Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
In this deeply honest and hopeful episode, I sit down with writer, musician, and creator Lauren McQuistin—author of No Lost Causes Club and the voice behind @brutalrecovery—to talk about getting sober young, building emotional muscles from scratch, and what it really means to reclaim your life when alcohol stops serving you.
We explore sobriety as self-respect, the discomfort and beauty of feeling your feelings fully, and the weird, tender limbo of recovering before anyone expects you to need to. Lauren shares the realities of early recovery, from navigating parties and friendships without numbing through them, to rewriting the story of who you think you are and who you’re allowed to become.
This is a conversation about agency, grace, and second chances; about learning that you don’t need to destroy yourself to be interesting, and that healing isn’t boring, it’s radical, difficult, and sometimes hilarious.
If you’ve ever wondered whether there’s another way to live (one grounded in self-trust, community, and staying soft in a world that rewards collapse) this episode is for you.
If this episode resonated, share it with someone who might need it, and leave us a review to help more listeners find the show. 🖤
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
In this episode of Sick Sad Lit, I sit down with one of the most provocative and fearless voices in contemporary fiction: Eliza Clark. Author of Boy Parts, Penance, and She’s Always Hungry, Clark writes with scalpel-like precision about modern alienation. Nobody captures the digital grotesque quite like her.
We talk about the ethics of obsession, the cultural hunger for true crime, and how fiction can humanise—or implicate—those we call monstrous. Eliza shares her thoughts on revenge narratives, power fantasies, and the moral tension at the heart of storytelling. We also discuss how fan fiction and digital spaces shaped her creative evolution, the blurred line between empathy and horror, and what it means to write characters who do unspeakable things.
If you love unhinged narrators, moral ambiguity, literary horror, or stories that leave you slightly unnerved, then this episode is for you. 🖤
LET'S CONNECT:
Join the conversation on our Sick Sad Friends Discord.
Visit the Sick Sad Lit website for essays, author outtakes and more.
Follow Sick Sad Lit on Instagram.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
In this episode of Sick Sad Lit, I sit down with R. O. Kwon, author of The Incendiaries, Exhibit, and co-editor of Kink, to talk about the emotional labor of writing, the role of fear in creativity, and what it means to tell stories that demand vulnerability.
We explore how desire, identity, and ancestral trauma shape Kwon’s work, and how embracing discomfort can lead to deeper truth on the page. Kwon reflects on her journey through the publishing world, the slow and deliberate process of crafting fiction, and the liberation that comes from writing toward one’s own longing.
It’s a conversation about art as survival, about the fears that fuel us, and about finding freedom in the act of creation.
Join the conversation on our Sick Sad Friends Discord.
Visit the Sick Sad Lit website for essays, author outtakes and more.
Follow Sick Sad Lit on Instagram.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
In this episode of Sick Sad Lit, I sit down with acclaimed South Korean author Bora Chung: the brilliant mind behind Cursed Bunny and her haunting new collection, Midnight Timetable. Known for blending horror, humour, and political satire, Bora’s stories blur the line between the grotesque and the profound, using the supernatural to explore the most human of emotions.
We talk about her journey from university lecturer to internationally celebrated writer, how Cursed Bunny changed her life after being shortlisted for the International Booker Prize, and why she believes horror can be an act of empathy - a way of writing ghost stories for a broken world.
Bora shares the inspirations behind Midnight Timetable, from Polish and Russian literature to Korean folklore, and reflects on the intersections of revenge, grief, and survival in her fiction. We discuss the challenges of translation, the politics of horror, and the strange comfort of stories that look directly at fear, and still find hope inside it.
If you love literary horror, speculative fiction, or beautifully strange stories that linger long after you’ve finished reading, this episode is the perfect listen for spooky season. 👻
Join the conversation on our Sick Sad Friends Discord.
Visit the Sick Sad Lit website for essays, author outtakes and more.
Follow Sick Sad Lit on Instagram.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
In this episode of Sick Sad Lit, I sit down with acclaimed author Ottessa Moshfegh to dive deep into her writing process, the evolution of her style, and the themes that haunt her fiction. From McGlue and Eileen to My Year of Rest and Relaxation, Death in Her Hands, and Lapvona, Moshfegh’s novels consistently interrogate the limits of identity, the grotesque and sublime aspects of embodiment, and the ways confinement—physical, psychological, and societal—shapes human existence.
We talk about the impact of the pandemic on the writing of Lapvona, her fascination with characters trapped by obsession and circumstance, and her insistence on writing what scares her most. She reflects on aging, self-discovery, and what it means to measure a life in books, all while navigating the tension between private creation and public literary identity.
Whether you’re drawn to her unflinching portraits of isolation, her ability to make the grotesque beautiful, or her sharp insights into the contradictions of being human, this candid conversation offers a rare glimpse into the mind of one of today’s most compelling writers.
Visit and subscribe to Ottessa's Substack. (It's well worth it, trust me!)
Join the conversation on our Sick Sad Friends Discord.
Visit the Sick Sad Lit website for essays, author outtakes and more.
Follow Sick Sad Lit on Instagram.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
In this episode of Sick Sad Lit, I sit down with bestselling author Mona Awad to talk about her highly anticipated new novel, We Love You, Bunny (out today!). A dazzling return to the world of her cult classic Bunny, it blends fairy-tale horror, satire, and dark academia into a story about creation, obsession, and the power of storytelling.
Mona and I explore the evolution of her writing - from sharp realism to feverish surrealism - and the recurring themes that define her work: transformation, body image, identity, and the complexities of the female experience. We also dig into the psychological depth of her characters, the role of humour and satire in her prose, and how fairy tales continue to shape her literary imagination.
Mona reflects on her creative process, the influence of her academic background, and the way music fuels her writing routine. Mona also shares insights into the power of love, friendship, and marginalised voices in literature, offering a rare glimpse into her evolving journey as a writer.
If you’re drawn to fiction that’s grotesque and beautiful, hilarious and haunting, this conversation is for you.
Visit Mona's website for links to order your copy of We Love You Bunny wherever you are in the world.
Join the conversation on our Sick Sad Friends Discord.
Visit the Sick Sad Lit website for essays, author outtakes and more.
Follow Sick Sad Lit on Instagram.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Internationally acclaimed writer Mariana Enriquez, author of Our Share of Night, Things We Lost in the Fire, and The Dangers of Smoking in Bed, joins Sick Sad Lit to talk about horror that doesn’t chill - it burns. In this visceral and wide-ranging conversation, she and I explore how the oppressive heat of Buenos Aires fuels her fiction, how music shapes her creative process, and how journalism gave her the tools to interrogate the darkest corners of society. We dive into folklore, rebellion, class, and the ghosts—both real and metaphorical—that linger in her stories. With sharp reflections on urban horror, cultural memory, and the power of place, this episode is a must-listen for fans of literary horror, gothic fiction, and boundary-pushing storytelling.
Follow Mariana on Instagram.
Join the conversation with Sick Sad Lit on Substack and Instagram.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
In this episode of Sick Sad Lit, I sit down with writer and violinist Ling Ling Huang, author of the acclaimed debut novel Natural Beauty and the recently released Immaculate Conception. Together, we explore the ways fiction - and creative expression more broadly - helps navigate identity, ambition, and the emotional aftermath of betrayal and transformation.
Ling Ling shares how her background in music informs her literary voice, and how both Natural Beauty and Immaculate Conception confront the pressures of perfection and commodification, from the insidious demands of the beauty industry to the often invisible toll of technology on human connection.
The conversation spans everything from the pain of friendship loss, the complexity of female jealousy, and the shifting landscape of motherhood and creativity, to how speculative fiction allows us to reimagine the limits of identity, body, and self-worth.
Follow Ling Ling Huang on Instagram.
Join the conversation with Sick Sad Lit on Substack and Instagram.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
In this episode of Sick Sad Lit, I sit down with author Emma Van Straaten to explore the raw, unsettling beauty of her debut novel, This Immaculate Body.
Emma reflects on her journey from aspiring writer to published author, sharing how her own personal history informed the creation of her complex protagonist, Alice. We discuss the nuances of character development, how trauma shapes narrative voice, and why writing unflinching, emotionally charged fiction is both a creative and cathartic act.
This episode also explores Emma’s publishing journey, how she balances writing with parenting, and the unique pressures that come with telling stories grounded in identity and internal conflict. From the daily rituals that keep her grounded to the literary influences that shaped her perspective, Emma offers honest insights into the joys and challenges of writing in today’s literary landscape.
If you're drawn to books that confront what it means to exist in a body — and all the pain, rage, and beauty that comes with that — this conversation will resonate.
Join the conversation with Sick Sad Lit on Substack and Instagram.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
In this episode of Sick Sad Lit, author Anna Dorn joins me to discuss her novel Perfume and Pain, a sharp and provocative exploration of identity, desire, and self-destruction. Anna opens up about her writing process, and her transition from a legal career to full-time novelist.
We dive into the literary value of unlikeable women in fiction, the cultural tension around cancel culture, and how queer literature allows space for complex, messy, fully human protagonists. Anna also shares her thoughts on the evolving business of writing — from the emotional toll of professional publishing to the power of author merch and literary events in building a community around books.
The conversation touches on perfume as a narrative device, how creative inspiration comes from unexpected places (including music and social media), and why embracing vulnerability in storytelling is more radical than ever.
Join the conversation with Sick Sad Lit on Substack and Instagram.
Follow Anna on Instagram.
Takeaways:
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Sunday Times Best-Selling Author of The Lamb, Lucy Rose steps into the Sick Sad Lit (virtual) studio for a fierce, funny, and fearless conversation about everything that fuels her fiction. From the folklore of her rural upbringing to the feminist lens that informs her monstrous female characters, Lucy unpacks how horror can be a home for complexity. The episode touches on the metaphor of cannibalism as relational consumption, the portrayal of mental illness and motherhood, and what it means to write while neurodivergent. Lucy also speaks candidly about the importance of creative freedom, Dakota Johnson’s career-changing shoutout, and the bold themes she’s tackling in her upcoming work.
Join the conversation with Sick Sad Lit on Substack and Instagram.
Takeaways
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
In this episode of Sick Sad Lit, host Jen Eastwood sits down with acclaimed author Sarah Rose Etter to unpack the emotional and political weight of writing in a collapsing world. They explore how magical realism and dark fiction serve as tools for survival and resistance under late-stage capitalism, and how attention spans, burnout, and economic precarity shape the creative process.
Through a raw and reflective conversation, Etter shares insights on the emotional labor of storytelling, the role of surrealism in literature, and what it means to write authentically amidst societal decay. Whether you're a writer navigating capitalism, a reader drawn to unflinching fiction, or a fan of Sarah Rose Etter’s work, this episode offers a powerful look at how literature endures—and resists—through crisis.
Join the conversation with Sick Sad Lit on Substack and Instagram.
Takeaways
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
In this episode, horror author Gretchen Felker-Martin discusses her writing process, the impact of queer representation in horror literature, and crafting complex characters in books like Manhunt and Cuckoo. We explore taboo themes, dark fiction, and advice for emerging authors navigating today’s literary world.
Join the conversation with Sick Sad Lit on Substack and Instagram.
Gretchen Felker-Martin, explores her journey as a writer, the impact of her novels 'Manhunt' and 'Cuckoo', and the importance of representation in horror literature. We discuss the creative process behind character development, the challenges of writing about taboo themes, and the future of horror and dark fiction in light of current societal issues. Gretchen shares her insights on the reception of her work within the queer community and highlights emerging voices in the genre, all while reflecting on her personal writing journey and discipline.
Takeaways:
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Chuck Tingle joins Sick Sad Lit to explore queer horror, satirical romance, and the role of absurdity in the horror genre. We talk about identity, publishing, and how positivity and love become acts of protest in art — and in life.
Join the conversation with Sick Sad Lit on Substack and Instagram.
In this engaging conversation, Chuck Tingle, a renowned author in queer horror and satirical romance, discusses his unique approach to storytelling, the cathartic power of horror, and the importance of positivity in challenging times. He shares insights into his artistic process, the transition from writing Tinglers to horror novels, and the role of identity in his work. Tingle emphasizes the significance of absurdity in horror, the political themes present in contemporary literature, and the impact of pre-ordering books on authors' success. The discussion culminates in an exciting preview of his upcoming novel, 'Lucky Day,' which explores themes of bisexuality and existence.
Takeaways
Chapters
00:00 The Power of Positivity in Turbulent Times
03:59 Exploring the Intersection of Love and Horror
09:18 The Artistic Journey: From Tinglers to Horror Novels
14:26 The Freedom of Anonymity: Chuck Tingle's Artistic Expression
24:21 The Genesis of Chuck Tingle: Art, Identity, and Healing
31:21 Exploring Horror: Grueling vs. Cathartic
38:21 The Art of Creating Unique Monsters
43:11 The Evolution of Horror in Contemporary Society
49:52 The Importance of Message in Art
58:47 Navigating Traditional Publishing vs. Self-Publishing
01:04:51 Anticipating 'Lucky Day': A New Queer Horror Novel
01:11:42 Ge Filter Fish - Neon Rapture.mp3
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Welcome to Sick Sad Lit — a podcast about the books that get under your skin. Host Jen Eastwood talks with the writers behind today’s most unsettling, unforgettable fiction: horror, gothic, surreal, and literary works that explore obsession, identity, rage, the body, and the bizarre.
This is a space for complicated characters, experimental form, and authors who aren’t afraid to get weird — or honest.
If you’ve ever called a book “unhinged” as a compliment, this show is for you.
Season One premieres 22 May NZST. Subscribe now and get ready to spiral.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.