The Nightmare Engine Podcast - Crafting Chills: Andrew Van Wey on Mastering Suspense and Navigating the Horror Genre

Crafting Chills: Andrew Van Wey on Mastering Suspense and Navigating the Horror Genre

08/23/24 • 56 min

The Nightmare Engine Podcast

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

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

⭐️ 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. 🙏🙏

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

Episode Description:

Show Notes:

[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.

[00:22:00] 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.

[00:33:00] 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.

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

⭐️ 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. 🙏🙏

Previous Episode

Horror, Humor, and Martial Arts: A Dive into Alan Baxter's Dark Worlds

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

Episode Description: In this episode of "The Nightmare Engine" podcast, host David Viergutz has an engaging conversation with special guest Alan Baxter. They discuss Alan's prolific career in horror writing, his experiences in martial arts, and the complexities of the horror genre. Alan shares his insights on writing short stories, the horror community, and personal fears. They also delve into Alan's unique perspective as an immigrant and his life in Australia.

Show Notes:

[00:00:00] Introduction: David Viergutz welcomes listeners and provides an update on his recent projects, including a new space horror called "The Drift" and a unique horror letter service called "Scareme."
[00:02:00] Guest Introduction: David introduces Alan Baxter, a prolific author from Australia with a long career in horror writing.
[00:04:00] Alan's Background: Alan talks about his journey into writing, starting in the late '90s, and his extensive body of work including 30 books and over 100 short stories.
[00:07:00] Short Stories in Horror: Discussion on the importance of short stories in the horror genre and Alan's approach to writing them.
[00:09:00] Martial Arts and Writing: Alan shares his background in martial arts and how it influences his writing and teaching.
[00:14:00] Family and Traditions: Alan talks about balancing his family life with his writing and martial arts, and the importance of tradition.
[00:20:00] Living in Australia: Alan discusses the unique challenges and beauties of living in Australia and how it influences his work.
[00:27:00] The Horror Community: David and Alan discuss the welcoming nature of the horror community and its inclusivity.
[00:32:00] Writing Honest Horror: Alan explains why he believes horror is a genre of honesty and how it addresses real-life injustices.
[00:38:00] Alan's Work: Discussion on Alan's notable works including "The Gulp," "The Fall," and his latest novel "Blood Covenant."
[00:42:00] Literary Influences: Alan shares his literary influences, including Clive Barker and Roald Dahl, and his views on short stories and novellas.
[00:45:00] Conclusion: Final thoughts and where to find Alan Baxter's work.

Where to Find Alan Baxter:

Website: Alan Baxter
Books: "The Gulp," "The Fall," "Blood Covenant," and more available on major platforms.

Thank you for listening to "The Nightmare Engine"! Stay tuned for more exciting episodes.

🔗 Connect with David
🌎 Website | 🎥 YouTube | 👨‍🏫 Facebook |

⭐️ 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. 🙏🙏

Next Episode

Exploring Folk Horror and Dark Rituals: An Interview with J.F. Penn

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

Special Guest: J.F. Penn is a British author renowned for her thrillers, dark fantasy, crime, and horror novels. She has achieved New York Times and USA Today bestseller status, with her works translated into multiple languages and sold in over 84 countries.

Penn's notable series include the ARKANE action-adventure thrillers, the Brooke & Daniel crime thrillers, and the Mapwalker fantasy trilogy. Her stories often weave together ancient artifacts, international locations, and elements of the supernatural.

Books by J.F. Penn
This latest episode of the Nightmare Engine podcast introduces the talented J.F. Penn, as she takes us through her latest novel, "Blood Vintage." Set in the enigmatic vineyards of Somerset, England, Penn draws inspiration from the local folklore and mysterious rural settings that breathe life into her work. Through a backdrop of pagan rituals and secretive communities, we explore her creative process, which mirrors the knack Stephen King has for uncovering horror in the mundane.
We then venture deeper into the murky world of folk horror, spotlighting ancient rituals and their intriguing survival in modern times. Our conversation touches upon the enigmatic Green Man and the folklore of the Wendigo, examining how these stories symbolize deeper moral struggles. From the haunting imagery of Morris dancing near Glastonbury to the transformative nature of the Wendigo legend, our discussion challenges listeners to reconsider the timeless conflict between good and evil.
Finally, we explore the nuances of crafting slow-burn horror and the potential of AI to revolutionize the genre. Penn shares insights into how personal experiences and family themes shape her storytelling, drawing parallels with popular films that resonate with audiences. We also ponder the intersection of history and technology in horror, reflecting on how ancient sites and modern innovations inspire narratives.

⭐️ 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. 🙏🙏