In this episode of Sick Sad Lit, I sit down with writer and violinist Ling Ling Huang, author of the acclaimed debut novel Natural Beauty and the recently released Immaculate Conception. Together, we explore the ways fiction - and creative expression more broadly - helps navigate identity, ambition, and the emotional aftermath of betrayal and transformation.

Ling Ling shares how her background in music informs her literary voice, and how both Natural Beauty and Immaculate Conception confront the pressures of perfection and commodification, from the insidious demands of the beauty industry to the often invisible toll of technology on human connection.

The conversation spans everything from the pain of friendship loss, the complexity of female jealousy, and the shifting landscape of motherhood and creativity, to how speculative fiction allows us to reimagine the limits of identity, body, and self-worth.

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In this episode of Sick Sad Lit, I sit down with author Emma Van Straaten to explore the raw, unsettling beauty of her debut novel, This Immaculate Body.

Emma reflects on her journey from aspiring writer to published author, sharing how her own personal history informed the creation of her complex protagonist, Alice. We discuss the nuances of character development, how trauma shapes narrative voice, and why writing unflinching, emotionally charged fiction is both a creative and cathartic act.

This episode also explores Emma’s publishing journey, how she balances writing with parenting, and the unique pressures that come with telling stories grounded in identity and internal conflict. From the daily rituals that keep her grounded to the literary influences that shaped her perspective, Emma offers honest insights into the joys and challenges of writing in today’s literary landscape.

If you're drawn to books that confront what it means to exist in a body — and all the pain, rage, and beauty that comes with that — this conversation will resonate.

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In this episode of Sick Sad Lit, author Anna Dorn joins me to discuss her novel Perfume and Pain, a sharp and provocative exploration of identity, desire, and self-destruction. Anna opens up about her writing process, and her transition from a legal career to full-time novelist.

We dive into the literary value of unlikeable women in fiction, the cultural tension around cancel culture, and how queer literature allows space for complex, messy, fully human protagonists. Anna also shares her thoughts on the evolving business of writing — from the emotional toll of professional publishing to the power of author merch and literary events in building a community around books.

The conversation touches on perfume as a narrative device, how creative inspiration comes from unexpected places (including music and social media), and why embracing vulnerability in storytelling is more radical than ever.

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Takeaways:

• Anna Dorn transitioned from law to writing, driven by her passion for storytelling.
• Her background in law influences her writing style and character development.
• Perfume plays a significant role in her latest novel, symbolizing desire and identity.
• The importance of author merchandise in connecting with readers.
• Literary events are crucial for networking and community building among writers.
• Unlikable characters often reflect societal frustrations and personal struggles.
• Writing is a deeply personal process, often influenced by lived experiences.
• Creative inspiration comes from various sources, including music and social media.
• The evolution of writing as a profession can lead to insecurity and pressure.
• Exploring diverse settings and characters in fiction can enrich storytelling.

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Sunday Times Best-Selling Author of The Lamb, Lucy Rose steps into the Sick Sad Lit (virtual) studio for a fierce, funny, and fearless conversation about everything that fuels her fiction. From the folklore of her rural upbringing to the feminist lens that informs her monstrous female characters, Lucy unpacks how horror can be a home for complexity. The episode touches on the metaphor of cannibalism as relational consumption, the portrayal of mental illness and motherhood, and what it means to write while neurodivergent. Lucy also speaks candidly about the importance of creative freedom, Dakota Johnson’s career-changing shoutout, and the bold themes she’s tackling in her upcoming work.

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Takeaways

• Lucy Rose's debut novel, The Lamb, explores complex themes of love and horror.
• The book uses cannibalism as a metaphor for love and relationships.
• Lucy discusses her neurodivergent experiences and how they influence her writing.
• The importance of community and connection in the book industry is highlighted.
• The mother-daughter relationship in The Lamb is portrayed with nuance and complexity.
• Lucy emphasizes the significance of mental health in the writing process.
• The setting of The Lamb draws from Lucy's rural upbringing and folklore.
• The impact of Dakota Johnson's book club on Lucy's career is profound.
• Lucy expresses a desire for her work to be adapted into a film with a strong creative vision.
• Future projects will explore themes of courage and bisexuality.

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In this episode of Sick Sad Lit, host Jen Eastwood sits down with acclaimed author Sarah Rose Etter to unpack the emotional and political weight of writing in a collapsing world. They explore how magical realism and dark fiction serve as tools for survival and resistance under late-stage capitalism, and how attention spans, burnout, and economic precarity shape the creative process.

Through a raw and reflective conversation, Etter shares insights on the emotional labor of storytelling, the role of surrealism in literature, and what it means to write authentically amidst societal decay. Whether you're a writer navigating capitalism, a reader drawn to unflinching fiction, or a fan of Sarah Rose Etter’s work, this episode offers a powerful look at how literature endures—and resists—through crisis.

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Takeaways

• The emotional toll of writing is significant in a capitalist society.
• Attention spans are affected by technology and media consumption.
• Writing style can reflect the author's own attention span and experiences.
• Surrealism in literature can provide a lens for discussing political and social issues.
• The struggle for financial security is a common theme among writers.
• Empathy in storytelling is crucial for connecting with readers.
• The impact of urban poverty is a pressing issue in contemporary literature.
• The unpredictability of timing in literature can affect its relevance.
• Dark fiction serves as a form of resistance and reflection of societal issues.
• The process of writing often involves navigating personal and professional identities.

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In this episode, horror author Gretchen Felker-Martin discusses her writing process, the impact of queer representation in horror literature, and crafting complex characters in books like Manhunt and Cuckoo. We explore taboo themes, dark fiction, and advice for emerging authors navigating today’s literary world.

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Gretchen Felker-Martin, explores her journey as a writer, the impact of her novels 'Manhunt' and 'Cuckoo', and the importance of representation in horror literature. We discuss the creative process behind character development, the challenges of writing about taboo themes, and the future of horror and dark fiction in light of current societal issues. Gretchen shares her insights on the reception of her work within the queer community and highlights emerging voices in the genre, all while reflecting on her personal writing journey and discipline.

Takeaways:

• Gretchen's debut novel 'Manhunt' was a significant success in the horror genre.
• Representation of diverse characters in horror literature is crucial.
• The creative process involves pushing boundaries to evoke strong emotions.
• Writing about taboo themes can be emotionally complex but necessary.
• The future of horror may be shaped by current societal challenges.
• Emerging authors are vital to the evolution of horror literature.
• Gretchen emphasizes the importance of local bookstores in supporting authors.
• The writing discipline is developed through overcoming personal challenges.
• Horror serves as a means to engage with uncomfortable truths.
• Gretchen's work is influenced by her childhood reading experiences.

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Chuck Tingle joins Sick Sad Lit to explore queer horror, satirical romance, and the role of absurdity in the horror genre. We talk about identity, publishing, and how positivity and love become acts of protest in art — and in life.

Preorder Lucky Day.

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In this engaging conversation, Chuck Tingle, a renowned author in queer horror and satirical romance, discusses his unique approach to storytelling, the cathartic power of horror, and the importance of positivity in challenging times. He shares insights into his artistic process, the transition from writing Tinglers to horror novels, and the role of identity in his work. Tingle emphasizes the significance of absurdity in horror, the political themes present in contemporary literature, and the impact of pre-ordering books on authors' success. The discussion culminates in an exciting preview of his upcoming novel, 'Lucky Day,' which explores themes of bisexuality and existence.

Takeaways

• Chuck Tingle is a unique voice in queer horror and satirical romance.
• Positivity is a natural state for Chuck, helping him navigate challenges.
• Horror can serve as a cathartic experience, reflecting life's complexities.
• Chuck's transition from Tinglers to horror novels showcases his artistic evolution.
• Absurdity in horror can amplify the fear factor, making it more relatable.
• Art can be a powerful form of protest and expression.
• The importance of identity and representation in storytelling is crucial.
• Chuck's anonymity allows for deeper connections with his audience.
• The horror genre is thriving with diverse voices and perspectives.
• Pre-ordering books is vital for supporting authors and their work.

Chapters

00:00 The Power of Positivity in Turbulent Times

03:59 Exploring the Intersection of Love and Horror

09:18 The Artistic Journey: From Tinglers to Horror Novels

14:26 The Freedom of Anonymity: Chuck Tingle's Artistic Expression

24:21 The Genesis of Chuck Tingle: Art, Identity, and Healing

31:21 Exploring Horror: Grueling vs. Cathartic

38:21 The Art of Creating Unique Monsters

43:11 The Evolution of Horror in Contemporary Society

49:52 The Importance of Message in Art

58:47 Navigating Traditional Publishing vs. Self-Publishing

01:04:51 Anticipating 'Lucky Day': A New Queer Horror Novel

01:11:42 Ge Filter Fish - Neon Rapture.mp3

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Welcome to Sick Sad Lit — a podcast about the books that get under your skin. Host Jen Eastwood talks with the writers behind today’s most unsettling, unforgettable fiction: horror, gothic, surreal, and literary works that explore obsession, identity, rage, the body, and the bizarre.

This is a space for complicated characters, experimental form, and authors who aren’t afraid to get weird — or honest.

If you’ve ever called a book “unhinged” as a compliment, this show is for you.

Season One premieres 22 May NZST. Subscribe now and get ready to spiral.

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