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In this chilling and deeply introspective episode of Dragons and Spaceships, host Brandi sits down once again with acclaimed horror author Tatiana Schlote (also known as The Buff Writer) to discuss her latest psychological folk horror novel, The Mean Ones.
The story follows Sadie, a 29-year-old woman haunted by the trauma of witnessing her best friend’s brutal death at a summer camp years ago. As she retreats to a secluded cabin with her partner, the past resurfaces—bringing eerie voices, unsettling visions, and the ghosts of what was never laid to rest.
Tatiana shares her creative process, the emotional roots of Sadie’s story, and how real-life experiences shaped the novel’s exploration of trauma, identity, and survival. From balancing horror and empathy to the symbolism behind the haunting cabin setting, this episode dives deep into the art of crafting fear that feels both intimate and universal.
The conversation also teases Tatiana’s upcoming YA horror fantasy, What Feeds Below, promising another dark and immersive experience for readers.