Rowland Bercy Jr. is an award-winning author, best known for Unbortion, which earned the 2020 American Fiction Award and was a finalist in the 2019 International Fiction Awards. His other works include Payback is a Witch and Pre-Thanksgiving Stress Disorder (The Distended Table Anthology), along with notable short stories like Homegrown Comeuppance and The Devil Baby of Bourbon Street.

In this interview, Bercy discusses his latest novel, Dr. Parasite, with Vincent Midgard. They explore the book’s themes of obsession, host-parasite dynamics, graphic violence, LGBTQ+ representation, and bug-chasing fetishes. Bercy also shares insights into his writing process, influences like Rath James White and Edward Lee, his love for travel, and his goal of seeing one of his books adapted into a movie. He reflects on his experiences at author conventions and the strong support from his family and fans.

Website: https://rowlandbercyjr.com

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

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B0B3SQSGLH

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/p/Rowland-Bercy-Jr-100066446058126/?_rdr

#rolandbercyjr #drparasite #unbortion #splatterpunk #horror #indiehorror

Cassandra O’Sullivan Sachar is a Pennsylvania-based writer specializing in horror and suspense. She holds a Doctorate in Education with a focus on Literacy from the University of Delaware, alongside an MFA in Creative Writing from Wilkes University. In addition to her work as an associate professor of English, her creative writing has appeared in over forty literary publications, including journals, magazines, and anthologies.

On this episode, Cassandra joins Vince to discuss her latest short story collection, Keeper of Corpses. The collection is divided into four sections based on the seasons, with each story exploring different themes and emotions tied to the changing times of year. During the conversation, she reveals the influence of Greek mythology on both her name and a character in one of the stories, as well as her use of body horror throughout the collection. The discussion also touches on her creative process and how real-life experiences have inspired several of her works.

Cassandra shares her journey as a horror writer, discussing how she revisited and updated the haunted doll trope in her story “A Gift for Avery.” She also mentions her novel Darkness There Is Something More and her upcoming horror novella. In addition to her writing, Cassandra reflects on her experience as a tenured professor, emphasizing the importance of teaching, helping students see their progress, and applying their skills in the real world. She addresses the mental health challenges faced in academia and recounts her experiences with extreme events, such as participating in zombie 5Ks and enduring blizzards, alongside her methods for handling problem students.

Overall, the conversation covers a wide range of topics, including the inspirations behind Cassandra’s horror stories and the rewards and challenges of being both a writer and an educator.

Website: https://cassandraosullivansachar.com

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Cassandra-OSullivan-Sachar/author/B0BNJNZZ3Y?ref=ap_rdr&isDramIntegrated=true&shoppingPortalEnabled=true

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

#cassandraosullivansachar #keeperofcorpses #darknesstherebutsomethingmore

Catlyn Ladd is a tenured professor whose academic background in philosophy and theology informs her complex writing.

She joins Vince on the show to discuss her new novel, "As Those Above Fall."

They discuss the inspiration behind the book, the characters and their names, and the themes of grief and transformation.

They also explore the power of the mind, the nature of knowledge, and the intersection of religion and violence.

Catlyn shares how her academic background influences her writing, as well as her interests outside of writing and teaching.

She also mentions her upcoming book release and invites readers to check out her website for free short fiction.

Website: https://www.catlynladd.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CatlynLadd/

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Books-Catlyn-Ladd/s?rh=n%3A283155%2Cp_27%3ACatlyn+Ladd

Substack: https://catlynladd.substack.com/about

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

#catlynladd #asthoseabovefall #indiehorror #vampirefiction