From Stephen King to Indie Horror: A Conversation with Dan Franklin

The Nightmare Engine Podcast

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Episode Description: In this episode of "The Nightmare Engine" podcast, host David Viergutz returns with a update and a captivating conversation with special guest Dan Franklin. They delve into the intricacies of the horror genre, discussing the tight-knit horror community, the rise of indie horror, and their personal experiences and fears. Dan shares insights from his work in the publishing industry, including his connections with Stephen King and the emotional depth of his own horror writing.

Show Notes:

• [00:00:00] Introduction: David Viergutz welcomes listeners back to the podcast and provides an update on his recent activities, including his prolific book releases and his personal reader group, "The Nightmare Writers."
• [00:02:00] Special Guest Introduction: David introduces Dan Franklin, a magazine editor with connections to Stephen King.
• [00:04:00] The Horror Community: Discussion on the close-knit nature of the horror community and the genre's unique appeal.
• [00:07:00] Horror vs. Dark Fantasy: Differentiating between horror and dark fantasy, focusing on the human element of survival.
• [00:09:00] Dan's Book "These Things Linger": Dan describes the themes and threats in his novel, focusing on generational trauma and supernatural elements.
• [00:14:00] Scares That Care Charity Event: Highlighting a horror charity event that supports burn victims and cancer survivors.
• [00:20:00] Indie vs. Traditional Publishing: Dan and David discuss the differences between indie and traditional publishing, and the benefits of the indie mindset.
• [00:27:00] The Fear of the Unknown: Exploring the psychological and cosmic elements of horror, including mental health and existential fears.
• [00:32:00] Real-Life Horror Experiences: David and Dan share personal experiences that felt like real-life horror movies.
• [00:38:00] The Wonder of Horror: Reflecting on the sense of wonder and fear that horror evokes, and its therapeutic value.
• [00:42:00] Literary Influences: Discussing early influences in horror literature, including Michael Crichton’s "Jurassic Park" and "Sphere."
• [00:45:00] Conclusion: Final thoughts and where to find Dan Franklin's work.

Where to Find Dan Franklin:

• Facebook: Dan Franklin Author
• Books: "These Things Linger" and "The Eater of Gods" available on major platforms.
• Cemetery Dance Publications: Dan works in book design and editing.

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

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