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...
Send us a text 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 perfection or performance. It’s about honesty. It’s about the sacr...
Send us a text 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 just scary—but also deeply honest. Jack’s stories mix undead mayhem with bi...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
Send us a text 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 looking to appreciate existence's messy beauty, this episode is for you!...
Send us a text 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 starting, this episode is your ideal launchpad to create something extraordinary. Be s...
Friend, I'm not trying to be like the "The Art of" book series by Graywolf (an amazing collection of easy-to-read writer guidances though) with the title of these episodes, but there is art in what we do as writers.Why is it so hard to just finish something? So many writers have struggled for months or even years with finishing one project. I personally struggle with this. Is it because I am afraid I am not good enough? Yes, but it is so much more than that.In this episode, Ms. Lauren Jackson, a Christian Relationship Coach and People Strategist, guides us through why we may be fearful of completing our work, our relationships, and everything. We start off talking about creating, then dive into relationships even deeper. If you have ever wondered why there are so many aspects of "finishing" this episode is for you.Lauren Jackson can be followed on the following social media sites:Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/coachlaurenj/ Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/lauren.g.jacksonYoutube at https://www.youtube.com/@coachlaurenj.8473. The best way to stay in contact with her is through her website, www.laurenjackson.com. She also has a new Marriage Business Plan, which can be downloaded FOR FREE at relationship.coachlaurenj.com.Some other links to find out more about what she has going on can be found in the bio section of her Instagram page, linked above.How do you feel when you finish a project, whether it be from completion or you pressing pause for a while? Email us at writingandkillingunicorns@gmail.com and let us know.Remember: if you have a pen in your hand, no matter what, you're write.
AUDIO ALERT - I am not yet a professional with AudioDirector, so this clip sounds like a "telephone". However, nothing is taken away from the amazing knowledge dropped by the guest speaker! If you want to drop some "how-to" knowledge my way, I will gladly accept it! Write on!Hey all!!!We all know that everyone has an untold story inside of them, but we also know that not everyone knows how to tell a story that will move the audience. In this episode, I interview Mandisa, or Disa, about the art of storytelling. She is a singer/songwriter and author. We discuss the differences between telling stories through novels, songs, and poems.Here is a list of the questions we cover:1. Do you find it difficult to embrace conflict?2. What makes a story amazing?3. What is the purpose of a good story?4. How do you battle predictability?5. How are songs and stories similar?6. How are songs and stories different?7. Does music play a role in how you tell a story?8. What is the narrative arc in a song?9. What is the importance of storytelling in your life?10. What are the benefits of storytelling and songwriting?Email and let me know what you feel is the best way to tell a story at writingandkillingunicorns@gmail.com.Remember: if you have a pen in your hand, no matter what, you're write.
If you've already looked next to the Fountain of Youth and realized the Fountain of Creativity is not the, don't feel bad. Join Karen and she gives you nine amazing ways to increase and exercise your creative muscle.We'd love to hear ways you've found to be creative. Email us at writingandkillingunicorns@gmail.com today.Remember: if you have a pen in your hand, no matter what, you're write.
In this episode, Karen discusses the main excuses she's heard (and she's given) about why she can't write. Listen in as she gives you the advice you need to break through the wall of excuses, built by you or for you, to reach your full potential as a writer.Have some excuses you'd like to add to this list? Email writingandkillingunicorns@gmail.com and let us know!Remember: if you have a pen in your hand, no matter what, you're write.
Have you ever considered becoming a writer only to discover you have no idea what it means? Does the thought of calling yourself a writer send shivers down your spine?Listen in as your host, Karen, interviews published author Celia Davis-Mai on how exactly one becomes a writer.Here's a secret hint: you need only do one very important thing...If you would like to contact Celia Davis-Mai or find out more about what she is working on, her information is below.Twitter: https://twitter.com/celiamai2Instagram: https://instagram.com/gla55_dragonWebsite: celiamai.comBlog: Booksvsanime.blogspot.comIf you would like to reach out, we would love to hear from you! Email us at writingandkillingunicorns@gmail.com.Remember: if you have a pen in your hand, no matter what, you're write.
In this short and sweet episode, Karen shares 10 key pieces of advice for all creatives!She's used these guidelines to not only continue to motivate herself in her writing journey but to also silence the negativity of people who don't see the importance of writing in today's climate.Reach out by emailing writingandkillingunicorns@gmail.com.Remember: if you have a pen in your hand, no matter what, you're write.
Writing is the only way to live more than once.Welcome! Join Karen Nelson as she delves into the who, what, when, where, and why of this podcast's creation. Each episode will contain raw and unapologetic information to help you grow in your creative craft.Reach out by emailing us at writingandkillingunicorns@gmail.com.Episode music: "Closer" by Jasmine JordanRemember: if you have a pen in your hand, no matter what, you're write.
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 ...
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...