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Episode Description:

In this episode of "The Nightmare Engine" podcast, host David Viergutz is joined by special guest Andrew Van Wey. Together, they explore the chilling depths of horror writing, discuss Andrew's journey as an author, and dive into the challenges and rewards of self-publishing. This episode is packed with insights on creating suspenseful narratives, building a writing career, and navigating the ever-evolving horror landscape.

Show Notes:

[00:00:00] Introduction:
David Viergutz kicks off the episode by welcoming listeners and sharing updates on his latest projects, including his upcoming novel and a new horror-themed subscription service called "ScareMail."

[00:02:30] Guest Introduction:
David introduces Andrew Van Wey, an accomplished horror author known for his thrilling novels and unique approach to storytelling.

[00:04:30] Andrew's Writing Journey:
Andrew talks about how he got started in writing, the challenges he faced early on, and how he found his niche in the horror genre.

[00:08:00] The Art of Suspense:
The conversation delves into the techniques Andrew uses to build suspense and keep readers on the edge of their seats. They discuss the importance of pacing and atmosphere in horror.

[00:12:00] Self-Publishing vs. Traditional Publishing:
Andrew shares his experiences with self-publishing, including the advantages and disadvantages compared to traditional publishing routes. He offers advice to aspiring authors considering self-publishing.

[00:17:00] Building a Brand as an Author:
David and Andrew discuss the importance of building a personal brand and how it can impact an author's success. They talk about the role of social media and how to connect with readers.

[00:22:00] Challenges in Horror Writing:
The conversation shifts to the specific challenges of writing horror, including maintaining originality in a genre filled with tropes and clichés.

[00:27:00] Inspiration and Influences:
Andrew shares the authors and works that have inspired him, from classic horror literature to contemporary influences. They discuss how these inspirations shape his writing style.

[00:33:00] Writing Routine and Discipline:
Andrew talks about his daily writing routine, the discipline required to produce work consistently, and how he manages to stay motivated.

[00:38:00] Upcoming Projects:
Andrew gives listeners a sneak peek into his upcoming projects, including new novels and collaborations. David also shares more about what listeners can expect from future episodes of "The Nightmare Engine."

[00:45:00] Conclusion:
David wraps up the episode, thanking Andrew for joining and enco

🔗Connect with David
🌎 Website | 🎥 Youtube | 👨‍🏫Facebook | 📸 Instagram |🐤 Twitter | 🕰️TikTok

⭐️ Leave a Review

If you enjoy listening to the podcast, please do leave a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts and let us know in your review who you want to see next on the podcast. Thanks!

You can also Tweet me @ViergutzDavid and tell me what horror author you want to hear from next, or what topics you want me to cover. 🙏🙏

How did you like the show? Text us and let us know.

Episode Description: In this episode of "The Nightmare Engine" podcast, host David Viergutz has an engaging conversation with special guest Alan Baxter. They discuss Alan's prolific career in horror writing, his experiences in martial arts, and the complexities of the horror genre. Alan shares his insights on writing short stories, the horror community, and personal fears. They also delve into Alan's unique perspective as an immigrant and his life in Australia.

Show Notes:

[00:00:00] Introduction: David Viergutz welcomes listeners and provides an update on his recent projects, including a new space horror called "The Drift" and a unique horror letter service called "Scareme."
[00:02:00] Guest Introduction: David introduces Alan Baxter, a prolific author from Australia with a long career in horror writing.
[00:04:00] Alan's Background: Alan talks about his journey into writing, starting in the late '90s, and his extensive body of work including 30 books and over 100 short stories.
[00:07:00] Short Stories in Horror: Discussion on the importance of short stories in the horror genre and Alan's approach to writing them.
[00:09:00] Martial Arts and Writing: Alan shares his background in martial arts and how it influences his writing and teaching.
[00:14:00] Family and Traditions: Alan talks about balancing his family life with his writing and martial arts, and the importance of tradition.
[00:20:00] Living in Australia: Alan discusses the unique challenges and beauties of living in Australia and how it influences his work.
[00:27:00] The Horror Community: David and Alan discuss the welcoming nature of the horror community and its inclusivity.
[00:32:00] Writing Honest Horror: Alan explains why he believes horror is a genre of honesty and how it addresses real-life injustices.
[00:38:00] Alan's Work: Discussion on Alan's notable works including "The Gulp," "The Fall," and his latest novel "Blood Covenant."
[00:42:00] Literary Influences: Alan shares his literary influences, including Clive Barker and Roald Dahl, and his views on short stories and novellas.
[00:45:00] Conclusion: Final thoughts and where to find Alan Baxter's work.

Where to Find Alan Baxter:

• Website: Alan Baxter
• Books: "The Gulp," "The Fall," "Blood Covenant," and more available on major platforms.

Thank you for listening to "The Nightmare Engine"! Stay tuned for more exciting episodes.

🔗 Connect with David
🌎 Website | 🎥 YouTube | 👨‍🏫 Facebook |

🔗Connect with David
🌎 Website | 🎥 Youtube | 👨‍🏫Facebook | 📸 Instagram |🐤 Twitter | 🕰️TikTok

⭐️ Leave a Review

If you enjoy listening to the podcast, please do leave a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts and let us know in your review who you want to see next on the podcast. Thanks!

You can also Tweet me @ViergutzDavid and tell me what horror author you want to hear from next, or what topics you want me to cover. 🙏🙏

How did you like the show? Text us and let us know.

Episode Description: In this episode of "The Nightmare Engine" podcast, host David Viergutz returns with a update and a captivating conversation with special guest Dan Franklin. They delve into the intricacies of the horror genre, discussing the tight-knit horror community, the rise of indie horror, and their personal experiences and fears. Dan shares insights from his work in the publishing industry, including his connections with Stephen King and the emotional depth of his own horror writing.

Show Notes:

• [00:00:00] Introduction: David Viergutz welcomes listeners back to the podcast and provides an update on his recent activities, including his prolific book releases and his personal reader group, "The Nightmare Writers."
• [00:02:00] Special Guest Introduction: David introduces Dan Franklin, a magazine editor with connections to Stephen King.
• [00:04:00] The Horror Community: Discussion on the close-knit nature of the horror community and the genre's unique appeal.
• [00:07:00] Horror vs. Dark Fantasy: Differentiating between horror and dark fantasy, focusing on the human element of survival.
• [00:09:00] Dan's Book "These Things Linger": Dan describes the themes and threats in his novel, focusing on generational trauma and supernatural elements.
• [00:14:00] Scares That Care Charity Event: Highlighting a horror charity event that supports burn victims and cancer survivors.
• [00:20:00] Indie vs. Traditional Publishing: Dan and David discuss the differences between indie and traditional publishing, and the benefits of the indie mindset.
• [00:27:00] The Fear of the Unknown: Exploring the psychological and cosmic elements of horror, including mental health and existential fears.
• [00:32:00] Real-Life Horror Experiences: David and Dan share personal experiences that felt like real-life horror movies.
• [00:38:00] The Wonder of Horror: Reflecting on the sense of wonder and fear that horror evokes, and its therapeutic value.
• [00:42:00] Literary Influences: Discussing early influences in horror literature, including Michael Crichton’s "Jurassic Park" and "Sphere."
• [00:45:00] Conclusion: Final thoughts and where to find Dan Franklin's work.

Where to Find Dan Franklin:

• Facebook: Dan Franklin Author
• Books: "These Things Linger" and "The Eater of Gods" available on major platforms.
• Cemetery Dance Publications: Dan works in book design and editing.

Thank you for listening to "The Nightmare Engine"! Stay tuned for more exciting episodes.

🔗Connect with David
🌎 Website | 🎥 Youtube | 👨‍🏫Facebook | 📸 Instagram |🐤 Twitter | 🕰️TikTok

⭐️ Leave a Review

If you enjoy listening to the podcast, please do leave a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts and let us know in your review who you want to see next on the podcast. Thanks!

You can also Tweet me @ViergutzDavid and tell me what horror author you want to hear from next, or what topics you want me to cover. 🙏🙏