Elena, Mel, and Cerid talk with former Metaworker Editor in Chief Matthew Maichen about writing rituals, how they create characters, and the benefits and drawbacks of writing with or without a plan. They discuss the importance of respecting readers and doing research when writing about vulnerable topics, then Matthew shares an excerpt (rated NC-17) from one of his published stories and encourages any writers listening to join The Metaworker’s weekly Discord writing group.
Author Bio:
Matthew Maichen typically writes as Johnathon Heart, and is the former editor-in-chief of The Metaworker. He is dedicated to writing stories for anyone who thinks that Halloween is better than Christmas, that love is worth believing in, and that all the best love stories are at least a little bit sad. Clearly enough people think this for him to get published. He has appeared in a variety of anthologies and is slated to appear in more. His hobbies include arguing with imaginary people and wasting the entire day. He does not actually enjoy these things, but he does them anyway.
Referenced in this episode:
I Sexually Identify as an Attack Helicopter by Isabel Fall in Clarkesworld and details about the backstory
The Marigold by Andrew F. Sullivan
Matthew Maichen (aka Johnathon Heart) Publication List:
“To Summon Her” from Pressfuls (as Matthew Maichen)
“Woman Made of Stars” from Factor Four
“The Mourner” in Depths of Love, Love Thy Enemy
“My Darling Girl” in It Calls from Below: Anthology of Horror
“Tacos” in The Best of Bizarro Fiction: Volume 2
“Dorian” in The Devil Who Loves Me
“(im here)” in Bleed Error, Vol. 2
“Lorelai” in the Thirteen Podcast (Patrons only) and in Wicked Shadow Press
“The Door People” in the Nosleep Podcast (as Matthew Maichen)
“Like the Devil” in Collage Macabre: An Exhibition of Art Horror (as Matthew Maichen)
“THREEFOLD.WMV” by Johnathon Heart in From Beyond the Threshold: Cosmic Horror Anthology
