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What drives seemingly normal people to create stories filled with blood, terror, and revenge? Shannon Bradner, a factory worker by night and horror writer by whenever-she-can, pulls back the curtain on her creative process and reveals the often mundane seeds that grow into horrifying tales.

Working twelve-hour night shifts for twenty years has given Shannon plenty of time for her mind to wander into darker territories. She shares a chilling real-life experience of discovering a dead body in a compactor at her workplace—the kind of disturbing incident that can't help but influence one's perspective. The isolation and altered reality of working through the night creates the perfect environment for horror creativity, as both Shannon and host JP Willie discuss from their night shift experiences.

Shannon's horror isn't just about shock value. "I play on the more emotional side of things that happen to people that make them do the things they do," she explains, revealing how her revenge-focused stories explore psychological catalysts behind horrific actions. Her inspiration comes from unexpected places—washing dishes while listening to Eddie Rabbit sparked "Truck Stop Diner," while a casual conversation about a local dive bar became "One Night at Clyde's."

When discussing our collective fascination with horror, Shannon offers a refreshing perspective: "Everybody has a dark side. Some have a darker side than others. I think sometimes that's how you get it out—you watch these things, they're not real, you're enjoying it." This therapeutic aspect allows us to indulge our darker inclinations in a safe, controlled environment.

For aspiring horror writers, Shannon's journey offers encouragement. As someone relatively new to publishing, she's focusing on short story anthologies while developing her first novella, proving that you don't need decades of publishing experience to create compelling horror. Find her work on Godless.com and follow her journey into the darkest corners of human experience.

🔗Connect with David
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If you enjoy listening to the podcast, please do leave a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts and let us know in your review who you want to see next on the podcast. Thanks!

You can also Tweet me @ViergutzDavid and tell me what horror author you want to hear from next, or what topics you want me to cover. 🙏🙏

How did you like the show? Text us and let us know.

Bestselling author JD Barker joins me on The Nightmare Engine Podcast, sharing his incredible journey from a ghostwriter and book doctor to a New York Times bestseller. I get an insider’s look at his creative collaborations, including a Dracula prequel and thrilling projects with James Patterson. JD’s insights into the business of writing, along with his strategic genre-blending techniques, give us a deep dive into the complexities of attracting diverse audiences while staying true to his horror roots. This episode is a goldmine for anyone curious about what it takes to build a successful writing career.

I take you on a journey through the realms of fan fiction and cosmic mysteries as we dive into the excitement of sequels and reboots, including the 1990 thriller Flatliners. We explore the scientific and existential themes surrounding med students flirting with death and draw fascinating parallels with films like The Lazarus Project. Our conversation spirals into a cosmic tangent, where black holes and our place in the universe set the stage for some existential musings. If you love the intersection of science, fiction, and the unknown, this discussion is for you.

Get ready to experience the spine-tingling allure of real-life horror and folklore monsters as I recount chilling moments from Costa Rica to the Stanley Hotel, the eerie inspiration behind Stephen King’s The Shining. The fusion of real and fictional terror sparks an exploration into haunted house experiences, folklore, and the psychology of fear. With personal anecdotes and compelling narratives, this episode reveals how true stories breathe life into imaginative storytelling, blurring the line between reality and the supernatural. Join me for a hauntingly engaging exploration of horror at its finest.

🔗Connect with David
🌎 Website | 🎥 Youtube | 👨‍🏫Facebook | 📸 Instagram |🐤 Twitter | 🕰️TikTok

⭐️ Leave a Review

If you enjoy listening to the podcast, please do leave a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts and let us know in your review who you want to see next on the podcast. Thanks!

You can also Tweet me @ViergutzDavid and tell me what horror author you want to hear from next, or what topics you want me to cover. 🙏🙏

How did you like the show? Text us and let us know.

What uncanny fears keep you up at night? Join us as we unravel the intricacies of fear and superstition on the latest episode of the Nightmare Engine podcast. We're thrilled to have Christine Daigle, a versatile writer shifting from steampunk to dark thrillers, join us for an exploration into the eerie and unsettling. Together, we navigate through an array of chilling superstitions, from the haunting Latin of exorcism prayers to the disquieting tales of mirrors in shadowy rooms, all while sharing personal stories from my past as a police officer facing the unknown.

As we journey further, the discussion takes exhilarating twists into the realm of irrational fears and dangerous thrills. From the heights of skydiving to the ominous fear of trains, we dissect why some dangers entice us while others paralyze us with fear. Alongside Christine, we ponder the neuroscience behind sociopathic behavior, featuring insights from neuropsychologist James Fallon, and examine the role of environmental influences in shaping one's moral compass through gripping anecdotes of investigating violent crimes.

The episode culminates in a heartfelt discussion on the power of empathy and human connection. We reflect on the importance of acknowledging emotions and fostering genuine interactions, much like those learned from FBI interrogator training. Our conversation also touches on the fascinating intersection of technology and mental health, diving into the potential, and potential pitfalls, of brain-computer interfaces. With a lighter touch, we end with a humorous story about an airline system playfully named Skynet. Tune in for a rollercoaster of emotions and insights that promise to leave you both pensive and entertained.

🔗Connect with David
🌎 Website | 🎥 Youtube | 👨‍🏫Facebook | 📸 Instagram |🐤 Twitter | 🕰️TikTok

⭐️ Leave a Review

If you enjoy listening to the podcast, please do leave a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts and let us know in your review who you want to see next on the podcast. Thanks!

You can also Tweet me @ViergutzDavid and tell me what horror author you want to hear from next, or what topics you want me to cover. 🙏🙏