In this episode of Dark Side of the Word, hosts Kait and CJ welcome award-winning author Cynthia Pelayo, who discusses her journey in horror literature, the emergence of grief horror, and her unique writing techniques. They delve into the complexities of writing about grief, the dual perspectives in her latest novel Vanishing Daughters, and the challenges of navigating the publishing world. Cynthia shares her insights on manifestation, positive psychology, and the importance of self-acceptance in the creative process. The conversation also touches on her upcoming works and her passion for fairy tale retellings, emphasizing the darker themes inherent in these stories.

Takeaways: 

• Grief horror is becoming a recognized sub-genre in literature.
• Cynthia Pelayo emphasizes the importance of romanticizing life through fashion and creativity.
• Writing in a dreamy, hazy state can enhance the emotional depth of a narrative.
• The dual perspective in Vanishing Daughters effectively contrasts horror with emotional themes.
• Cynthia's approach to writing a serial killer's perspective was challenging and unsettling.
• Manifestation and positive psychology play a crucial role in Cynthia's writing process.
• Rejection in the publishing industry is a normal part of the journey and should not be taken personally.
• Cynthia's transition from self-publishing to traditional publishing has been a significant change in her career.
• The importance of surrounding oneself with supportive people during the creative process.
• Cynthia's future works include fairy tale retellings that explore darker themes.

Follow Cynthia: 

Website - https://www.cynthiapelayo.com/

IG -  https://www.instagram.com/cynthiapelayoauthor/

BlueSky - https://bsky.app/profile/cynthiapelayo.bsky.social

Substack - https://substack.com/@cynthiapelayo

To get your own copy of Vanishing Daughters: https://bookshop.org/a/94484/9781662513930

Make sure to follow Dark Side of the Word on Instagram to stay up to date. And make sure to comment, rate, and subscribe to help other listeners find their next book. 

CJ: 

Blog - https://www.wellreadtart.com/

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/awellreadtart/

Bookshop Affiliate: https://bookshop.org/shop/awellreadtart 

Kait:

Blog - https://darksideoftheword.com/

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/kaitarmada/

Bookshop Affiliate: https://bookshop.org/shop/darksideoftheword