In the premiere episode of Writing is Strange, Sam & Chels discuss creativity in the 2020s, wax sentimental about falling victim to childhood internet scams and the understated importance of not being discouraged by the otherwise well-intended Stephen King. Originally recorded September 2021.

Introductions

In Episode 3 of Writing is Strange, Sam & Chels discuss returning to the creative space after enduring trauma and loss. Originally recorded April 2022.

Creative Silence

In Episode 4 of Writing is Strange, Sam & Chels explore the upsides and downsides of ghostwriters. Plus, a reading of our first original short story, "The Last Winter" by Sam Sawnick.

Sources referenced:
A Day in the Life of a Japanese Hikikomori (Shut In): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pu9Ty9fxTHE&t=13s

The Lost Goosebumps Books: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nTXG1qDbOtA

The Last Winter

In Episode 5, Sam & Chels dish about their sold-out storytelling event. Sam discusses her longstanding love of The Turn of the Screw and is in no way jealous that Henry James wrote such a perfect gothic story; also, the importance of intentional vagueness in horror writing and the art of the unseen.  Pt II will be released on January 13.

Ghost Stories At The Party, Pt I

In Episode 6, Sam & Chels dig into Frankenstein, writing parties that get slightly out of hand, and the horrors of our own creation. Spoilers start at 42 minutes. 

Sources:
Leiker, J. 2018, October 11. "Great Books: Frankenstein, by Mary Shelley." [Lecture recording]
Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Za5K_Q7Arc8

Marriot, Laura. “1816, The Year Without A Summer | The Eruption Of Mount Tambora.” Link: https://headstuff.org/culture/history/mount-tambora-1816-eruption/


McNeilly, K. 2013, January 12. "Monster in the Mirror; Mary Shelley: Frankenstein." [Lecture recording]
Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iackZol1Bm4&t=3599s 

Mellor, A. 2009, April 22. “Mothering Monsters: Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein.” [Lecture recording] Department of English, Arizona State University.
Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rd-eKRRQzcQ

Ask A Mortician. "ORIGINAL DEATHLING- Mary Shelley." 
Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B1QDCDacozg

Reading the Past. "Mary Shelley and the Creation of Frankenstein."
Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Or4vB26ZwA4

Shelley, Mary Wollstonecraft, 1797-1851. Frankenstein, or, The Modern Prometheus : the 1818 Text. Oxford ; New York :Oxford University Press, 1998.
 
Wikipedia.org

Ghost Stories At The Party, Pt II

In Episode 7, Sam & Chels celebrate horror author Linda Addison and her Bram Stoker award-winning collection, "How to Recognize A Demon Has Become Your Friend."
Sources: https://lindaaddisonwriter.com/

Friends with Demons: Exploring The Work Of Linda Addison

In Episode 8 of Writing is Strange, Sam & Chels take their best stab at performing live and uncut (less cut and not actually live.) Plus, a reading of our second original short story, "Prey" by Chelsey R. Knapp.

Prey

In Episode 9, Sam & Chels reflect over the long road that has led them to writing their first novelette together. Also, connections to the Titanic, fears of going off the creative rails, and collective burn-out.

Riddled with Worry

In Episode 10, Sam & Chels cover the strains of creative pressure and 20 writing rules from the master himself - Stephen King.

Sources:
Stephen King's 20 Rules for Writers: https://www.openculture.com/2023/01/stephen-kings-20-rules-for-writers.html

What's the Catch, Stephen King?

In Episode 11 of Writing is Strange, Sam & Chels discuss the ways in which A.I. could strip away the joys of creativity. Also, musings on how artists from the past would respond to automated art and social media.

The Buttons Episode

In Episode 12, the penultimate episode, Sam & Chels reflect upon the silenced, unwritten experiences of centuries past and stories untold.

Story Caravan

In the 13th episode of Writing is Strange, Sam & Chels celebrate their Season One Finale! They take a trip down memory lane to revisit their very first collaboration, a short period piece film called Lemon Eyes.

Link to Lemon Eyes (2017): 
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jsYGhPJkfTM

Juleps & Teas & Finales, Oh My!

We explore the joys and perils of creativity, often lamenting about our favorite writers. Monthly episodes released on the 13th.

Writing is Strange: A Creativity Podcast

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