What happens when horror becomes a mirror for identity, grief, and healing? In this episode, GiGi Meier sits down with horror author Candice Lola for a deeply fascinating conversation about body horror, folklore, and the stories that refuse to let us go.

Candice opens up about how she unexpectedly found herself drawn to horror—not as mere shock value, but as a powerful metaphor for growing up, confronting difficult truths, and reclaiming parts of ourselves we've been taught to hide. She explains why body horror resonates so deeply with her, how themes of ancestral veneration and social commentary weave through her work, and why emotional honesty is the scariest—and most important—thing a writer can offer.

Together, they explore Candice's debut collection, Women of Glass and Other Parables, her publishing experiences with major outlets like NBC's Today and the Huffington Post, and the powerful message behind her TED Talk on Afrodivinity and identity.

If you've ever wondered how horror can challenge, comfort, and connect us all at once, this episode is for you.

Find Candice here:

Website:

http://candicelola.com

Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/candice_lola/

How to find GiGi:

Website:

https://www.gigimeier.com/

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https://www.gigimeier.com/freebies

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What happens when you mix Romeo and Juliet with Godzilla? You get the kind of creative, genre-bending storytelling that comic book writer, graphic novelist, and video game narrative director Adam Tierney has built his career on.

In this episode, GiGi Meier sits down with Adam for a fascinating conversation about writing across comics, graphic novels, video games, television, and even children's books. Adam shares how a lifelong love of comics led him to write for some of the biggest franchises in the world—including X-Men, Justice League, Batman, Transformers, Silent Hill, Aliens, and Teen Titans Go—and how each medium demands a completely different approach to character, dialogue, and story.

Adam also dives deep into his upcoming YA horror graphic novel, 13 Demons Dead, discussing its premise, character arcs, and future sequels, as well as his creative partnership with illustrator Saspy. He reflects on why he loves writing coming-of-age stories, how he balances literary mashups like Hamlet with monster mayhem, and what it's like writing dialogue for voice actors in interactive storytelling.

Whether you're a comic book writer, video game narrative designer, or simply a fan of great stories told across multiple worlds, this episode is packed with insight, inspiration, and a whole lot of fun.

Find Adam here:

Website:

www.adamctierney.com

Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/adamwritestuff/

How to find GiGi:

Website:

https://www.gigimeier.com/

Free Bonus and Deleted Scenes:

https://www.gigimeier.com/freebies

Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/authorgigimeier

Substack:

https://gigimeier.substack.com

The Cougar Den Facebook Reader Group:

https://www.facebook.com/groups/authorgigimeier

YouTube:

https://www.youtube.com/@gigimeier

What happens when a six-week community college writing course ignites a multi-award-winning career in children's literature? In this episode, GiGi Meier sits down with acclaimed children's author Kelly Bennett for a warm, insightful conversation about the unexpected paths that lead to a life in storytelling.

Kelly opens up about her journey—from articles to picture books, from chapter books to nonfiction, and eventually back to school for her MFA. She shares the curiosity and persistence that shaped her success, the creative process behind her beloved picture books, and what it's really like to work with illustrators and navigate traditional publishing.

But the conversation goes deeper. Kelly also discusses the shocking reality of book banning, sharing the personal stories behind why Vampire Baby was banned and why Not Norman: A Goldfish Story was challenged. She also talks about writing nonfiction baseball books on Babe Ruth and Yankee Stadium, and why parents shouldn't solve the problems in picture books.

Whether you're a children's author, a parent, or simply someone who loves stories, this episode is packed with wisdom, heart, and encouragement.

Find Kelly here:

Website:

https://www.kellybennett.com/

Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/kellybennettbooks/

How to find GiGi:

Website:

https://www.gigimeier.com/

Free Bonus and Deleted Scenes:

https://www.gigimeier.com/freebies

Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/authorgigimeier

Substack:

https://gigimeier.substack.com

The Cougar Den Facebook Reader Group:

https://www.facebook.com/groups/authorgigimeier

YouTube:

https://www.youtube.com/@gigimeier