Writing and Killing Unicorns
What does it mean to be a writer? Am I bragging if I tell people I am a writer? Am I a failure or scared if I don't? Writing and Killing Unicorns is a raw and unapologetic look into what it means to be a writer and how a crumbling world could affect the craft and the writer, hosted by me, Karen. Hollywood would have us believe books can be written in five minutes-that inspiration is this magical creature. It's time for those lies to die. Writing is hard, and scary, and fun, and healing. I will discuss the joys and fears of being a creative with the written word in a world that is literally crumbling at the seams. Through self-understanding, research and the help of people in the business, let's learn together. And remember: if you have a pen in your hand, no matter what, you're write.
Episodes
In this hauntingly beautiful episode of Writing and Killing Unicorns, we welcome writer Channel Harry to explore the deeply intertwined worlds of horror and healing. Titled We Write in the Dark, this conversation dives into the ways horror allows us to confront trauma, navigate ancestral memory, and survive the shadows of the self.
Channel shares insight on the intersection of ancestry and mental health, unearthing how...
Writing a self-help book is not what I expected—and honestly, it scares me.
I never saw myself as the kind of person who’d write one, let alone admit out loud that I might have something to say that could help someone else. But here I am. Doing the thing that feels too big, too vulnerable, and too real.
So, Season Two? It’s about unmasking—and then making something out of what’s revealed.
This season isn’t about perfecti...
There are two things you need to know before listening to this episode:
- The zombie apocalypse is over, and it has been for some time.
- The world doesn’t need a hero.
What it needs—what this episode explores—is something much more human: awkward friendships, fierce loyalty, and flawed people trying to make sense of a broken world.
This week, we talk with author Jack Callaghan about writing horror that isn't ju...
In this episode of Writing and Killing Unicorns, I had the absolute honor of speaking with horror writer and cultural storyteller Nadira Jamerson. This conversation left me breathless, grounded, and strangely healed. Nadira opens up about how she uses horror not just to scare—but to unearth, confront, and ultimately mend what’s been broken.
We talk about what it means to be a Black woman writing horror, how trauma and ...
You got an agent—now what? In this candid and insightful episode, host Nelly sits down with author Ally Russell to talk about the gritty realities of traditional publishing after you land representation. From querying to editor submission hell, editorial rejection, and maintaining mental health through the highs and lows, Ally gives us a transparent look behind the curtain.
This is not a fairy tale ending — it's t...
Welcome to Writing and Killing Unicorns, the podcast where we gut glitter, hunt tropes, and build stories that actually mean something.
In today's episode, I talk with the brilliant Azalea Crowley, a modern fantasy horror romance author who crafts wildly inclusive worlds featuring autistic, disabled, queer, and Filipino/Native Hawaiian characters—and the monsters they love (or become).
We dive deep into:
- How mon...
In this episode of Writing and Killing Unicorns, we’re joined by the brilliant Nailah King for a rich and honest conversation on the complexities of the writing life. From battling imposter syndrome to finding your “why,” Nailah unpacks the emotional landscape of being a writer in a world that often questions your belonging.
We explore what fuels self-motivation when external validation is scarce, how cultural identity...
Welcome to Writing and Killing Unicorns, where I serve up the hard truth about writing, no sugarcoating, no fluff. In today’s episode, I’m breaking down the 10 Don’ts of Being a Successful Writer. This is the kind of tough love every writer needs to hear (and probably needs to stop ignoring). From procrastinating like it’s an Olympic sport, to obsessing over perfection (news flash: your first draft is allowed to suck)...
Nope.
I could end the podcast there, but let’s be real—where’s the fun in that?
This episode is all about breaking free from the idea that you must commit to one genre for life. Spoiler alert: You don’t. Despite what the "pick it and stick it" crowd says, writing across genres can actually make you a better, more versatile writer.
In This Episode, We Cover:
🖋️ The myth of being stuck in a single genre
Welcome to Writing and Killing Unicorns, the podcast where we dive deep into the magic and mayhem of storytelling. In this episode, we’re stepping into uncharted territory with LaDarrion Williams, New York Times bestselling author of Blood at the Root.
Fantasy is a genre built on imagination, but getting published in it is a whole different kind of adventure. LaDarrion takes us through his journey from aspiring writer ...
Welcome back to Writing and Killing Unicorns, the podcast where we embrace the chaos of creativity—despite what it brings along. I’m your host, Nelly, and in today's episode, we're diving into a particularly frustrating aspect of being a writer: Why does inspiration always strike at the most inconvenient times?
From shower thoughts to midnight epiphanies, creative bursts have a knack for appearing when you’re...
Editing—every writer’s necessary evil. In this episode of Writing and Killing Unicorns, I sit down with author Jo Salazar to discuss one of the most painful and crucial parts of the writing process: killing your darlings. Whether it’s a beautifully written scene, a beloved character, or a line of dialogue that just doesn’t fit, knowing when to cut and how to do it can make or break a story.
Jo shares her own experience...
Ever found yourself staring at a blank page, knowing you should be writing but… just not doing it? You’re not alone. In this episode of Writing and Killing Unicorns, we dive into the 10 biggest reasons writers don’t write—from procrastination to perfectionism, self-doubt to distractions—and explore real, actionable ways to push past them. Whether you're stuck in the idea phase, afraid your work won’t be good enou...
In this Writing and Killing Unicorns episode, Nelly explores the Japanese philosophy of wabi-sabi, which involves finding beauty in life's imperfections and embracing the natural cycles of growth and decay. She shares personal stories, discusses the power of storytelling, and explores how wabi-sabi applies to the craft of writing and everyday life. Whether you're a writer struggling with procrastination or l...
Welcome to the first episode of "Writing and Killing Unicorns"! In this exciting debut, we dive into the concept of "killing unicorns" in the writing realm—overcoming clichés, defying conventions, and unlocking your authentic voice. I'll share the story behind the podcast and highlight how embracing the unexpected can spark your most innovative ideas. Whether you’re a seasoned writer or just s...
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