Welcome back, wordsmiths and story seekers! In this episode of The Writer’s Chair, I sit down with Birmingham-based author J.D. Parker to talk about his debut dark historical novel, Ignis Sacer.

Jonny (JD) shares his journey from writing screenplays to finally tackling long-form fiction, why he considers his first unpublished novel the “first pancake,” and how Ignis Sacer became the book he was ready to share with the world.

We explore everything from medieval medicine and plague research to the pull of “sirens” (new ideas), balancing horror and hope, and why sometimes the most terrifying things are buried in history.

In this episode, you’ll discover:

• Why JD draws a sharp line between his first novel and his debut novel
• How ergotism (Holy Fire) inspired the central horror of Ignis Saecer
• The challenges of weaving research, history, and dark fantasy into one story
• Why “prestige horror” filmmakers like Robert Eggers and Ari Aster shaped his writing style
• The balance between outlining and discovery in building sprawling stories

Links & Resources:

• J.D.’s website: https://wakeandwinslow.carrd.co
• Ignis Sacer on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Ignis-Sacer-Nightmare-J-D-Parker-ebook/dp/B0F5MT5ZLP
• Connect with JD on Instagram: @j.d.parker_author

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Welcome to a brand-new feature on The Writer’s Chair — the Twisted Tales Diaries!

In this first diary entry, I’m joined by my co-conspirator R.P. Howley (aka Rob) as we pull back the curtain on our new horror series, Twisted Tales. Think Goosebumps… but bloodier. We talk through the origins of the idea, what it’s like co-writing fast, punchy horror together, and the long-term vision behind the series.

Expect honest, unpolished chat about the wins, the headaches, and everything in between as we build this universe one creepy book at a time.

In this episode, you’ll discover:

• How Twisted Tales went from a forest walk in 2020 to #1 Hot New Release in 2025
• Why Goosebumps nostalgia meets adult horror in a bite-sized format
• What it’s really like to co-write and cut each other’s drafts to the bone
• Our strategy for building not just books, but a brand horror readers will want to collect
• Sneak peeks of what’s coming next (werewolves, Christmas horror, and more…)

Links & Resources:

• Visit the Twisted Tales hub: https://twistedtalesbooks.com/
• Free short story Thaw: https://dashboard.mailerlite.com/forms/72410/155104481435977576/share

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If you enjoyed this conversation, please subscribe, leave a review, and share with the horror lovers in your life.

📺 YouTube: youtube.com/@devilsrockbooks

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In this roundtable episode of The Writer’s Chair, Daniel welcomes three phenomenal authors from Eerie River Publishing’s dark new anthology, The Earth Bleeds at Night.

Joining the discussion:

• Christopher O’Halloran (Water Drops on the Stone Hearts)
• Em Starr (Dolly Rocks)
• Richard Thomas (Supplication)

Whether you’re a reader, writer, or horror fan hungry for behind-the-scenes insight, this episode delivers on both craft and heart.

• How parenting, personal experience, and grief inspired some of the most emotionally raw stories in the anthology
• What makes horror the perfect genre for exploring nature, decay, and transformation
• The joy (and madness) of being a short story maximalist
• Real talk about rejections, impostor syndrome, and breaking into pro markets
• Where short stories fit into a writer’s creative and commercial journey
• A vital call for more active inclusion of BIPOC voices in horror publishing
• Resources and advice for writers trying to break into magazines like The Dark, Nightmare, and Lightspeed

Published by Erie River Publishing

Explore what terrors make the very earth bleed in this chilling collection of dark, literary, and cosmic horror from award-winning and rising authors.

👉 https://books2read.com/u/bPOjjR

🔗 Christopher O’Halloran https://www.coauthor.ca

📚 Debut novel Pushing Daisy https://www.amazon.com/Pushing-Daisy-Christopher-OHalloran-ebook/dp/B0F8SKYD95

🧠 Also recommends reading: https://www.thingsthatkeepmeupatnight.com/new-page

🔗 Em Starr https://emstarr.com.au

📱 BlueSky | Facebook

🔗 Richard Thomas whatdoesnotkillme.com

📲 Listen now on your favorite podcast platform: https://pod.link/1829723468

📺 Watch the full episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@devilsrockbooks

🌐 Learn more and join our dark fiction community: devilsrockbooks.com/podcast

📣 Jump into the Devil’s Rock Discord to chat about this episode and meet other dark fiction writers.

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