She Wore Black

Today I welcome back Nat Cassidy to talk about Horror Comics, a topic near and dear to my heart, but it’s also one that may surprise you. Horror Comics have as much range as the Horror genre in regular fiction books, so I hope you all enjoy our chat and are inspired to walk into your local comic books shop to explore what’s out there. I will also have the titles from our chat that are still in print, as well as other favorites, in my Bookshop if you want to support my show as well as independent bookstores nationwide. All links and show notes available at https://www.sheworeblackpodcast.com/

Today I have the honor of chatting with the iconic Vincent Virga. His book, GAYWYCK was the first book published that featured gay characters to fall in love and have a happy ending. Until this point, gay characters were either villains or met tragic endings. I contacted him as part of my research for my own book about vintage Gothic Romances, and I’m delighted that his work is still in print. All links and show notes at https://www.sheworeblackpodcast.com/

Today I welcome back Heather Fawcett to chat about her new book AGNES AUBERT’S MYSTICAL CAT SHELTER. It’s a cozy fantasy that takes place in an alternate magical version of 1920s Montreal, and I love the juxtaposition of cats, messy magicians, and a woman who will do anything to save all the stray cats of Montreal. Heather and I also chat about the importance of community in Cozy Fantasy, and she tackles some of my craft questions about writing. We had fun, and it’s a delightful book. All links and show notes at https://www.sheworeblackpodcast.com/

Today I welcome back a good friend and wonderfully terrifying writer, Johnny Compton to chat about his new book DEAD FIRST. It’s his first venture into genre blending his usual love of horror with mystery and noir. We get into his influences for the book as well as discuss how he gives his stories the flavor and atmosphere that immerse the reader in his stories. We also chat about his new story collection from Weird Tales called MIDNIGHT SOMEWHERE. My blurb on this book describes it as a more terrifying Twilight Zone, and I stand by that.  All links and show notes at https://www.sheworeblackpodcast.com/

I want to start off by saying that I appreciate your patience waiting for me and my family to get better before editing and posting this episode. It’s difficult when the whole family is sick at once, especially during an ice storm, and I apologize for the delay. I also want to note that I have been asking my guests what bookstores they want to shout out, and while I didn’t ask Jayne while recording, she said that the Poisoned Pen in Scottsdale, Arizona is a wonderful bookstore that she highly recommends. I’ll link to it in shownotes. Now for introductions…Today I welcome back one of my favorite people, Jayne Ann Krentz. She is an incredibly kind and generous person who is also a much beloved Romantic Suspense writer that you may also know as either Jayne Castle or Amanda Quick. She came on the show to chat with me about her favorite Gothic tropes, and she gives some fun book recommendations that use these tropes too, which I have in my Bookshop. All links and show notes at https://www.sheworeblackpodcast.com/

Today I welcome back one of my favorite Gothic writers, Simone St. James. Her new book, A BOX FULL OF DARKNESS is out this month, perfect for fans of THE SUN DOWN MOTEL. We are careful not to reveal spoilers, but we enjoy revisiting her haunting fictional town of Fell, New York, and we chat about her inspirations that range from The X-Files to Stephen King novels read way too young. Simone is also my guest this month for my Patreon Book Club, so feel free to join us for a chance to ask her your questions directly. All links and show notes available at https://www.sheworeblackpodcast.com/

Today I welcome one of my favorite romance writers, Diana Biller. She is also one of my favorite people, and I wanted someone really positive and smart that can always make me laugh to join me for my first episode of the new year. I’d seen the sudden and unexpected resurrection of Historical Romance towards the end of 2025, after being told all year that this genre was dead, so I wanted to set the tone for 2026 with a vibe that defies the odds and embraces joy. I hope you like the episode, and I wish you the very best New Year! Thank you for being here. All links and shownotes at https://www.sheworeblackpodcast.com/

Today I welcome Bookstagrammer, Nina - The Wandering Reader, to the show to discuss books set during Winter. Nina has a lovely aesthetic and flawless taste in books, and is a librarian that specializes in reader’s advisory. I have read and loved books I’d never heard of this year based on her recommendations, so I thought she’d be a perfect guest for this episode. All links and show notes available on my website at https://www.sheworeblackpodcast.com/

Today I welcome the legendary Anne Bishop to the show to discuss her new book, TURNS OF FATE, the first book in her new series, The Isle of Wyrd.  We chat about the genre blending she’s done for years across fantasy, horror and romance, as well as her longevity in an ever-changing publishing marketplace. We also talk about shifting in paranormal fiction since she always finds a new way to include shifters in her work. What an honor to have her on the show!All links and show notes are on my website at https://www.sheworeblackpodcast.com/

Today I have the great pleasure of bringing you my favorite show to make every year, which is the look back on our Favorite Books of 2025. Joining me in the fun is delightful horror author, Brian McAuley, author of BREATH IN, BLEED OUT, and Sarah Wendell, podcaster extraordinaire behind Smart Bitches, Trashy Books. Both are fan favorites and some of the nicest people you will ever meet, and they have great taste in books. All links and show notes available on my website at https://www.sheworeblackpodcast.com/