Award-winning dark fiction author Rachel Horak Dempsey talks with host KJ Brantley about her debut novella, PNOKO, a terrifying techno-horror retelling of Pinocchio in which the puppet is a machine-human hybrid and some strings were never meant to be cut. Rachel discusses transforming the familiar fairy tale into a story about artificial intelligence, toxic masculinity, intergenerational trauma, empathy, and the complicated legacies passed from creators to their creations.

The episode explores how motherhood, a later-in-life neurodivergence diagnosis, and Rachel’s health scares shaped the characters and emotional core of PNOKO. They discuss feeling othered, learning to stop apologizing for being “too much,” and why empathy must be modeled, whether the child in question is made of flesh or circuitry. They also consider the human consequences of rapidly developing technology, the exploitation of artists, and the danger of building AI from the biases and toxicity already present in society.

The conversation turns to women’s contributions to horror, including the power of community over hierarchy, protection over domination, and stories that challenge the idea that “might makes right.” Rachel shares how early criticism of her “nasty” female characters and psychologically dark writing ultimately pushed her to embrace horror more fully. She also offers an unforgettable message for women and marginalized writers who fear being judged, misunderstood, or kept outside the gates: take off the mask, write the story, and “be the biggest, baddest horror bitch that you can be.”

Rachel Horak Dempsey’s Uncanny Women Podcast Book Picks:

It Came from Neverland by Cynthia Pelayo

Headlights by CJ Leede

The Night Parade by Stephanie Feldman

Saturnalia by Stephanie Feldman

Jackal by Erin E. Adams

One of Us by Erin E. Adams

Books Written by Rachel Horak Dempsey Mentioned in This Episode:

PNOKO

Other Authors Mentioned in This Episode:

R.L. Stine

Caroline B. Cooney

Connect with Rachel Horak Dempsey:

Instagram: @rachelsdempsey

Facebook: Rachel Horak Dempsey

Website: rachelhorakdempsey.com

Rocky Mountain Fiction Writers Blog: rmfw.org/blog

About the Host, KJ Brantley:

KJ Brantley is an Indigenous-mixed, autistic horror and dark fiction author whose work explores motherhood, feminism, identity, neurodivergence, trauma, and psychological horror. Drawn to the intersection of entertainment and social commentary, she crafts stories that are both unsettling and emotionally resonant. She is the host of Uncanny Women Podcast and founder and organizer of the SoCo Women in Horror Fest. She is currently the Chair of the Women in Horror Arts and Media Association and co-owner of Broom Book & Candle Horror and Dark Literature Bookstore, Cafe, and Bar in Denver. KJ lives in Colorado with her husband, two toddlers, and an ever-growing stack of spooky books.

Follow KJ and Women in Horror AMA on IG and Threads at @uncannywomenpodcast | @authorkjbrantley | @womeninhorrorassociation