“Once you see how big the world is and all the options that are there, you stop feeling kind of doomed, right?”

In this fascinating episode, J. W. Ocker pulls back the curtain on his unconventional (and very literal) writing journey, from blogging about odd roadside attractions on "Odd Things I’ve Seen" (OTIS) to winning the Edgar Award (I was trying so hard not to fan-girl)!

Ocker has built a prolific career researching the strange and unusual: cryptids, cursed objects, haunted places, and the darker corners of history. Along the way, he makes a compelling case for seeking a “bigger context”—commenting that when you expand your view of the world (even by a millimeter), you deepen your sense of wonder and become far less likely to feel stuck (I really loved that segment—such great advice).

Throughout the episode, J. W. and I discuss many of his books, including: The New England Grimpendium, Poe-land, The United States of Cryptids, Don’t Go There, Death and Douglas, and more.

Whether you’re a reader, writer, parent, teacher, or someone who just loves learning about dark and odd things, I hope this episode encourages you to open a book (or pick up a pen) and embark on your own literal journey.

About J.W. OCKER:

J. W. Ocker is the Edgar Award-winning author of Poe-Land: The Hallowed Haunts of Edgar Allan Poe, A Season with the Witch, and Death and Douglas. His work has appeared in The Guardian, the Boston Globe, CNN, the Atlantic, and other places people stick writing. He's from Maryland but has lived in New Hampshire for more than a decade.

He is also the creator of OTIS: Odd Things I've Seen (Oddthingsiveseen.com), where he writes about his visits to oddities of nature, history, art, and culture.

💻 VISIT J. W. Ocker’s official website: https://www.oddthingsiveseen.com

📖 READ The United States of Cryptids: https://amzn.to/4u0m3J5

📚 CHECK OUT J. W. Ocker Books: https://amzn.to/3P8LwzZ

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My name is Seth Adam Smith. I’m a husband, father, and author who believes in the power of stories to inspire people forward.

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Thank you for watching—and for being part of this journey!