Join Vince on the Dread Alert Podcast as he welcomes author Dylan DeGrave to discuss his outstanding debut novel, Heller. Dylan shares the inspiration behind his slasher story, which just hit shelves on December 1st.

The conversation dives deep into the novel's unique blend of horror and heartfelt, personal themes. Dylan discusses the complex relationships in the novel, shifting the setting away from typical "white picket fence" neighborhoods to focus on less desirable areas often overlooked in the genre, and a few horror inspirations that contributed to his truly unique story.

Episode Highlights:

• The origins of Heller, starting from a desire to see a slasher story set in a lower-income environment.
• Dylan's focus on character relationships which makes it a truly unique slasher story.
• Dylan’s writing process, and advice for young writers
• Heller’s Horror Influences on the page and on the screen
• The decision to self-publish Heller to keep the book's ending intact, which was crucial for setting up the sequel.
• Dylan’s upcoming projects, including Heller part two, a supernatural vampire story set in his Northern California hometown, and a trippy haunted house story.

Follow Dylan DeGrave:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cantkilldill

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@cantkilldill

Website: https://www.dylandegrave.com/

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In this episode of the Dread Alert Podcast, Vince sits down with acclaimed horror author Michael Wehunt to discuss his chilling new novel, The October Film Haunt, a haunting fusion of found footage horror, metafiction, and digital dread.

Wehunt, best known for his short story collection Greener Pastures, unpacks the inspirations for the novel, how writing novels differs from short stories, the terrifying realism of analog horror and found footage, and how belief itself can become the most dangerous supernatural force of all.

The October Film Haunt blends demonic possession, slasher tropes, and viral horror into one unforgettable novel. Hear Michael’s thoughts on The Blair Witch Project, the found footage genre, writing with authenticity, and how horror reflects our darkest cultural fears.

Highlights include:
What The October Film Haunt is About
From Short Stories to Novels
Writing Found Footage Fiction
Why We Love Horror
Meta Horror, Analog Terror & AI’s Future Impact
The Power of Belief in Modern Horror

If you love found footage horror like The Blair Witch Project or Lake Mungo, metafiction novels like House of Leaves, or deep conversations about the craft of horror writing, then this episode is for you!

Follow Michael Wehunt:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/michaelwehuntauthor/?hl=en
Threads: https://www.threads.com/@michaelwehuntauthor
Facebook: http://facebook.com/MichaelWehuntAuthor/
Website: https://michaelwehunt.com/

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Follow us on YouTube, TikTok, Instagram, or Bluesky for more horror hot takes and reviews!

What happens when true crime meets dark comedy and classic horror style? In this episode of the Dread Alert Podcast, Vince sits down with indie horror legend Chad Ferrin, writer, director, and producer of Dorothea, a twisted true crime horror film based on real events.

Ferrin, known for Ed Kemper and The Ghouls, dives deep into his filmmaking process, blending gritty realism with 80s-inspired visuals, split diopter shots, and a haunting score by Richard Band (Re-Animator, From Beyond). Hear how Ferrin turned the story of an elderly serial killer into one of the most surprising horror-comedies of the year, balancing laughs, chills, and shocking truths.

Topics covered:

• The true story behind Dorothea and adapting real crime into horror
• Balancing dark humor with respect for real victims
• Collaborating with composer Richard Band
• Low-budget filmmaking and run-and-gun directing
• Why Goodfellas, De Palma, and Mario Bava influence Ferrin’s style
• Upcoming projects: Sunset Strip Killers and The Devil’s Disciple

Whether you’re a horror fan, filmmaker, or true crime junkie, this episode is full of filmmaking insight, killer anecdotes, and indie spirit.

Dorothea releases November 4th on VOD

Follow Chad on Social Media

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/chad.ferrin/

X: https://x.com/SKATD

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chad.ferrin/

Support the show

Follow us on YouTube, TikTok, Instagram, or Bluesky for more horror hot takes and reviews!