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

Upcoming and recent releases:

Pretty Little Slashers 1 & 2

Deadly Silence

Connected Reality

In this engaging conversation, Alyssa Marie, Tina S. Transformation, and A.V. Donaldson discuss their upcoming anthologies, the creative process behind their works, and the vibrant community of readers and writers. They explore themes of Valentine's Day, the excitement of future projects, and the importance of reader engagement. The trio shares humorous anecdotes about their writing experiences, the challenges of marketing, and the joy of collaboration, all while maintaining a light-hearted and fun atmosphere. In this engaging conversation, the authors discuss the multifaceted challenges of marketing their books, the importance of community among writers, and the role of social media in fostering connections. They share insights into their writing processes, upcoming releases, and the emotional depth of their stories, emphasizing the significance of legacy and the impact of their narratives on real-life issues. The discussion also touches on the evolution of their writing styles and the balance between personal life and the demands of being an author.

Takeaways

Valentine's Day brings a unique vibe to anthologies.

Future anthologies are themed and involve reader participation.

Creative collaborations enhance the storytelling experience.

Short stories allow for diverse writing styles and reader engagement.

Humor plays a significant role in the writing process.

Reader reactions can be both constructive and entertaining.

Upcoming releases are highly anticipated by fans.

Friendship among authors fosters creativity and support.

Marketing is a necessary but often disliked part of being an author.

Anthologies serve as a treasure hunt for readers to discover new authors. Marketing can feel like a full-time job for authors.

Engaging with readers is a rewarding part of being an author.

Social media has transformed how authors connect and build community.

Upcoming book releases are a collaborative effort among authors.

Innovative book designs can enhance reader experience.

Balancing writing with personal life is crucial for authors.

The writing and editing process is time-consuming but rewarding.

Authors often have a backlog of stories waiting to be published.

Legacy is an important consideration for many authors.

Writing styles evolve over time, influenced by personal growth and experiences.

Chapters

00:00 Valentine's Day Vibes and Book Covers

02:54 Future Anthologies and Themed Releases

05:52 Creative Processes and Reader Engagement

08:50 The Fun of Anthologies and Reader Reactions

11:46 Short Stories and Reader Preferences

14:48 The Art of Storytelling and Reader Feedback

20:39 Diverse Reading Preferences

21:29 Anticipation for New Installments

21:53 Creative Collaborations and Inspirations

24:13 Friendship Dynamics in the Writing Community

26:51 Upcoming Book Releases and Projects

29:02 Marketing Challenges for Authors

29:59 Building Connections Through Social Media

31:18 Community Engagement and Reader Interaction

32:38 Innovative Book Formats and Trends

35:45 Future Projects and Exciting Developments

38:41 The Art of Storytelling

39:58 Valentine's Day Plans and Work-Life Balance

41:30 The Long Road to Publication

42:41 Understanding the Writing Process

46:00 The Backlog of Stories

49:24 Legacy and Trust in Writing

49:55 The Author's Journey

52:56 Writing with Emotion vs. Without

55:36 Creating Complex Characters

01:00:55 Messages of Hope in Writing

01:04:51 Closing Thoughts and Future Works

01:05:28 PODoutro.mp3

In this episode of Beyond the Pages, Alyssa Marie interviews Carly B. Wrights, an author who writes under two pen names. Carly discusses her debut novel 'Loving Lauren', which features LGBTQ representation, and her upcoming work 'Bloodlines'. The conversation delves into Carly's writing process, the importance of trigger warnings, and her experiences in the publishing world. Carly also shares insights on character development, the challenges of marketing, and her future projects, including a cozy mystery series inspired by her family. The episode highlights the significance of diverse representation in literature and the personal journeys of authors.

Titles

Unveiling the World of Carly B. Wrights

The Journey of 'Bloodlines': A Deep Dive

Sound bites

"I wanted to write a queer story."

"My characters talk to me."

"I love a good cry in a book."

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Carly B. Wrights

01:13 Diving into 'Loving Lauren'

10:54 The Inspiration Behind 'Bloodlines'

23:32 The Writing Process: Plotter vs. Pantser

31:16 The Challenges of Editing

32:45 The Editing Process: Learning and Growing

38:35 Finding Balance: Writing and Personal Life

41:01 The Marketing Struggle: Gaining Exposure

47:40 Character vs. Plot: What Comes First?

55:43 Trigger Warnings: Navigating Sensitive Topics

01:01:33 Representation in Literature: A Personal Journey

01:06:33 PODoutro.mp3

In this episode, Alyssa reflects on the past year and discusses her New Year's resolutions, focusing on personal growth and adaptability. She shares insights on the challenges of sticking to resolutions and the importance of being kind to oneself. The conversation shifts to reading goals, experiences with Goodreads, and the nuances of book preferences, including the use of bookmarks and reading techniques. Alyssa emphasizes the significance of enjoying the reading journey and looking forward to a positive year ahead.

Chapters

00:00 New Year Reflections and Resolutions

05:21 Reading Goals and Goodreads Challenges

08:57 Letting Go of Negativity

12:20 Book Preferences and Reading Habits

17:38 Bookmarks and Reading Techniques

24:50 Looking Ahead to 2026

In this engaging conversation, Alyssa Marie interviews horror author John Ward about his upcoming book 'A Blackened Heart, A Blackened Soul.' They delve into the emotional depth of horror writing, the differences between middle grade and adult horror, and the personal experiences that inspired John's work. John shares insights into his writing process, the challenges of being an indie author, and his paranormal investigations, providing a fascinating look into the world of horror literature.

Takeaways

John's new book is a grief horror story mixed with possession horror.

He believes that writing middle grade horror helped him create impactful adult horror.

The emotional journey of writing can be cathartic for authors.

John's inspiration for his book comes from real-life paranormal experiences.

He prefers to plot his stories to avoid plot holes.

Writing routines can be inconsistent, especially for part-time authors.

Paranormal investigations can lead to genuinely scary experiences.

Grief horror resonates with readers on a deep emotional level.

Imposter syndrome is a common struggle for authors, even after success.

Engaging with readers personally can enhance the author-reader relationship.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to John Ward and His New Book

06:01 The Creative Process: Inspiration and Writing Style

11:57 Writing Routine and Overcoming Challenges

18:02 Future Projects and Themes in Horror

28:01 Inspiration from Indie Authors

33:06 The Paranormal and Haunted Objects

46:10 Dream Investigations and Ideal Locations

In this festive episode of Beyond the Pages, Alyssa and Brody dive into a variety of Christmas-themed topics, from fictional sidekicks to horror icons as Santa. They debate the status of classic Christmas movies like 'Home Alone' and 'Die Hard', discuss controversial Christmas songs, and share their thoughts on family traditions and gatherings. The conversation takes a humorous turn as they explore the idea of Christmas movies with horror twists and even ponder what an Edgar Allan Poe Christmas story would look like. The duo wraps up by discussing the challenges of adult gift-giving and the unique theme of mummies in holiday storytelling. In this lively conversation, Alyssa and Brody explore a range of humorous and creative topics, from vampires and mummies to the intricacies of writing horror literature. They share personal anecdotes about their fears, discuss the future of writing, and engage in rapid-fire questions that touch on holiday traditions and villainous characters. The dialogue is filled with laughter, insights into character development, and reflections on the Christmas spirit, all while maintaining a light-hearted and engaging tone.