Killer Prose

Killer Prose

Killer Prose is the podcast dedicated to the art of crafting mystery and horror fiction, hosted by author Tanner Rutledge. Join Tanner bi-weekly as he delves into the secrets of suspenseful storytelling, featuring interviews with authors, editors, and publishers who specialize in keeping readers on the edge of their seats. Whether you’re weaving intricate mysteries or conjuring spine-tingling horror, Killer Prose offers practical advice on finishing your manuscript and getting it in front of readers. From plot twists to terrifying atmospheres, this show equips you with the skills and inspiration to captivate your audience and expand your readership. Tune in and discover how to create gripping, unforgettable stories in the worlds of mystery and horror.

Episodes

April 22, 2025 42 mins

In this episode of the Killer Pros, Tanner interviews author Brad Ricks about his new series, 'The Night Crew.' They discuss the intricacies of blending horror with action thriller elements, the evolution of writing styles, and the challenges of creating authentic and engaging stories. Brad shares insights into his writing process, character development, and the motivation behind his vampire lore, while also touching on the importa...

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In this episode I discusses updates on my upcoming mystery book 'Fools & Corpses' and details on setting up a home studio for audiobooks. I also reflects on the challenges of deciding between Amazon's KU and Kobo Select for distribution. In the meat of the episode, I take a look at different types of plot twists in storytelling, focusing the importance of foreshadowing and avoiding overuse.

00:00 Introduction and Podcast Updates

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In this episode of Killer Prose, Tanner discusses strategies for dealing with writer's block and managing stress. He offers personal insights into his own practices for de-stressing and staying focused, such as prioritizing workouts and meditation, observing the world for inspiration, and experimenting with his writing process. Tanner also provides updates on his current projects, including 'Fools and Corpses' and 'The Haint,' shar...

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In this episode of Killer Prose, I interview J.D. Barker, an international and New York Times bestselling author known for titles like 'The Fourth Monkey,' 'Dracul,' and his upcoming novel, 'We Don't Talk About Emma.' J.D. discusses his new book, his co-authoring process, and his unique deal with Simon & Schuster. He shares insights into his writing and publishing journey, the changes in the industry, and his approach to mentor...

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In this episode of the Killer Prose Podcast, host Tanner Rutledge wishes listeners a happy New Year and invites them to share their upcoming projects for 2025. Tanner discusses his decision to merge his mystery and horror writings under his own name, eliminating the need for a pen name to reduce marketing expenses. He reflects on the professional changes in...

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In this episode of Killer Prose Podcast, Tanner is joined by Cassandra O’Sullivan Sachar, an accomplished writer and associate English professor in Pennsylvania. With her work featured in over forty creative publications, including The Horror Zine, Wyldblood Magazine, and Tales from the Moonlit Path, Cassandra brings a wealth of experience to the table.

We discuss the craft of writing, teaching horror fiction at the university leve...

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November 24, 2024 66 mins

In this episode of Killer Prose, we’re joined by Lee Mountford, the bestselling author behind the Haunted and Darkfall series. Lee shares his journey to becoming a full-time indie author, offering insights into planning and writing series, collaborating with editors, and crafting haunted house stories and genre blends.

Whether you’re a writer seeking inspiration or a horror fan curious about what goes into creating spine-chilling f...

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November 16, 2024 3 mins

We have some new episodes coming. I'll also be taking the show to once a month for a while so we can stay consistent while work, life, and writing are so hectic right now. 

Intro and outro music provided by Super Strange Synths by YellowTree -- https://freesound.org/s/482961/ -- License: Attribution 4.0

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September 8, 2024 84 mins

Ivy Tholen is the author of “Tastes Like Candy," “Maul Rats,” and the upcoming "Mother Dear." She lives in Los Angeles. Don’t mention “A Nightmare on Elm Street 3: Dream Warriors” to her, or she will never shut up.

In this episode, we delve into the world of indie authorship. Whether you're curious about carving out time to write, mastering the craft of horror, knowing the right moment to seek feedback, or getting a behind-the-scen...

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Today I'm joined by author, Andrew Najberg. Andrew is the author of the best-selling (#1 US Horror Amazon) novels The Mobius Door (Wicked House Publishing, 2023) and Gollitok (Wicked House Publishing, 2023), as well as The Neverborn Thief (Olive-Ridley Press, 2024), the forthcoming collection of short fiction In Those Fading Stars (Crystal Lake Publishing, 2024) and the forthcoming novel Extinction Dream (Wicked House Publishing, 2...

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Today I'm joined by Bryan Alaspa. Bryan wrote his first short story in the third grade, way back in the 70s. He's now the author of more than 60 books and novels, all of them on the dark side of life.

In today's episode Brian and I talk about craft, story inspiration, and different avenues for publication. 

Connect with Bryan at https://www.bryanwalaspa.com/

Connect with him on X (Twitter) @ https://x.com/bryanalaspa

Find his Horro...

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In today's episode, I'm joined by Clay Stafford. We cover pretty much everything. We talk about the opportunities at the Killer Nashville Conference, trad publishing vs self publishing, and getting out there and meeting agents. 

Clay Stafford is an American bestselling and award-winning author, poet, screenwriter, and playwright; film and television producer, director, showrunner, actor; book, film, and stage reviewer as well as pu...

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Today, I'm joined by horror author Brad Ricks. Brad talks about his debut novel Fear Not the Dead, his path to writing and publication, and his feelings on the craft.  We also get into playing with timelines, things you don't think about before being published, and why he writes horror.

You can find Brad, links to his socials, and his books at https://www.bradricks.com/

Purchase Fear Not the Dead https://www.amazon.com/Fear-Not-Dea...

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In today's episode, I talk a little about TikTok and someof the changes that are coming, even if the app sells and is permitted to operate in the USA. I also talk about some of the things I'm working on and how I feel about my current project. 

Connect with the show and read blog posts at www.killerprose.com

follow us on FB IG and Tik Tok @killerprosepodcast

Join the live streams on FB, YouTube, and Twich, just search for the Kille...

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January 23, 2024 8 mins

Plotting provides a road map, but can you plot too much? Is it possible to plott key story beats, and still leave enough elbow room for your charaters and settings to come alive? I talk about this and more in today's episode of Killer Prose Podcast.

Connect with the show and read blog posts at www.killerprose.com

follow us on FB IG and Tik Tok @killerprosepodcast

Join the live streams on You Tube and Twich, just search for the Kill...

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November 22, 2023 40 mins

MJ Mars, author of The Suffering from Wicked House Press, drops by today to share what it was like to break into the horror genre, her process, and some a few personal stories. MJ has been featured in a plethora of magazines, anthologies, and podcasts - including her story Better Then Mardis Gras on season 13 Ep. 16 of The No Sleep Podcast.

 

Connect with MJ Mars at htt...

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On today's episode, I'm joined by Blaine Daigle, author of The Broken Places from Wicked House Publishing. We spend about 45 minute diving deep into his process, how he uses Pro Writing Aid and Autocrit, and how he writes scenes that invoke such deep reactions. 

You can connect with Blain at https://www.blainedaigle.com or on his Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1000865626...

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Following genre expectations is key to connecting with readers. But how do you stand out? How do you create something new inside of established structures. In today's episode I talk shop with internationally published author and writing processor Andrew Najberg.

Andrew Najberg is the author of the novel The Mobius Door (Wicked House Publications, 2023) and the forthcoming novels Gollitok (Cactus Moon Press, 2023) and The Neverborn ...

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Last episode, I talked about my top 5 resources for horror writers. This week, I'm deep diving Plottr and going through exactly how it's made my process easier and faster.

Email the show at writingfright@gmail.com

FB and IG @writingfright

TikTok @writingfrightpod

Follow us at www.writingfright.com

Intro and outro music provided by Super Strange Synths by YellowTree -- https://freesound.org/s/482961/ -- License: Attribution 4.0

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Writing is hard. For the vast majority of us starting out, it takes months or years to complete a piece of long form content. It takes time to plan a story, and it doesn’t matter if you are a plotter or discovery writer. (Our first drafts just look different)

The steps are pretty must the same. We see where the story goes and end with a first draft or detailed outline. Then, we revise and draft a coherent story.

It can be difficult...

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