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.
We Write in the Dark: Horror, Hauntings, and the Self with Channel Harry
Send us a text 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 generational hauntings and personal struggles manifest in b...
6 Jun 2025
Wait, Am I Writing a Self-Help Book?
The host reflects on the unexpected and vulnerable experience of writing a self-help book, focusing on honesty and self-revelation rather than perfection.
30 May 2025
Between Life and Labels: Writing Humanity in Horror - Jack Callaghan
Author Jack Callaghan discusses writing deeply honest horror stories that blend undead mayhem with human elements like friendship and loyalty in a broken world; this is an interview.
19 May 2025
Bloodlines and Broken Minds: Horror as a Path to Healing - Nadira Jamerson
Send us a text 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 mental health show up in her stories, and the power of ances...
10 May 2025
The Myth of the Happy Ending: What Happens After You Get an Agent? - Ally Russell
Send us a text 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 the start of a new adventure full of monsters, uncertainty, and gr...
29 Apr 2025
Monsters, Magic, and Margins: Weaving Identity into Fantasy and Horror - Azalea Crowley
Send us a text 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 monsters act as metaphors for survival, resistance, and identityWritin...
19 Apr 2025
Imposter Syndrome, Self-Motivation, and the Why of Writing - Nailah King
Send us a text 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 and tradition inform the way we tell stories, and the trans...
2 Apr 2025
The 10 Don'ts of Being a Successful Writer
Send us a text 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), I’m shining a spotlight on the habits that are quietly wrec...
11 Mar 2025
Am I Stuck With This Genre?
Send us a text 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 🧠 How forcing yourself into one category stifles creativity 🎭 Why writing ...
2 Mar 2025
Whole New World: Into The Unknown with LaDarrion Williams
Send us a text 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 to bestselling author, sharing insights on world-building, c...
14 Feb 2025
The Muse Has Terrible Timing: Why Creativity Strikes at the Worst Moments
Send us a text 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 least able to take advantage of them. Why does your muse wait until y...
9 Feb 2025
The Darling Dilemma: Jo Salazar’s Guide to Tough Cuts
Send us a text 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 experiences with tough edits, offering insight into how to recognize w...
29 Jan 2025
10 Reasons Writers Don't Write - And How to Overcome Them
Send us a textEver 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 enough, or just too busy to write, this episode will help you get back ...
22 Jan 2025
Wabi-Sabi Wisdom: How Imperfection Inspires Creativity
Send us a textIn 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 looking to appreciate existence's messy beauty, this episode is for you!W...
16 Jan 2025
The Unicorns We Chase: Let's Start the Journey
Send us a textWelcome 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 starting, this episode is your ideal launchpad to create something extraordinary.Be sure...
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