Episode Description: In this special birthday episode of The Night Crew Podcast, the tables turn as Brad Ricks hands over the mic and becomes the interviewee! Guest host and spooky book club leader Courtney DeGuire steps in to dig deep into Brad’s writing journey, his vampire-fueled inspirations, and the wild story behind his first short story about... well, let’s just say it involves cannibalism and a confused teacher.
Brad opens up about:
- His earliest horror writing moments (including a disturbing chicken-flavored revelation)
- His transition from music to novels during COVID
- The creation of The Night Crew and how a world of bloody, no-sparkle vampires was born
- Why he hates vampire romance tropes
- How To Hell With Hallmark went from a joke to a fan-favorite Christmas slasher
- Navigating indie publishing, marketing woes, and why community matters
- What makes horror truly scary (hint: creaky floorboards and husband-shaped jump scares)
Courtney and Brad also geek out over classic horror novels, favorite vampire movies (yes, The Lost Boys wins), and Brad reveals the secret sauce behind his writing routine. And yes, bourbon is involved.
🎂 It’s a birthday celebration, horror fan confession, and behind-the-scenes author chat all rolled into one bloody good episode.
🔍 Show Notes:
- 📚 Books Mentioned:
- The Night Crew
- The Night Crew 2 (Coming November)
- Fear Not the Dead
- To Hell With Hallmark
- Classics: Dracula, Frankenstein, Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, The Stand
- 🎬 Vampire Movie Faves:
- The Lost Boys
- 30 Days of Night
- Blade
- Interview with the Vampire (with some side-eye)
- 🧛♂️ Want more bloody horror? Visit Brad’s site to grab signed books: https://www.bradricks.com Follow him on Facebook for updates, events, and awkward vampire memes.
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