Women in Horror Interview Series: Claire L. Smith

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Claire L. Smith is a gothic author who delves into the haunting depths of love and life’s darker moments.

Can you talk about your latest book and what readers might find appealing about it?

My most recent release is the rerelease of my YA horror novella, WHEN WE ENTERED THAT HOUSE. Lovers of haunted house stories, gothic horror and queer coming-of-age narratives will be all over this.

Here’s the back cover copy for those who are interested: Best friends Zoe and Elle share a secret. Every day after school, they sneak into the ominous woods surrounding their small town. The isolation of the remote wilderness shelters them from the chaos at home, but it also brings dangers of its own.

Something wicked watches the girls from a rotting Victorian mansion. Zoe and Elle will soon discover the mansion’s decaying walls hide centuries-old secrets and a family whose bloodline is stained with violence and insanity.

In order to escape, the girls’ friendship and inner strength will be tested. The house’s clutches are strong, and both friends will be caught in a struggle they may not be able to win.

What’s a book you can’t stop recommending?

I really loved Victorian Psycho by Virginia Feito. I’m such a sucker for the horrors of the Victorian Era and I loved how much of it was crammed into this little book. The narrative was also morbidly funny in the best possible way. It made the horrid things that the FMC does more enjoyable to read as she is the definition of chaotic. I struggle to recommend it though because it may understandably be a bit too much for a lot of people but I love it all the same.

Can you explain your writing process? What inspires you?

I’m a big planner. I like to have at least 50% of an outline done before I properly start writing. I normally intentionally leave the ending unplanned just because I usually come up with the best idea for the ending after I’ve spent a good amount of time with the story itself. Visuals are very inspiring to me, which is why I’m obsessed with making boards for my WIPs on Pinterest. It’s a great way to come up with ideas by looking at a cool photograph or peice of art and making up a story from what I see. 

Is there a snack or drink that gets you into a writing mindset?

I love herbal teas, matcha or chai lattes. Or when I’m feeling chaotic, a Monster Energy drink (Aussie Lemonade Flavor).

Are there any horror tropes you especially love in books or films?

I really love when the setting/scenery becomes a character or at the very least important to the plot. I love settings that feel alive in their own way, like they could work with or against the MC.

Who’s your favorite final girl?

I loved Joey (Melissa Barrera) in Abigail (2024). I don’t think she’s talked about enough as her character is very complex, flawed but also likable. I love characters in horror movies who go in being flawed and/or afraid of something other than the monster chasing them but by the end, they survive and get a new lease on life (even if they got it the hard way haha).

Are you currently working on anything new?

I’m currently working on an Australian Gothic novel based in the Blue Mountains (NSW). It’s taking a bit longer to outline than expected so I’m also working on a fantasy / horror book loosely inspired by Slavic folklore that I’m hoping to make into a trilogy.

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Women in Horror Interview Series: Holly Knightley

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Holly Knightley is a compelling horror writer, known for crafting dark, gripping tales that always deliver unexpected, sinister twists.

Can you talk about your latest book and what readers might find appealing about it?

My short story, Piggy, just came out on Feb 15th! It was an average day when Alley Faye found a five-dollar bill on the ground with a message: Here piggy, piggy, piggy. Greed is a sin, and you just let me in. This quick 38-page read will keep readers on their toes until the last page. This story has true crime vibes with a stalker who has a thing for the story of ‘The Three Little Pigs.’

What’s a book you can’t stop recommending?

We are talking women in horror, and I would be remiss not to say ‘Frankenstein’ by Mary Shelley. It is one of my favorite books, if not my favorite. Shelley explores themes of morality while giving her readers one amazing monster story where who is the ‘real’ monster is always in question. There is a reason this story still haunts readers today, it is simply brilliant.

Can you explain your writing process? What inspires you?

Most of my stories are inspired by my real-life experiences or moments that have made me pause. You know, that feeling that you get when something unsettles you? I explore why things make me feel the way I do, often using the supernatural to tell the story. My process usually goes the same. Something makes me pause to think and my brain whispers the story to me. If I have the time, I will outline the entire story the moment it pops into my head. If not, I will at least get down the vibe and characters and come back to it later.

Is there a snack or drink that gets you into a writing mindset?

Coke Zero. I am totally addicted to it and can’t start my day without it. I have a can in the morning, sometimes two—that’s when I know it’s going to be a good writing day.

Are there any horror tropes you especially love in books or films?

I love the haunted house trope. Nothing scares me more than a haunted house. When I was a child, I always thought: Just leave. As an adult, I realize you can’t just leave, which has made this trope and genre scarier for me. Throw in an unreliable narrator and buried secrets, and I’m hooked.

Who’s your favorite final girl?

This is a hard question, there are so many great final girls, but I am going with Ellen Ripley, Sigourney Weaver’s character from ‘Alien’. She’s badass and hot as Hell.

Are you currently working on anything new?

Yes, I have a new haunted house mystery thriller coming out July 16th entitled Cadbury House. This is such a fun mashup between the haunted house trope and haunted object trope. The story is pure chaos, in the very best way, and I can’t wait for it to be read!

You can keep up with her writing at: https://hollyknightley.com/

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Behind the Scenes: This Fever Called Living

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Juliette’s isolation is drawn from my own sense of disconnect as a teenager living in Sicily. Early readers of This Fever Called Living have noted how jarring it feels to encounter modern technology in a setting that seems steeped in history. The truth is, living in Sicily felt just as contradictory. You had modern conveniences like cell phones and the internet, but step outside, and you were surrounded by ancient ruins. Every town seemed like a remnant of whichever empire had once claimed it. This jarring mix was intentional, just as the repetition is. I often find certain phrases looping in my mind, or a song on repeat for hours. Repetition becomes a kind of self-soothing mechanism, a way of coping with the noise of the world.

The passage of time in the novella is intentionally ambiguous. In the present, everything unfolds between January and February, stretching into early March. The past, however, is set in the summer of 1998. As a teenager, time moved in strange ways—winters felt endless, while summers seemed to slip by in a blink. Time itself felt hazy and distorted, and I wanted to capture that sense of unraveling in Juliette’s journey.

This Fever Called Living is a fever dream drenched in tragedy.

The novella comes out March 3.

The Plot Summary:

A dark retelling/mashup of Carmilla and The Fall of the House of Usher.

Palermo, Sicily 1999.

Juliette suffers from a rare illness that keeps her hidden from the sun. Her winter days at Villa Astrid are filled with isolation and gnawing hunger, haunted by fragmented memories of a summer she can’t quite piece together.

Then Elenoire arrives.

Mysterious and magnetic, Elenoire captivates Juliette in a way that’s both thrilling and terrifying. There’s something dangerous about her, something Juliette can’t name. She knows she should keep her distance, yet all she can think about is kissing her.

Meanwhile, young women are turning up dead across Palermo. Whispers of a serial killer spread through the city, but Juliette suspects that something darker is at play. Something not entirely human.

You can pre-order the book HERE.

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Interview with Emma Arneil Podcaster of The Horror and Her

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Emma Arneil’s The Horror and Her podcast delves into the horror genre and pop culture with a focus on the the representation of women and non binary voices in the genre. She often brings a feminist perspective to the discussion and with her guests tries to explore what horror means to them on a personal level.

Can you talk about your podcast and how it differs from others that are out there?

My podcast The Horror and Her is a podcast that celebrates women, femme and non binary voices in horror. Each episode begins with my guest’s horror origin story, the film that made them first fall in love with the genre. From there we chat about how their relationship with horror has evolved through their life. What makes the show different is that we do not just talk about films we love; we talk about what horror says about power, identity and how this genre can be so personal and transformative and for so many of us, lifesaving.

Whats a book and film you can’t stop recommending?

I have just recently finished Scream with Me – Horror Films and the rise of American Feminism (1968-1980) by Eleanor Johnson and found it such a powerful and insightful read. Johnson links horror classics from the 60s to the 80s and how it was linked to second wave feminism with a real focus on reproductive rights, domestic and patriarchal violence and the war on women’s bodies.

A film I always recommend to anyone asking me for a horror recommendation is John Carpenter’s Halloween. A masterclass in atmosphere and tension and still holds up 47 years later. I could also listen to the soundtrack on repeat forever.

Can you explain how you choose what you decide to talk about on your podcast?

The podcast always starts with a conversation about the film that first sparked something for the guest and what the film says about power and identity.  From there we explore the themes of the film through a feminist lens. Even when we return to films that have been discussed before, each guest brings a new perspective. I love that so much! That the same texts can be constantly reframed and through different women experiences.

Is there a specific drink you like sipping on during your podcast?

I would love to say that I ensure that I am always hydrated and only drink water. Sadly, its nearly always Coke Zero!

Are there any horror tropes you especially love in books or films?

My favourite trope is a final girl but a final girl who is flawed and complex. A final girl who rescues herself and pulls herself out of whatever horror she finds herself in.

Who’s your favourite final girl?

My favourite final girl is Nancy Thompson from Nightmare on Elm Street, she is, for me, the ultimate final girl…a great friend, resourceful and brave as hell!



You can check out The Horror and Her podcast here: https://open.spotify.com/show/6QBrXRe8ElJDR4Zkw2Xims?si=VN6uCYilS8-kgB5RQ0WnMg&nd=1&dlsi=445e907dd3ee47c9

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Interview with Viggy Parr Hampton

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Viggy Parr Hampton has carved out a prominent place in the horror world. With her spine-chilling books and the popular podcast Horror Humor Hunger, she’s become a go-to expert on everything from horror history to the darkest, most unsettling facts. Now, with her latest release, A Veritable Household Pet, she’s ready to haunt our nightmares in a whole new way.

Can you talk about your latest book and what readers might find appealing about it?

My latest book, A Veritable Household Pet, is horror of a different stripe than usual. Darla Gregory receives a transorbital lobotomy at the age of eleven, and she is never the same. The book follows her life in the aftermath of the surgery, as well as the life of her older sister Ellie, who acts as her caretaker and the reluctant scribe for her story, injecting her views where relevant. A Veritable Household Pet explores a suite of very real terrors, rooted in true history: medical malpractice, family trauma, toxic relationships, mental illness, caregiver fatigue, misogyny, the loss of autonomy and identity, and so much more. It’s my favorite book yet, because it will make readers feel for the characters incredibly deeply.

You always do so much research for your books, what’s something you found out when researching that was surprising or horrifying?

One of the most horrifying pieces of information I came across directly inspired the title of the book. While doing my research on lobotomies, I kept finding before and after photos of patients. In the before photos, the patients would invariably look unkempt and unwell, and in the after photos, while they looked well-groomed and might even be smiling, their eyes looked completely vacant. One such before and after photo even had a caption that said the post-lobotomy patient was ‘a veritable household pet.’ The way these patients were treated as infantilized, docile creatures is both heartbreaking and horrifying in equal measure.

What’s a book you can’t stop recommending?

My Lobotomy by Howard Dully is the memoir of a man who received a lobotomy at the age of 12. It was a pivotal source for my research, but it’s also one of the most fascinating books I’ve ever read in its own right. I will never stop recommending this one!

Can you explain your writing process? What inspires you?

Every time I sit down to start a new novel, I think: Wait a minute, what am I doing? Every novel feels like its own microcosm, but here’s my general process. First, I spend a few months (or even longer) letting the ideas build up and marinate. I keep a notebook with bits and pieces of ideas, and when those ideas start to outgrow the pages, I move them to a document in my writing processor of choice, Scrivener. Then, I make note of any research I’ll need to do—books to read, movies to watch, podcasts to listen to, etc. After I’ve done enough research that I feel ready—or, if the characters start knocking on the proverbial door too hard, whichever comes first—I’ll start writing. I’ve been a plotter in the past, but now I’m a certified pantser.

In terms of inspiration, I pull things from everywhere—articles I’ve read, stories I’ve heard, history I’ve researched, places I’ve been. All of my books have some thread of truth or history running through them, which I think makes them that much punchier.

Is there a snack or drink that gets you into a writing mindset?

Lately I’ve been really loving having a cup of hot green tea next to me. It’s relaxing, and it helps signal my brain that it’s time to get down to business.

Are there any horror tropes you especially love in books or films?

I love two things: an unreliable, complicated narrator and an unhappy ending! It’s horror, after all—I don’t want to come away from it smiling!

Are you currently working on anything new?


My fifth novel, Ripped Up the Middle in Two, will publish in late July, and I’m currently getting that one in shape. It’s a creature feature motherhood horror about a postpartum mom who thinks there’s an evil fairy in the woods that wants to steal her baby. I’m also about to start work on my sixth novel, which will be a time travel-spin on the haunted house story.

A Veritable Household Pet is now available at Amazon and Barnes and Noble websites.

You can keep up with her writing at: https://viggyhampton.com/

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How to Throw the Cutest Tea Party Ever (Pinkies Optional) 🌷🫖

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Tea parties aren’t just for storybooks and fancy hats—they’re the perfect excuse to slow down, gather your favorite people, and make an ordinary afternoon feel a little magical. Whether you’re hosting a birthday, a bridal shower, a Galentine’s get-together, or just because, putting together a cute tea party is easier than you think—and way more fun.

Here’s how to host a tea party that feels charming, effortless, and totally Instagram-worthy.

Set the Scene ✨

Start with the vibe. A tea party is all about soft, cozy details.

  • Use a tablecloth or runner (lace, florals, or pastel tones are perfect)
  • Mix and match teacups and saucers—thrifted sets add instant charm
  • Add fresh flowers, even simple ones from the grocery store
  • Candles or fairy lights = instant cozy magic

Don’t stress about everything matching. A little mismatch makes it feel curated, not chaotic.

Choose Your Teas (Variety Is Key) 🍵

Offer a few different options so everyone finds their favorite:

  • A classic black tea (Earl Grey or English Breakfast)
  • A floral or fruity tea (hibiscus, peach, or berry)
  • A caffeine-free herbal option (chamomile or mint)

Bonus points for cute labels or handwritten tea tags.

Serve Simple, Pretty Snacks 🍰

Tea party food should be easy to eat and even easier to love.

  • Finger sandwiches (cucumber, egg salad, or cream cheese & jam)
  • Scones or mini muffins
  • Cookies, macarons, or petit fours
  • Fresh fruit for balance (and aesthetics)

Arrange everything on tiered trays or cake stands for that classic tea party look.

Add a Little Extra Fun 💕

Small details make the party memorable:

  • Provide sugar cubes, honey sticks, or flavored syrups
  • Set out pretty napkins or floral plates
  • Play soft background music (jazz, classical, or cozy playlists)
  • Encourage guests to dress the part—bows, florals, or pastel outfits

Optional but delightful: tiny name cards or handwritten notes at each place setting.

Make It Feel Special 🌸

The best tea parties aren’t about perfection—they’re about connection. Let the conversations flow, pour refills generously, and enjoy the slow pace. Laugh, snack, sip, repeat.

Final Sip

A cute tea party is really just about creating a warm, inviting moment where people feel cared for. With a little planning and a lot of charm, you’ll have a gathering everyone remembers long after the teacups are empty. 🫖✨

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An Easy Valentine’s Day Snack That’s Almost Too Cute to Eat 💘

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(Almost.)

Valentine’s Day snacks should be three things: adorable, delicious, and easy enough that you don’t need a full game plan to pull them off. Whether you’re hosting a Galentine’s night, planning a cozy date in, or just want something sweet while watching rom-coms in pajamas, this Valentine’s Day–inspired snack checks all the boxes.

Introducing: Chocolate-Covered Strawberry Yogurt Bites—aka little bites of love.

Chocolate-Covered Strawberry Yogurt Bites 🍓🍫

You’ll need:

  • Fresh strawberries, chopped
  • Vanilla Greek yogurt (or strawberry for extra pink vibes)
  • Semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips
  • Optional toppings: sprinkles, crushed freeze-dried strawberries, flaky sea salt

How to Make Them (So Easy It’s Basically Foolproof)

  1. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. Mix chopped strawberries with yogurt in a bowl.
  3. Spoon small dollops onto the baking sheet (heart shapes encouraged but not required).
  4. Freeze for 1–2 hours until firm.
  5. Melt chocolate in the microwave in 20-second intervals.
  6. Dip or drizzle the frozen bites with chocolate.
  7. Add toppings while the chocolate is still melty.
  8. Freeze again for 10–15 minutes until set.

That’s it. You’re done. You’re impressive.

Why You’ll Love These

  • They’re sweet but not too sweet
  • Perfect bite-sized snacks for sharing (or not)
  • Festive without being over-the-top
  • Feel slightly “healthy,” which totally balances out the chocolate 😉

Make Them Extra Cute 💖

  • Use white chocolate and swirl in pink food coloring
  • Add heart-shaped sprinkles for peak Valentine energy
  • Serve them in a cute bowl with a note that says “Made with love”

Valentine’s Day doesn’t need to be complicated to be special. Sometimes all it takes is a simple snack, a cozy vibe, and something chocolatey in your freezer. 💘✨

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Why Audiobooks Might Be Your New Favorite Thing 🎧📚

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If you love stories but struggle to find time to sit down with a book, audiobooks are about to become your best friend. They’re convenient, cozy, and honestly kind of magical. Whether you’re commuting, cleaning, walking, or just lying on the couch pretending to “rest your eyes,” audiobooks let you enjoy books anytime, anywhere.

Here’s why audiobooks deserve a permanent spot in your daily routine.

You Can Read While Doing… Literally Anything

Folding laundry? Driving? Cooking dinner? Audiobooks turn everyday tasks into mini adventures. Suddenly, errands feel less boring and more “main character energy.” You’ll be amazed at how quickly you get through books without ever cracking one open.

They Make Stories Come Alive

A great narrator can elevate a book to a whole new level. Different voices, accents, emotion—it’s basically a private performance just for you. Some stories honestly feel better in audio form (yes, we said it).

Perfect for Busy Schedules

Audiobooks fit seamlessly into even the busiest lives. You don’t need to block out quiet time or carry a physical book around. Just pop in your headphones and press play—storytime is officially flexible.

Easy on the Eyes

Screen fatigue is real, and audiobooks are a refreshing break. No staring, no scrolling, no squinting—just close your eyes and listen. It’s relaxing and productive, which feels like winning.

They Help You Read More (Without the Pressure)

Audiobooks remove the pressure of “keeping up” with reading. You can go at your own pace, rewind if you miss something, or speed things up when you’re hooked. Before you know it, you’ve finished way more books than usual—and it feels effortless.

Perfect for Every Mood

Feel like something light and fun? Queue up a rom-com. Want motivation? Try a personal growth listen. Need comfort? A familiar narrator can feel like a cozy conversation. There’s truly an audiobook for every mood and moment.

Final Chapter

Audiobooks aren’t cheating—they’re just reading with a glow-up. They make books more accessible, more fun, and way easier to fit into real life. So grab your headphones, press play, and let the story come to you. 🎧📖✨

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A Sweet Sip for Valentine’s Day 💘

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The Perfect Pink Valentine’s Drink Recipe

Valentine’s Day is the perfect excuse to slow down, light a candle, and enjoy something a little extra—especially when it comes in a pretty glass. Whether you’re celebrating with your partner, hosting a Galentine’s night, or treating yourself (because self-love is the vibe), this cute Valentine’s Day drink is equal parts festive, delicious, and easy to make.

Meet your new favorite February sip: a bubbly, blush-pink drink that feels romantic without being over the top.

The Valentine Blush Spritz

You’ll need:

  • 3 oz sparkling rosé (or prosecco)
  • 2 oz cranberry juice
  • 1 oz fresh lime juice
  • Splash of simple syrup or honey (optional, for sweetness)
  • Fresh raspberries or strawberries
  • Ice
  • Optional garnish: rosemary sprig, heart-shaped strawberry, or edible glitter ✨

How to make it:

  1. Fill a wine glass or coupe with ice.
  2. Add cranberry juice and fresh lime juice.
  3. Pour in the sparkling rosé.
  4. Sweeten to taste with a splash of simple syrup if needed.
  5. Gently stir and garnish with fresh berries or a rosemary sprig for a chic touch.

Why You’ll Love It

This drink is light, refreshing, and perfectly balanced—not too sweet, not too tart. The soft pink color makes it feel instantly festive, and the bubbles give it that celebratory sparkle that Valentine’s Day deserves.

Make It Your Own

  • Mocktail version: Swap the sparkling rosé for sparkling water or pink lemonade.
  • Extra romantic: Rim the glass with sugar (or pink sanding sugar!) before pouring.
  • Hosting tip: Make a big batch and let guests garnish their own glasses.

Valentine’s Day doesn’t have to be complicated to feel special. Sometimes all it takes is a pretty drink, a cozy moment, and a little sparkle in your glass. Cheers to love—in all its forms 💖🥂

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Review: Drunk Elephant C-Tango Multivitamin Eye Cream

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What It Is: A rich and restorative eye cream featuring a combination of peptides and vitamin C for brighter, firmer, stronger-looking skin.

What It Does: Hydrates, firms, and brights the eye area.

Active Ingredients: 5C Vitamin Complex, 8-Peptide Blend, and Cucumber Extract

Verdict: I’ve been a longtime fan of Drunk Elephant skincare, and the C-Tango Eye Cream is truly exceptional. Applied first thing in the morning, it delivers an instant burst of freshness paired with rich, lasting hydration. It creates the perfect, smooth base for concealer and keeps my under-eye area feeling nourished, bright, and refreshed all day long.

Price: $65

Where To Buy It: https://www.drunkelephant.com/

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