Guest Grady Hendrix! (My Best Friend's Exorcism - How to Sell a Haunted House)
Aug 18, 2024
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Grady Hendrix, a New York Times bestselling horror writer known for his captivating storytelling, discusses his career trajectory and the strong female characters that populate his narratives. He delves into the significance of grief in his writing, shedding light on emotional depth in horror. Listeners get tantalizing hints about his upcoming novel, 'Witchcraft for Wayward Girls,' exploring the complexities of character development and the unique blend of humor within his chilling tales.
Grady Hendrix shares his unique method of enhancing female character development by initially flipping character genders for fresh perspectives.
The podcast emphasizes the importance of perseverance in writing, encouraging artists to make incremental daily progress despite life's challenges.
Hendrix discusses the intricate relationship between humor and horror, suggesting that effective storytelling utilizes both to engage and entertain audiences.
Deep dives
The Thrill of Cashback Shopping
Shopping can be an exhilarating experience, especially when it's combined with the excitement of finding great deals. Cashback services, like Rakuten, enhance this thrill by offering shoppers the opportunity to earn money back from their purchases. Shoppers can enjoy savings from a variety of popular retailers such as Nike and Bloomingdale's, and even while booking travel on platforms like Expedia. By stacking cashback with ongoing sales, consumers maximize their savings, transforming shopping into a rewarding endeavor.
Creative Living and Work-Life Balance
Balancing personal and professional life can be a challenge, especially for artists and writers. The Life Writing Podcast emphasizes the importance of managing stress while pursuing creative projects, encouraging individuals to take small daily steps towards their goals. The hosts highlight that even writing just a single sentence a day can contribute to progress over time. This approach invites listeners to embrace the concept of 'life writing,' where the tools of writing are applied to life and vice versa.
Insights from the World of Writing
The podcast features a conversation with Grady Hendrix, an accomplished novelist and screenwriter, who shares his experiences in the literary and film industries. Hendrix discusses the writing process and reveals the challenges he faces, including waiting for feedback on upcoming works. He emphasizes the significance of nurturing creativity and maintaining productivity in the face of life's demands, which often come with deadlines and expectations. His journey serves as a reminder that every writer faces hurdles, but perseverance and dedication to the craft are key.
Exploring Gender Dynamics in Writing
Hendrix shares his unique approach to developing female characters, explaining how he initially shifted characters' genders to create more diverse perspectives. He reflects on the authenticity of female friendships in his narratives and describes how these relationships differ from male friendships. By flipping the gender of protagonists, he allows for a richer exploration of their experiences and challenges, something that resonates profoundly with readers. This discussion on gender dynamics highlights the importance of representation and depth in character development.
The Interplay of Humor and Horror
The podcast explores the connection between humor and horror, highlighting how both genres can be intricately linked. Hendrix discusses the effective use of humor to release built-up tension, allowing for a breath of fresh air amidst frightful scenarios. He notes that successful narratives in both genres often require an understanding of pacing and the reader's emotional journey. By weaving humor into horror, authors can create a cohesive experience that keeps audiences engaged and entertained.
In this episode, Steve and Tananarive talk to New York Times bestselling horror writer Grady Hendrix (My Best Friend's Exorcism, How to Sell a Haunted House) about how he started his career, why and how he writes so many women characters, and the role of grief in his storytelling. Also, hints about his upcoming new novel, Witchcraft for Wayward Girls.
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