Writing and Killing Unicorns
What does it mean to be a writer? Am I bragging if I tell people I am a writer? Am I a failure or scared if I don't? Writing and Killing Unicorns is a raw and unapologetic look into what it means to be a writer and how a crumbling world could affect the craft and the writer, hosted by me, Karen. Hollywood would have us believe books can be written in five minutes-that inspiration is this magical creature. It's time for those lies to die. Writing is hard, and scary, and fun, and healing. I will discuss the joys and fears of being a creative with the written word in a world that is literally crumbling at the seams. Through self-understanding, research and the help of people in the business, let's learn together. And remember: if you have a pen in your hand, no matter what, you're write.
Episodes
15 episodes
We Write in the Dark: Horror, Hauntings, and the Self with Channel Harry
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 th...
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Season 2
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Episode 2
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53:02
Wait, Am I Writing a Self-Help Book?
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....
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Season 2
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Episode 1
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19:15
Between Life and Labels: Writing Humanity in Horror - Jack Callaghan
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—...
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Season 1
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Episode 13
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56:29
Bloodlines and Broken Minds: Horror as a Path to Healing - Nadira Jamerson
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 open...
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Season 1
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Episode 12
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1:01:35
The Myth of the Happy Ending: What Happens After You Get an Agent? - Ally Russell
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 submiss...
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Season 1
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Episode 11
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1:04:14
Monsters, Magic, and Margins: Weaving Identity into Fantasy and Horror - Azalea Crowley
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 horro...
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Season 1
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Episode 10
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1:00:35
Imposter Syndrome, Self-Motivation, and the Why of Writing - Nailah King
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 unpack...
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Season 1
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Episode 9
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1:10:18
The 10 Don'ts of Being a Successful Writer
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 lov...
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Season 1
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Episode 8
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29:43
Am I Stuck With This Genre?
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 t...
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10:54
Whole New World: Into The Unknown with LaDarrion Williams
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 bestsel...
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Season 1
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Episode 6
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1:59:26
The Muse Has Terrible Timing: Why Creativity Strikes at the Worst Moments
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...
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18:22
The Darling Dilemma: Jo Salazar’s Guide to Tough Cuts
Editing—every writer’s necessary evil. In this episode of Writing and Killing Unicorns, I sit down with author Jo Salazar to discuss one of the most painful and crucial parts of the writing process: killing your darlings
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36:43
10 Reasons Writers Don't Write - And How to Overcome Them
Ever found yourself staring at a blank page, knowing you should be writing but… just not doing it? You’re not alone. In this episode of Writing and Killing Unicorns, we dive into the 10 biggest reasons writers don’t write
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31:56
Wabi-Sabi Wisdom: How Imperfection Inspires Creativity
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 s...
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Season 1
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Episode 2
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17:28
The Unicorns We Chase: Let's Start the Journey
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 ...
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Season 1
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Episode 1
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8:46