Tricia Friedman sits down with bestselling author Ryan La Sala for a deep dive into the creative process behind his latest book. Together, they explore how queer horror, artistic design, and emotional literacy intersect to shape stories that resonate with today’s readers.

La Sala reveals how multiple drafts, layered perspectives, and intentional design choices come together to build a reading experience that’s as visual as it is emotional. The conversation highlights how horror can be a vehicle for exploring complex emotions and how queer narratives give young readers language for identity, resilience, and joy.

Whether you’re a writer, educator, or passionate reader, this episode invites you to see how art and literature ripple outward—helping us process fear, find belonging, and create change.

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Chapters

00:00 Creative Storytelling and Design Elements 02:57 Engaging Young Readers in a Media-Rich World 05:37 Crafting the Perfect Opening Page 08:35 Balancing Horror and Queer Representation 11:08 Writing as a Coping Strategy