Citywide Blackout

Interview with a vampire (book writer)

Vampires, demons, and a trip to Hell—there’s a lot to discover in author Jonathan Fortin’s Lilitu series, and in this episode, he’s sharing all the details about his recent release, “Bloody Caleb.”

22-year-old Caleb Schwartzenfeld is a vagrant violinist struggling to make ends meet in the cutthroat squalor of Victorian England. But when his hunt for a patron causes him to be sacrificed by an insidious cult, Caleb awakens in Hell: a nightmarish underworld where he cannot die, no matter how brutally the demons there torture him. 

Determined to not let the agony drive him mad, Caleb makes up his mind: he will escape from Hell, reunite with the woman he loves, and get revenge on those responsible for his murder. But it isn’t long before he discovers that the only way he can return to the earth is by becoming a demon, joining the very creatures that torment dead mortals like him.

Jonathan talks about the inspiration for the story and the worldbuilding he did to create the world of Lilitu. We discuss the character of Caleb, how he changes in Hell and the choices he makes afterward. Jonathan also gives some tips about creating the world for a story and his own experience as a voice actor, which ties into the audio release for “Bloody Caleb.”

Citywide Bytes—Origins, new music and milestones with Bess Chew

In July 2024, singer-songwriter Bess Chew released her debut single, “Getaway,” and since then she’s been performing, releasing new music and making plans for her future in the industry. In this episode, we’re talking about what got her into music, her new single “You Are” and what she has in store in 2026.

Closing out this interview is her new single, “You Are,” and we’ll be talking about the inspiration for this song.

The chance encounter that led to "Ordinary Soil"

In Alex Woodard’s book, “Ordinary Soil,” readers are introduced to a young farmer, burdened by a mysterious family legacy and modern-day despair, who attempts to take his own life, and in doing so, sets off a chain of events that uncovers long-buried secrets.

Alex joins the show to talk about how he met Zach Bush, M.D., and how the unexpected conversation they would have would inspire the story of “Ordinary Soil.” We discuss the different perspectives in this book that are separated by decades and what each has to share. Alex also talks about the message he hopes to impart to readers.

There is an audiobook version of “Ordinary Soil,” voiced by the absolutely amazing team of Scott Brick and George Newbern. Alex shares how he met with Scott and George, the different voices that each brings to the table and how they brought the story to life. Alex also offers some advice for those looking to bring their own stories to the world. 

Citywide Bytes—Never trust a smiling clown

Let’s face it—clowns are downright terrifying and in John Ward’s new book, “Scareville 8: Food to Die For,” we’re introduced to Chunko the Clown and find out just why you never want to mess with them. Here’s why:

Traverse City, Michigan, seems like the perfect small town—until a cheerful jingle and a pudgy clown mascot turn everything upside down. When the new burger joint, Chunko Town, opens its doors, the town can’t wait to meet Chunko the Clown. But the friendly facade hides a sinister secret. 

Middle graders Kira and her friends quickly learn the hard way: whatever you do—don’t anger the clown! With each daring misstep, Chunko’s cheerful grin twists into something far more terrifying, and the kids find themselves trapped in a nightmarish game of wits and courage.

In this episode, John and I talk about clowns in horror, writing for a middle grade audience, and get a glimpse into his soon-to-be-released debut in adult horror.

Citywide Bytes—Whatever you do, stay out of the water

Picture this—It’s 1,000 years into the future, and Earth is a dying world. The ocean itself has become The Caul, a predator that lures in and devours anyone that goes near it. Humanity has fled the planet, and few people dare to return. 

Mae Jameson is an octogenarian former Service agent who arrived on Earth 30 years ago to find her lover. When she encounters Siofra, a mute girl, wandering alone by the shore and returns home, they discover the girl's father, rogue scientist Carl Magellan, hanging from a noose. Unwilling to leave the matter in the hands of the facility Carl abandoned years ago, Mae takes Carl’s journals—which detail his obsession with the Caul and its mysteries—and sets about investigating.

That’s the story of “Exo,” the debut sci-fi novel by Colin Brush, out on Nov. 18. In this episode, Colin talks about what the Caul is and what inspired its creation. He and I discuss protagonist Mae Jameson and the quest before her, and the role tat Siofra plays in the book. We go into his lengthy background in literature and how that helped, and look at the possibility of a second book.

Citywide Bytes—Seeing the sights on Exorcism Island

Hey everyone, let’s take a trip to Exorcism Island! It’s a tropical paradise with sunny skies, pristine beaches…..but with demons. Lotsa demons. But don’t take my word for it, here’s a look at the story:

Following a terrifying confrontation with a possessed woman, Father Gigi Amato finds himself sent to a remote Caribbean Island run by the Vatican to join a group of priests tasked with looking after the most troubled, long-term, demonic possession cases. The group of psychologically and emotionally bruised priests bicker and bond in their attempt to keep the madness of the island under control, but dark forces are working against them from all sides as evil digs its nails into their spiritually poisoned, isolated home.

This new series from Comixology launches Oct. 21 and series writer Jordan Thomas joins me to talk about the origin of the story and what it was like working with artist and longtime fiend Chris Matthews. Jordan goes into the characters and what has led to them calling Exorcism Island home and what we can expect over the next five issues.

A brother’s story and a sister’s journey

At 13 years old, Kristina Amelong's brother predicted his own death with unsettling accuracy. No one believed him – until it happened exactly as he said.

Haunted by this, Jay’s death sent Kristina into a spiral of addiction and recklessness. Decades later, determined to understand the meaning behind his prediction, she embarked on a journey that led to resilience, healing, and a deeper exploration of the mysteries that shape our lives. This led to her writing the memoir, “What My Brother Knew.”

In this episode, Kristina talks about Jay, and the prediction he made to his family. She talks about the journey she took after her brother’s death and who she is today. We look at her decision to write this book and how her family responded to it. Kristina shares the message in “What My Brother Knew” that she hopes to impart to readers.

Citywide Bytes—The dark secrets of “Coach’s Corner”

Author J. Lee returns with his newest book, and this one has an ending you’ll never see coming. The murder mystery “Coach’s Corner” will be released out on Oct. 14. Here’s a look at the story:

In a small rural town of 1,500 people, life is usually quiet — until the summer of 1997, when Charlie’s best friend, Barry Ray, is arrested for murder. Convinced of Barry Ray’s innocence, Charlie sets out to uncover the truth, navigating his dangerous investigation without the help of modern technology. 

What begins as a simple search for justice quickly unravels his understanding of right and wrong, revealing that truth is rarely black and white — and exposing it could cost lives.

In this episode, J. Lee will talk about the unique nature of this mystery, how the setting influences the story, and solving a mystery through the eyes of youth.

Todd Brown wanders a house with a dark history

In his debut book, author Todd Brown weaves a dark tale in the Southern Gothic “When Shadows Burn.” Here’s a look at the story:

In the heart of Raven’s Cross, Virginia, the decaying Scott house looms. Its broken-window eyes watch a town desperate to forget. When Roxy, a teenage girl, vanishes into a sweltering night, long-buried fears erupt, and suspicion turns savage. The townspeople turn on the newcomers, blaming them for what they refuse to face in themselves. As polite smiles crack and old grudges resurface, Raven’s Cross’s genteel mask begins to slip, revealing the rot beneath. 

Timothy Michaels came to town chasing a story. A true crime podcaster investigating the haunted legacy of the Scott house, he never expected to be pulled into something so immediate—and so dangerous. Alongside unexpected allies, Tim begins to unearth a legacy of complicity and cruelty—one the town would kill to keep buried. Because, in Raven’s Cross, the shadows don’t just linger. They burn.

Todd’s book brings with it authentic queer representation and he talks about what this means to him, as well as how he goes about doing it. We look into the writing process, a sequel in the works, and the story behind the cover and title.

Todd talks with us about the story’s origin and the worldbuilding he did to craft the Scott house and town of Raven’s Cross. He talks about the house’s history and how the town itself has changed as a result. We’re introduced to Timothy Michaels and his choice to learn the history of the Scott house, as well his own past in Raven’s Cross.

This interview includes an excerpt from the audiobook, coming out later this year and voiced by award-winning VA Emily Woo Zeller.

“Outer Lands” gives us a historical tale with a modern twist

In the recent Comixology release “Outer Lands,” a young prince living in a seemingly Ancient Grecian world is exiled to a prison isle to keep him from assuming the throne, he unintentionally discovers a massive global conspiracy. It’s a great story with a twist that will really surprise you.

Series writer Matthew Arnold joins us to talk about how the series lived for awhile in his mind, writing so much that when the time came to bring it to life, much of it was ready to go. We discuss the team behind this, including artist Davide Gianfelice, who is best known for his work on “Northlanders,” and a cover by artist Jock, whose comics work includes “Batman” and “Wytches.”

Matthew dives into the in-depth worldbuilding and research that he did for “Outer Lands” and the modern-day themes that were blended into the story. We talk about characters, specifically Prince Heron, the series protagonist who may or may not be the hero of the story. Matthew also gives advice on getting that creative ball rolling and how to find a team to work with.