Macabre Daily’s PAPER CUTS!

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Macabre Daily's PAPER CUTS! is a podcast showcasing interviews with some of the most interesting authors working in horror literature today! Host Sean O'Connor takes you on a tour into the darker side of literature with weekly episodes every Thursday.

  1. 2d ago

    Macabre Daily's PAPER CUTS! Podcast #112 - Daniel Kraus (THE SIXTH NIK) July 2026

    What a year Daniel Kraus is having. When he’s not busy reinventing the perfect sci-fi horror mash-up, creating the claustrophobic nightmare of ending up in a whale’s gullet, or delivering the definitive expose on “Night of the Living Dead,” he’s racking up Pulitzers for Fiction, like a Boss! The man has no “off” switch, and we wouldn’t have it any other way. Going through Daniel’s bibliography is a head-spinning fever dream of horror highpoints and collaborations we’d kill for. The man has Del Toro on speed dial for f*cks sake! (That’s a wild assumption, but we bet we’re right) Daniel joined us to talk about his amazing new novel, “The Sixth Nik,” a deep-space, misfits-on-a-mission, body-mod, biomatter, acid-trip of a story that’s as audacious as it is appealing. This is the closest you’ll ever come to the most perfect issue of “Heavy Metal” never made. This book is a departure from what Daniel has done previously, or maybe it would be best to say what he just hadn’t gotten around to yet. The highest praise we can give it, other than it’s spectacular, is that we’re rabid to get back to this beautifully bizarre world he’s created. We had a blast talking to Daniel, and as always, he was amazing. Have a listen and enjoy! You can purchase “The Sixth Nik” here. You can follow Daniel Kraus on Instagram here. Be sure to check out danielkraus.com. Stay up to date by following Macabre Daily on Instagram, Facebook, and BlueSky!

    57 min
  2. Jun 25

    Macabre Daily's PAPER CUTS! Podcast #111 - Summer Scares with Jennifer McMahon (June 2026)

    The Summer Scares Reading Program for 2026 doesn’t just recommend nine of the most diverse, delightful, and horrific reads you could possibly ask for; it also introduces you to the rockstar authors who’ve created these marvelous nightmares. The ringleader for these marvelous misfits and the Official Spokesperson for this year is none other than best-selling superstar author, Jennifer McMahon herself! Jennifer has been chilling and thrilling readers for years with novels like “The Invited,” “Children on the Hill,” “Don’t Breathe a Word,” and “The Drowning Kind.” We couldn’t think of anyone better suited to help choose the line-up for this year's incredible offerings. Jennifer joined us to share her joy at being chosen as this year's Spokesperson and to take us through exactly how the books are picked. We’ll let you all know right now: we’re glad she’s the one who has to do all that hard work, because we have no idea how we’d get the list down to nine from the dozens the panel has to choose from. Along the way, we talk about how great and inclusive the horror community is, the magic of a library, and some stellar books and films to put on your radar. Jennifer became an instant bestie, and once you listen to this episode, you’ll know exactly why. She’s simply amazing. Enjoy! You can purchase all of Jennifer McMahon’s amazing books here. You can follow Jennifer McMahon on Instagram here. Stay up to date by following Macabre Daily on Instagram, Facebook, and BlueSky!

    32 min
  3. Jun 8

    Macabre Daily's PAPER CUTS! Podcast #109 - Eliza Jabore (BACKSTABBERS) June 2026

    It’s not uncommon for authors to reference their personal history when seeking inspiration for their books. In her debut novel “Backstabbers” (2026), being published on June 2, 2026, by Bantam Books, author Eliza Jabore took that assignment very seriously! When we had the chance to talk with her recently about her forthcoming novel, we very nearly forgot to ask her any questions about her book because her personal story is just so fascinating!  Jabore made the brave decision at 17 to graduate early from high school, grab her backpack, and travel the world. It’s a choice that she told us changed her and helped her grow in ways that she will always treasure. It also taught her that the world can be frightening and dangerous. We were on the edge of our seats as she retold us a story about hiking to the top of a mountain and not realizing until halfway down that she’d lost her car keys! But we are nothing if not professional (sometimes) here at Macabre Daily, and we did get around to chatting about “Backstabbers,” which is an equally compelling tale. We talked about how her personal experiences inspired parts of the novel, her exploration of female friendships, and our fascination with true crime. We hope you’ll check out our interview below and be sure to keep “Backstabbers” at the top of your TBR pile as the weather warms up. It is the perfect Summer read for horror fans.  “Backstabbers” was released by Bantam Books on June 2, 2026. Click here to purchase.  Follow Eliza Jabore here to check out her current and future work.

    40 min
  4. May 26

    Macabre Daily's PAPER CUTS! Podcast #108 - Cynthia Pelayo (IT CAME FROM NEVERLAND)

    Cynthia Pelayo is something of a magician, or maybe sorceress is a better term. She can take the most beloved story from our childhood, one that is immediately familiar, comforting, and beloved, and turn it into a nightmare factory right before your very eyes. The way in which she brilliantly subverts J.M. Barrie’s “Peter Pan” in the most delightfully dreadful ways is something to behold. What’s in store for the reader when they pick up “It Came From Neverland” is a bold and brave new take on the classic fairy tale that reveals the sinister truth behind Peter, the Lost Boys, and Neverland itself. You’ll never look at that green-clad imp the same again and have a newfound appreciation for the lengths Wendy Darling will go to for those she loves. Cynthia was kind enough to join the PAPER CUTS Podcast to discuss what inspired her fascinating new interpretation of the Barrie classic, the terror that can lurk behind the curtain of charisma, presenting Wendy as a traumatic heroine who feels real on every page, and her remarkable writing process. During our chat, we talked about some very real and timely issues, such as prioritizing your mental health, finding your people, and the inherent beauty of the horror community’s support. We know you’ll enjoy this chat just as much as we did, and walk away with “It Came From Neverland” at the top of your TBR! You can purchase “It Came From Neverland” here. You can follow Cynthia Pelayo on Instagram here. Stay up to date by following Macabre Daily on Instagram, Facebook, and BlueSky!

    47 min
  5. May 12

    Macabre Daily's PAPER CUTS! Podcast #106 - Stephanie Gagnon of "BOOKS IN THE FREEZER" (May 2026)

    If you listen to horror literature podcasts, and damn you to seven Hells if you don’t, then you obviously know who Stephaine Gagnon is, and her amazing “Books in the Freezer” podcast. Week after week, Stephanie holds a master class in getting the best from her guests, who are among the most fascinating, funny, and creative people in the horror lit community. The episodes all have fantastic themes, such as “Louisiana Horror with Anna Dupre” and “Horror Adaptations with Courtney Summers,” and the vibe Stephanie brings to each recording is her true superpower. You’ve never felt more welcome or comfortable listening to these rockstars of horror talk gleefully about the scares we can't get enough of. Stephanie joined us so we could put the spotlight on her for a change and give her the credit she so richly deserves for giving her guests a platform to tell us about themselves, their craft, and the phenomenal literature they create. What Stephanie does to put books and authors on people’s radar is nothing short of spectacular, and she does it all with such effortless style and ease. We’re floored by how easy she makes all her hard work look. Be sure to have a listen to this great conversation, and do yourself a favor: immediately follow “Books in the Freezer” if you’re not already. You don’t want to miss out on one of the best horror hotspots out there. You can listen to “Books in the Freezer” on Spotify and Apple Podcasts. You can follow Stephanie Gagnon on Instagram here.

    44 min

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Macabre Daily's PAPER CUTS! is a podcast showcasing interviews with some of the most interesting authors working in horror literature today! Host Sean O'Connor takes you on a tour into the darker side of literature with weekly episodes every Thursday.

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