EP.02 – Horror That Heals: John Palisano on Fear as Inspiration and the Future of Writing & AI

In this episode of The Writers Ritual, host Brianna Winner talks with John Palisano, Bram Stoker Award–winning author, songwriter, and filmmaker, about using fear as inspiration, strengthening creativity, maintaining authenticity in the age of AI, and how horror and dark fiction can help us explore, transform, and heal.

From a bullied childhood to touring nationally with punk and rock bands and writing acclaimed novels, John shares how storytelling became both survival and transformation.

Together, they explore fear as a creative catalyst, the therapeutic nature of horror, the future and ethics of AI in writing, and the power of sincerity in a world of constant change.

A conversation about fear as fuel, art as transformation, authenticity as survival, and why the best stories are always written through courage.

Guest Links

Website: ⁠⁠johnpalisano.com⁠⁠

Instagram: ⁠⁠@johnpalisano⁠⁠

The Writer’s Ritual Website: ⁠⁠writersritual.com⁠

Chapters
00:00 – Introduction and Personal Connections
02:36 – The Journey into Writing and Storytelling
05:25 – The Influence of Music and Film on Writing
08:21 – Transitioning from Music to Writing
11:07 – Exploring the Horror Genre
13:46 – The Evolution of Storytelling and Genre Blending
15:22 – The Impact of Technology on Storytelling
18:21 – The Role of Authenticity in Art
20:44 – Navigating the Challenges of AI in Creative Fields
22:59 – The Future of Storytelling and Community Engagement
39:58 – The Evolution of Writing Technology
41:53 – Navigating the Ethical Landscape of Technology
43:40 – Advice to My Younger Self
46:21 – The Emotional Toll of Writing and Reviews
50:45 – Daily Writing Rituals and Techniques
57:35 – The Therapeutic Nature of Horror
01:01:11 – Advice for Aspiring Writers
01:06:11 – The Importance of Community in Writing

Keywords

John Palisano, Brianna Winner, The Writer’s Ritual, writing, storytelling, horror, dark fiction, gothic, AI, technology, creativity, authenticity, community, publishing, mentorship, artistic process, emotional connection, reviews, horror genre, fear as inspiration, future of writing, writing and AI, horror that heals, podcast for writers

In this debut episode of Writer’s Ritual, host Brianna Winner sits down with renowned author and illustrator James A. Owen. Known for his inspiring series, Drawing Out the Dragons, James discusses his creative journey from self-publishing comic books as a teenager to becoming an acclaimed storyteller and motivational speaker. The conversation explores James’s early inspirations, his determination after a severe injury threatened his career, and his unique perspective on creativity, choice, and courage. Join Brianna and James as they examine how the stories we choose to tell shape not just our careers, but our entire lives.

______________________________________________________________________

(00:01:05) James's childhood influences and the start of his relationship with storytelling.

(00:04:58) Publishing his first story as a child and the significance of mixing mythologies early in life.

(00:06:22) James shares the memorable experience of bidding on his own childhood work on eBay.

(00:07:20) Reflecting on the cumulative power of choices throughout life.

(00:09:19) The pivotal books and myths that shaped James's early storytelling passion.

(00:12:39) James recalls meeting his writing heroes, Wendy and Richard Pini, at 14.

(00:13:26) Revisiting the bravery of his younger self to reinvigorate his present work.

(00:15:07) Experiences at his first Comic-Con and receiving unexpected support.

(00:19:57) Addressing how to maintain passion and resilience through life's challenges.

(00:26:57) James recounts the profound moment he anonymously joined a therapy group discussing his own book.

(00:30:38) Overcoming a severe injury that nearly ended his illustration career.

(00:36:37) Recovering and rebuilding his creative career through innovative thinking.

(00:47:15) James discusses the evolution of his creative process and returning to his roots.

(00:56:26) The significance of creating a creative space and surrounding oneself with inspirational objects.

(00:57:33) Introducing Biblioteca Fantastica, James's ambitious project to archive fantastic arts.

(01:03:21) James shares his daily practice of starting the day with joy to fuel creativity.

(01:08:49) Introducing the "Hundred Books Project," connecting historical literary figures to his fictional universe.

Writers Ritual Website:

https://writersritual.com/

James A. Owen Website:

http://jamesaowen.com/

James A. Owen on Patreon:

https://www.patreon.com/JamesAOwen

The Writers' Ritual shares a rare glimpse into the minds of today’s most acclaimed writers. Hosted by international bestselling author Brianna Winner, your favorite writers reveal their remarkable life stories, creative rituals, and the secrets that transform their ideas into powerful works.

The show features true masters of their craft—from novelists behind international bestsellers to screenwriters of major blockbusters, comic book creators who bring our favorite heroes to life, and poets whose words move our hearts.

Brianna Winner is an international bestselling and multiple award-winning author and educator. She is best known for over twenty published works co-authored with her identical twin under the pen name The Winner Twins, as well as her graphic novel collaborations with rock legends Joan Jett and the Grammy-winning hard rock band Halestorm.

Each episode offers both practical insight and profound wisdom about the art and craft of writing. Whether you're a writer yourself, a devoted reader, or simply fascinated by the minds behind the magic, subscribe now and join a growing community celebrating the transformative journey of putting words on the page.

https://writersritual.com/