword.com/ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/kaitarmada/ Bookshop Affiliate: https://bookshop.org/shop/darksideoftheword  00:00 Introduction and Bookish News 04:32 Discussion on New Releases 16:15 Writing Journeys 20:33 Navigating Grief and Creativity 28:09 Writing Progress and Goals 30:15 Book Club Discussion Starts 41:51 Character Development and Reader Engagement 43:28 Pacing and Plot Progression 45:02 Convenience in Storytelling 49:26 Chick Lit vs. Fantasy 54:29 Palette Cleansers in Reading 57:00 Announcing our next episode

    1h 3m

  6. 08/14/2025

    Horror Book Club | An Academy for Liars | Alexis Henderson

    Grab your copy of this episode’s book An Academy for Liars here: https://bookshop.org/a/94484/9780593638323 In this episode, we discuss CJ’s latest content obsessions while Kait dives into her new book tracker and winning the game CJ didn’t even know she was competing in. Then we dive into discussing our book club pick, An Academy for Liars. We discuss Henderson’s setting, her character development, plot devices, and her possible inspiration for the book.  Make sure to follow Dark Side of the Word on Instagram to stay up to date. And make sure to comment, rate, and subscribe to help other listeners find their next book.  CJ:  Blog - https://www.wellreadtart.com/ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/awellreadtart/ Bookshop Affiliate: https://bookshop.org/shop/awellreadtart  Kait: Blog - https://darksideoftheword.com/ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/kaitarmada/ Bookshop Affiliate: https://bookshop.org/shop/darksideoftheword  00:00 Opening 04:40 Exploring New Shows: The Hunting Wives and North of North 07:48 Book Recommendations: Everyone Is Lying to You 10:47 Nightmares and Plot Twists: The Writer's Mind 13:57 Writing Progress and Book Tracking 21:30 The Colorful Book Tracker 24:19 Authenticity in Book Reviews 27:21 Diving into 'An Academy of Liars' 46:00 Harry Potter Vibes and YA Comparisons 52:12 Standalone vs. Series: The Dilemma 58:30 Final Thoughts and Ratings

    1h 8m

  7. 07/31/2025

    Horror Book Club | Will My Cat Eat My Eyeballs | Caitlin Doughty

    Grab your copy of this episode’s book Will My Cat Eat My Eyeballs here: https://bookshop.org/a/94484/9780393358490 In this episode, we change things up by discussing our favorite movies, shows, and books from the first half of the year (even though CJ cheats). We then dive into this episode’s book, Will My Cat Eat My Eyeballs by Caitlin Doughty. And since this was a nonfiction book, we added in our own morbidly curious questions. Share your answers below.  Grab your copy of next episode’s book An Academy for Liar here: https://bookshop.org/a/94484/9780593638309 Podcast Episode / Bat Eater and Other Names for Cora Zeng: https://youtu.be/MwhYn3AMkBY Make sure to follow Dark Side of the Word on Instagram to stay up to date. And make sure to comment, rate, and subscribe to help other listeners find their next book.  CJ:  Blog - https://www.wellreadtart.com/ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/awellreadtart/ Bookshop Affiliate: https://bookshop.org/shop/awellreadtart  Kait: Blog - https://darksideoftheword.com/ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/kaitarmada/ Bookshop Affiliate: https://bookshop.org/shop/darksideoftheword  00:00 Opening 05:38 Favorite Horror Books of the Year 08:37 20:08 Favorite Movies and Their Impact 22:53 Diving into Favorite Shows 26:40 Discussion on Will My Cat Eat My Eyeballs? 29:53 Humor and Death: A Unique Perspective 33:37 Humor in Death: Space Corpses and Parodies 41:26 Morbid Curiosity Q&A: Engaging with Death

    1h 17m

  8. 07/10/2025

    Horror Book Club | Home is Where the Bodies Are | Jeneva Rose

    In this episode, Kait and CJ discuss their recent reads, including Home is Where the Bodies Are and delve into the complexities of family dynamics portrayed in literature. The conversation also touches on podcast recommendations for escapism, the evolution of horror, and the nuances of age gaps in young adult literature. Through their lively banter, they reflect on the importance of character development and the impact of societal issues on storytelling.  Two Girls One Ghost Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/4aFNuODLKP1NvhQb7P3Kbn?si=8c41e50051124532 Grab Your Copy of Will My Cat Eat My Eyeballs here: https://bookshop.org/a/94484/9780393358490 Make sure to follow Dark Side of the Word on Instagram to stay up to date. And make sure to comment, rate, and subscribe to help other listeners find their next book.  CJ:  Blog - https://www.wellreadtart.com/ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/awellreadtart/ Bookshop Affiliate: https://bookshop.org/shop/awellreadtart  Kait: Blog - https://darksideoftheword.com/ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/kaitarmada/ Bookshop Affiliate: https://bookshop.org/shop/darksideoftheword  00:00 Introduction and Excitement for Upcoming Books 04:02 Exploring New Shows and Escapism 13:16 Exploring recent reads 21:27 Writing Progress and Techniques 28:53 Book Club Discussion: Home is Where the Bodies Are 35:17 Expectations vs. Reality in Thrillers 38:18 Character Dynamics and Family Drama 44:09 The Nature of Suspense vs. Thriller 48:36 Final Thoughts and Recommendations 53:41 Diving into Genre Preferences 58:35 Upcoming Reads and Recommendations 01:05:41 Wrap-Up and Final Thoughts

    1h 10m
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
2 Ratings

About

We weed out the good, the bad, and the creepy so you don't have to. Join us as we discuss our latest book club reads, content recommendations, creative updates, and author interviews. All topics are dissected and debated from a creative’s perspective. New episodes are posted every second and fourth Thursday of the month.

Information

  • Creator
    Kait and CJ
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2026
  • Episodes
    84
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Kait and CJ
  • Show Website
    Dark Side of the Word