What happens when a boy who loved grossing out his classmates with wild, creepy tales grows up? If you’re Brad Ricks, you never really leave those stories behind. In this episode, we dive into Brad’s journey from writing eerie classroom stories inspired by Stephen King and Edgar Allan Poe to crafting his darkly comedic short story collection, To Hell with Hallmark.

Brad shares how his love for storytelling persisted through life’s ups and downs—college, marriage, parenthood, and even writing a Trans-Siberian Orchestra-style musical. He opens up about the inspiration behind his twist on Hallmark tropes, blending humor and horror to create tales that are both unsettling and wildly entertaining.

We explore his writing process, the art of balancing darkness and humor, and how his family and life experiences shape his stories. Plus, Brad gives us a sneak peek into his upcoming novel, The Night Crew. Whether you’re a fan of horror, comedy, or just a good story, this episode has something for everyone.

Website: https://www.bradricks.com/

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