The Nightmare Engine Podcast

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Bestselling author JD Barker joins me on The Nightmare Engine Podcast, sharing his incredible journey from a ghostwriter and book doctor to a New York Times bestseller. I get an insider’s look at his creative collaborations, including a Dracula prequel and thrilling projects with James Patterson. JD’s insights into the business of writing, along with his strategic genre-blending techniques, give us a deep dive into the complexities of attracting diverse audiences while staying true to his horror roots. This episode is a goldmine for anyone curious about what it takes to build a successful writing career.

I take you on a journey through the realms of fan fiction and cosmic mysteries as we dive into the excitement of sequels and reboots, including the 1990 thriller Flatliners. We explore the scientific and existential themes surrounding med students flirting with death and draw fascinating parallels with films like The Lazarus Project. Our conversation spirals into a cosmic tangent, where black holes and our place in the universe set the stage for some existential musings. If you love the intersection of science, fiction, and the unknown, this discussion is for you.

Get ready to experience the spine-tingling allure of real-life horror and folklore monsters as I recount chilling moments from Costa Rica to the Stanley Hotel, the eerie inspiration behind Stephen King’s The Shining. The fusion of real and fictional terror sparks an exploration into haunted house experiences, folklore, and the psychology of fear. With personal anecdotes and compelling narratives, this episode reveals how true stories breathe life into imaginative storytelling, blurring the line between reality and the supernatural. Join me for a hauntingly engaging exploration of horror at its finest.

🔗Connect with David
🌎 Website | 🎥 Youtube | 👨‍🏫Facebook | 📸 Instagram |🐤 Twitter | 🕰️TikTok

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If you enjoy listening to the podcast, please do leave a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts and let us know in your review who you want to see next on the podcast. Thanks!

You can also Tweet me @ViergutzDavid and tell me what horror author you want to hear from next, or what topics you want me to cover. 🙏🙏

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Episode Description:

In this episode of "The Nightmare Engine" podcast, host David Viergutz is joined by special guest Andrew Van Wey. Together, they explore the chilling depths of horror writing, discuss Andrew's journey as an author, and dive into the challenges and rewards of self-publishing. This episode is packed with insights on creating suspenseful narratives, building a writing career, and navigating the ever-evolving horror landscape.

Show Notes:

[00:00:00] Introduction:
David Viergutz kicks off the episode by welcoming listeners and sharing updates on his latest projects, including his upcoming novel and a new horror-themed subscription service called "ScareMail."

[00:02:30] Guest Introduction:
David introduces Andrew Van Wey, an accomplished horror author known for his thrilling novels and unique approach to storytelling.

[00:04:30] Andrew's Writing Journey:
Andrew talks about how he got started in writing, the challenges he faced early on, and how he found his niche in the horror genre.

[00:08:00] The Art of Suspense:
The conversation delves into the techniques Andrew uses to build suspense and keep readers on the edge of their seats. They discuss the importance of pacing and atmosphere in horror.

[00:12:00] Self-Publishing vs. Traditional Publishing:
Andrew shares his experiences with self-publishing, including the advantages and disadvantages compared to traditional publishing routes. He offers advice to aspiring authors considering self-publishing.

[00:17:00] Building a Brand as an Author:
David and Andrew discuss the importance of building a personal brand and how it can impact an author's success. They talk about the role of social media and how to connect with readers.

[00:22:00] Challenges in Horror Writing:
The conversation shifts to the specific challenges of writing horror, including maintaining originality in a genre filled with tropes and clichés.

[00:27:00] Inspiration and Influences:
Andrew shares the authors and works that have inspired him, from classic horror literature to contemporary influences. They discuss how these inspirations shape his writing style.

[00:33:00] Writing Routine and Discipline:
Andrew talks about his daily writing routine, the discipline required to produce work consistently, and how he manages to stay motivated.

[00:38:00] Upcoming Projects:
Andrew gives listeners a sneak peek into his upcoming projects, including new novels and collaborations. David also shares more about what listeners can expect from future episodes of "The Nightmare Engine."

[00:45:00] Conclusion:
David wraps up the episode, thanking Andrew for joining and enco

🔗Connect with David
🌎 Website | 🎥 Youtube | 👨‍🏫Facebook | 📸 Instagram |🐤 Twitter | 🕰️TikTok

⭐️ Leave a Review

If you enjoy listening to the podcast, please do leave a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts and let us know in your review who you want to see next on the podcast. Thanks!

You can also Tweet me @ViergutzDavid and tell me what horror author you want to hear from next, or what topics you want me to cover. 🙏🙏

Host: David Viergutz is a disabled Army Veteran, Law Enforcement Veteran, husband and proud father. He is an author of stories from every flavor of horror.

Take the plunge into David’s imagination as he delivers chill-bringing adventures where the good guy doesn’t always win.

He can be reached at:
Website + Free Book!: https://davidviergutz.com/freebooks
FB: https://www.facebook.com/authordavidviergutz
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/David-Viergutz/e/B07WNDZGC1
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/19482794.David_Viergutz
Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/david-viergutz
Host: Jay Bower is a horror author living outside St. Louis, MO in the forest of Southern Illinois. He spends his time reading, writing, and convincing his wife the dark stories he writes do not involve her. He's the author of several dark novels and short stories.
FB: http://facebook.com/jaybowerauthor
Instagram: http://instagram.com/jaybowerauthor
Twitter: http://twitter.com/jaybowerauthor
TikTok: https://vm.tiktok.com/TTPdBG1aPh/
Email: [email protected]

How did you like the show? Text us and let us know.

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🎙️About the Episode
Step into the lurid world of Brian Asman, an extraordinary horror author who's not afraid to get personal. This week on the Nightmare Engine Podcast, Brian takes you on a whirlwind journey that encompasses everything from his love for his 2005 Chevy SSR Super Sport Roadster to his acting career, and the life-changing decision that led him to swap the familiarity of Virginia for the sunny shores of San Diego. Get a glimpse into the makings of his latest horror novel, where he masterfully weaves together elements of his affection for California, his acting experiences, and his knack for spine-chilling narratives.
If you've ever wondered about the art behind creating realistic, relatable characters in horror writing, you're in for a treat. Brian unpacks the emotional potency of fear, and how this universal human experience can be harnessed to create compelling narratives that resonate with readers. We delve into the nuances of character creation and dialogue crafting, using references from popular pop culture icons such as The Wire and Nightcrawler. Brian shares his unique approach to formulating characters, drawing from his personal encounters and existing character templates.
Finally, discover Brian's ambitious aspirations as he paints a vivid picture of his future in the creative industry. With over 800 glowing reviews for his book and a vision to sell film rights, Brian is no doubt on a promising trajectory. Hear about his plans for upcoming projects and the inexplicable joy he experiences when spotting someone engrossed in his book in public. As part of our bonus content, we explore Brian's current reading list and his admiration for the works of Thomas Legotti. And just when you think you've heard it all, we drop an exciting revelation about Brandon Sanderson's endorsement of David's Kickstarter campaign! So, buckle up for this riveting conversation where we dissect the intricacies of horror writing, screenwriting, and much much more!
🔗Connect with David
🌎 Website | 🎥 Youtube | 👨‍🏫Facebook | 📸 Instagram |🐤 Twitter | 🕰️TikTok

🔗Connect with Jay
🌎 Website |

🔗Connect with David
🌎 Website | 🎥 Youtube | 👨‍🏫Facebook | 📸 Instagram |🐤 Twitter | 🕰️TikTok

⭐️ Leave a Review

If you enjoy listening to the podcast, please do leave a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts and let us know in your review who you want to see next on the podcast. Thanks!

You can also Tweet me @ViergutzDavid and tell me what horror author you want to hear from next, or what topics you want me to cover. 🙏🙏

Host: David Viergutz is a disabled Army Veteran, Law Enforcement Veteran, husband and proud father. He is an author of stories from every flavor of horror.

Take the plunge into David’s imagination as he delivers chill-bringing adventures where the good guy doesn’t always win.

He can be reached at:
Website + Free Book!: https://davidviergutz.com/freebooks
FB: https://www.facebook.com/authordavidviergutz
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/David-Viergutz/e/B07WNDZGC1
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/19482794.David_Viergutz
Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/david-viergutz
Host: Jay Bower is a horror author living outside St. Louis, MO in the forest of Southern Illinois. He spends his time reading, writing, and convincing his wife the dark stories he writes do not involve her. He's the author of several dark novels and short stories.
FB: http://facebook.com/jaybowerauthor
Instagram: http://instagram.com/jaybowerauthor
Twitter: http://twitter.com/jaybowerauthor
TikTok: https://vm.tiktok.com/TTPdBG1aPh/
Email: [email protected]