Gretchen Felker-Martin on Horror, Publishing, and Finding Power in the Grotesque
From Manhunt to Cuckoo, we explore the power of horror literature to challenge readers — and why the best fiction often comes from the margins.
What does it mean to write horror in a time of political terror? In this week’s episode of Sick Sad Lit, I sit down with bestselling horror author and film critic Gretchen Felker-Martin to talk about creating stories that are fearless, filthy, and fiercely alive.
We go deep on the art of character building, taboo, and body horror. We talk monsters, Manhunt, and her upcoming novella Black Flame—a queer horror tale of lost film, forbidden desire, and creeping dread.
We also talk about what it means to be right too early, the problem with "problematic," and how representation—fat bodies, trans lives, queerness in all its mess—isn’t a trend, it’s the future.
Whether you're a horror junkie or just like your fiction dark, you’re going to want to listen to this one.
🎧 Available now wherever you get your podcasts.
🖤 Support indie horror: preorder Black Flame at your local bookstore.