My buddy Mazzy Zero hosts some of my shorts, including ALL AROUND THE PEONIES, about a small town with one simple rule.
You know where that's headed.
I hope you enjoy listening!
P.S.
I have a new horror novel coming out on Kickstarter in October 2025 - you can sign up to stay in the launch loop here:
King talks about the frightening thing that happened to a group of 1950s kids watching a movie.
Have you read DANSE MACABRE yet? Grab it here!
https://amzn.to/3YQtCmZ
What is your one potent idea? Let's see what Stephen King and "Invasion of the Body Snatchers" has to say...
Have you read the book? It's a great read; here is an affiliate link to take you right to it:
https://amzn.to/4fZ4ZLZ
Horror as allegory, and the joy of movies like PROPHECY and KINGDOM OF THE SPIDERS.
Media mentioned in this episode (these are affiliate links):
HELLWORLD
https://amzn.to/3NmIKTV
DANSE MACABRE
https://amzn.to/3Y5U3Vj
PROPHCY
https://amzn.to/3XYUEIm
KINGDOM OF THE SPIDERS
https://amzn.to/3U77OC0
You have permission to write pulp fiction, and King still tells stories when writing nonfiction.
Affiliate links to books mentioned in this episode:
Danse Macabre
https://amzn.to/3BDvqI3
Thrill Me!
https://amzn.to/4gYDO5g
The value of social media; the usefulness of formal writing education; and a well-crafted sentence that I need to takes to get right.
Should you be friends with your editor? Did Stephen King ever worry about money? What are the speedbumps you need to be ready for as an author? All that and more.
@tomleveen
RESOURCES
These are affiliate links. I only recommend and endorse material I have personally read or viewed.
DANSE MACABRE
https://amzn.to/471zj5a
101 BOOKS TO READ BEFORE YOU'RE MURDERED
https://amzn.to/3X1LJVX
Also follow Mother Horror on Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/mother.horror/
Welcome to the second episode of Retro Reads, where we explore the terrifying world of horror literature, starting with Stephen King's "Danse Macabre." Join me as I share personal anecdotes and insights on how this seminal work shaped my understanding of the horror genre, both as a reader and a writer. Whether you're a horror fan, an aspiring writer, or simply curious about King's unique take on horror, this episode is packed with valuable insights.
RESOURCES
These are affiliate links. I only recommend and endorse material I have personally read or viewed.
DANSE MACABRE
https://amzn.to/471zj5a
NIGHT SHIFT
https://amzn.to/3WUveuW
And here is one of my own horror novels, a Bram Stoker Award Finalist: HELLWORLD
https://amzn.to/3T4iAsb
💀 Don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more Retro Reads! 📚
Welcome to the first episode of Retro Reads, where we explore the terrifying world of horror literature, starting with Stephen King's "Danse Macabre." Join me as I share personal anecdotes and insights on how this seminal work shaped my understanding of the horror genre, both as a reader and a writer. Whether you're a horror fan, an aspiring writer, or simply curious about King's unique take on horror, this episode is packed with valuable insights.
RESOURCES
These are affiliate links. I only recommend and endorse material I have personally read or viewed.
DANSE MACABRE
https://amzn.to/471zj5a
101 BOOKS TO READ BEFORE YOU'RE MURDERED
https://amzn.to/3X1LJVX
Also follow Mother Horror on Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/mother.horror/
SKELETON CREW
https://amzn.to/4747xFm
NIGHT SHIFT
https://amzn.to/3WUveuW
MONSTERS IN AMERICA
https://amzn.to/3yT0geG
THE MONSTER SHOW
https://amzn.to/3yT0geG
GRIMM'S GRIMMEST
https://amzn.to/3T5RyR7
And here is one of my own horror novels, a Bram Stoker Award Finalist: HELLWORLD
https://amzn.to/3T4iAsb
My novel THOSE WE BURY BACK is a haunted house story...but it's really about grief. Take a listen.
Feeling stuck in your creative journey? In this video, we dive deep into common challenges faced by writers and creatives and explore practical solutions. From breaking down the silos of your different life roles to managing the impact of external factors on your creative process, we cover it all. Whether you're a seasoned writer or just starting out, this episode offers valuable insights to help you navigate through tough times and stay on track with your creative goals. Don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more tips on boosting your creativity and overcoming obstacles!
Imagine Sir Anthony Hopkins, most known for his role as Hannibal Lecter in Silence of the Lambs.
Now, Sir Anthony Hopkins was once just Tony Hopkins, starting like all of us. He was 17 or 18, doing shows wherever he could. In one play, he worked with Sir Laurence Olivier, considered the greatest classical actor of his generation. Hopkins, playing a minor role, mustered the courage to ask Olivier for advice on his performance.
Imagine Sir Laurence at his makeup table. Hopkins asks for advice, and Sir Laurence turns and says:
"When you speak, you are the star."
Just this morning on my walk, I brushed a hand over a short pine tree and came up with the following sentences on the fly, which might open a novel someday:
Despite their name, pine needles are actually soft, almost silky, to the touch when caressed the right way. Rub them the wrong way, and they’ll stick you. My mom was the same way.
Will it win a literary award? No, but it’s a vivid image, ain’t it?
In this episode, learn to go outside to improve your description.
If you find this episode helpful, I am positive you'll get a ton of use from my book on improving dialogue, available at Amazon and other retailers:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00WZWMW5W
https://books2read.com/u/bWZY2z
Thanks for being here!
Pro tip: You don't get writer's block... :)
Here's a quick 16-minute bit about how to crush logjams in your writing!
If this is helpful, may I point you to STORYCRAFT...ten hours of hanging out with two successful authors, talking about everything from story structure to traditional publishing contracts and more!
https://tomleveen.store/b/storycraft
🎬 Crafting the Perfect Opening Line for Your Novel 📚
In this video, we delve into the art of writing captivating first sentences for your novel.
Description: In this tutorial, we explore how to write a first sentence that hooks readers and agents alike. Using examples from my own writing, we compare different approaches and discuss the nuances that can make your opening line stand out. Whether you're aiming for traditional publishing or self-publishing, crafting an engaging first sentence is crucial. Learn how to attract your target audience and make a strong first impression!
Key Points:
🔔 Don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more writing tips!
Visit fictionmentor.com for additional resources and advice. 📖✨
🚀 Unlock Your Character's Journey: A Writing Exercise 🚀 In this video, I'm sharing a powerful exercise to give depth and dimension to your characters. Whether you're working on a short story, novel, or series, this exercise will help you create memorable characters. Timestamps: 00:00 - Introduction 00:20 - Describing Your Protagonist at the Beginning 01:05 - Sensory Details: Going Beyond Appearance 02:10 - Repeating the Exercise for the Ending 03:15 - Establishing Your Character's Journey 04:08 - Using Sensory Details Effectively 04:46 - Conclusion Don't just describe what your character looks like; delve into what they taste, smell, and feel like. By the end of your story, your character should have transformed, and these sensory details will help you show that journey. 📚 For more writing tips and exercises, visit FictionMentor.com! 📚 Let me know in the comments if you found this exercise helpful, and don't forget to subscribe for more writing advice and inspiration! ✍️✨
A group of teens crashes a new home built in the Sonoran desert, only to wake the next morning and find the house surrounded by a billion desert insects, arachnids, and snakes, which swarm any human trying to leave...
I'm not sure what a "meet-cute" is, and I don't think this is one...but it's quick story about one way to ask that special person out. Or commit a felony. Whichev. Enjoy!
In this bone-chilling micro-horror story, a seemingly innocent doll becomes a nightmarish presence in a little girl's life. Tune in for a spine-tingling tale that explores the unsettling world of a child's imagination turned into terror.
Read for you by Tina Edwards.
In a world where self is king, how can she overcome the cruelty?
This very short piece about life in the big city starts pretty bleak, but I promise you'll smile by the end. That's kind of my thing. :) Also in this episode, a very quick chat about metaphor and theme.