Hey there!

My name is Alyssa Marie I run Alyssa’s Novel Nook on instagram, TikTok and facebook. This is a podcasts that will discuss all things bookish as well as host Author Chats with Indie Authors! Episodes will run Tuesdays and Thursdays. Thanks for listening!

Behind the Scenes with Indie Horror Author Ali Toothman: From Childhood Creativity to Publishing Success

Discover the inspiring journey of Ali Toothman, a horror novelist and book influencer, who turned childhood passion into a thriving writing career. This episode explores her creative process, love of dark stories, and upcoming book projects, offering invaluable insights for aspiring authors and horror fans alike.

Main Topics Covered:

• Ali's early love of poetry and storytelling, and how it sparked her passion for writing
• Navigating from influencer to published author, and her move away from burnout
• The creation of her debut novel, Libby Lives, and the unexpected journey to publication
• Her belonging to the indie horror community and collaborations with fellow authors
• The classification of her work as revenge horror with psychological thriller elements
• Upcoming projects including sequels, special editions, and a unique book box
• Involvement in horror book events like ShiverCon and Massacre on the Mountain
• Favorite aspects of attending book events and connecting with fans and fellow authors
• Her influences, from childhood series to horror authors like Dan Franklin and Felix Blackwell
• The importance of mental health, healing, and sharing authentic stories
• Her plans for future novels, including grief horror and dark romance scenes
• Exciting developments like audiobook narrations with Veronica Fain and special editions with Luke Spooner
• The fun and chaos of fandom, author friendships, and behind-the-scenes insights

Upcoming and Future Projects:

• Libby Wrath sequel and possibly third book
• Special editions including hardcover with unique illustrations
• An upcoming short story, I Licked It So It’s Mine, debuting soon
• Audiobook narrations featuring Veronica Fain
• Exciting panels at horror conventions like ShiverCon

Final Note:

Ali’s story is a testament to resilience, creativity, and the power of community in the horror genre. Whether you're an aspiring writer or a horror enthusiast, her journey from childhood storytelling to professional publishing and convention highlights the importance of passion and authentic connections. Keep an eye out for her upcoming releases, and don’t forget to follow her for more updates!

Summary

In this episode of Beyond the Pages, Alyssa Marie interviews author Matthew J. Gleason, who shares his journey as a writer, his inspirations, and the unique genre of Bizarro Horror. They discuss the creative process, the challenges of indie publishing, and the importance of perseverance in the face of rejection. Matthew also provides insights into his upcoming works and offers valuable advice for aspiring authors. The conversation highlights the intersection of horror and comedy in storytelling, as well as the significance of having fun and interesting experiences in writing.

Takeaways

Matthew has been writing since childhood, showcasing a lifelong passion for storytelling.

His biggest inspiration has been Neil Gaiman, despite recent controversies surrounding him.

Bizarro Horror is a unique genre that blends the weird and the horrific.

Matthew's writing often combines two disparate concepts to create engaging stories.

He emphasizes the importance of motivation and focus in the writing process.

Matthew is currently working on a novelette each month to boost productivity.

He collaborates with an editor to refine his work and improve quality.

Matthew believes in the importance of owning the eBooks you purchase.

He encourages aspiring authors to not let self-doubt hinder their writing journey.

The creative process can involve both structured plotting and spontaneous writing.

Titles

Exploring the Mind of Matthew J. Gleason

The Art of Bizarro Horror

sound bites

"Bizarro is the genre of the weird."

"I am a lazy, disorganized fuck."

"I love over the top horror movie sequels."

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Matthew J. Gleason

03:03 The Journey of a Writer

05:58 Inspiration and Influences

09:03 Exploring Bizarro Horror

11:50 Books and Covers: A Deep Dive

14:54 The Indie Publishing Scene

18:07 The Future of E-Books and Piracy

21:18 The Impact of Piracy on Authors

22:13 Writing Preferences: Handwriting vs. Typing

24:01 Engagement in Author Conventions

25:56 Challenges in the Writing Process

27:24 The Editing Journey

28:43 Inspiration Behind Ideas

32:34 Reader Takeaways from Stories

33:36 Advice for Aspiring Authors

36:05 Plotting vs. Pantsing in Writing

39:46 Selling Books and Author Engagement

43:55 The Significance of the Fez