Of Monsters: A Speculative Podcast with Nicole Shawan Junior

Naseem Jamnia: Of Colonial Supremacy & Second Worlds

In episode eight, the final ep of the season, Nicole kicks it with Markowitz Award–winning and Astounding Award-nominated author Naseem Jamnia (they/them). Naseem writes speculative fiction for adults, teens, and kids. Their adult fantasy novella The Bruising of Qilwa was nominated for the Crawford, Locus, and World Fantasy awards, and they contributed to the YA horror anthology The White Guy Dies First: 13 Scary Stories of Fear and Power. A Persian-Chicagoan, former neuroscientist, and current educator and pro-library activist, Naseem currently lives outside Reno, Nevada, with their husband and four furred creatures. The Glade (May 27, 2025, Aladdin, SimonKIDS) is their middle-grade debut. Find out more at NaseemWrites.com, and join their newsletter NaseemWrites.Kit.Com/SignUp. In this conversation, Naseem reflects on their cultural identity, family dynamics, and the impact of childhood experiences on their adult life. They discuss the complexities of friendships, the challenges of navigating community, and the importance of inclusive storytelling. Naseem shares insights into their literary achievements, creative processes, and the significance of world-building in their writing. The discussion also touches on the metaphorical monsters that shape personal narratives and the role of literature in addressing societal issues. Purchase The Glade [https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/The-Glade/Naseem-Jamnia/9781665949804], Naseem's middle-grade horror fantasy debut, and The Bruising of Qilwa [https://tachyonpublications.com/product/the-bruising-of-qilwa/], Naseem's adult fantasy novella debut. Oracle Card: "Friendship," from the Classic Horror Oracle Deck [https://bookshop.org/p/books/classic-horror-oracle-ricardo-diseno/19743250?ean=9781797218946&gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAiAh6y9BhBREiwApBLHC9bopv4mn-GIxvm9dN0I-bQjIKIl6U_qMMyRQDrXJ1gMnnSb65rGSBoCgZcQAvD_BwE]. Chapters 00:00 The Complexity of Friendships 03:24 Navigating Loyalty and Boundaries 06:50 Building Community and Connection 07:38 Childhood Influences and Cultural Identity 15:24 The Journey to Neuroscience and Writing 19:56 Navigating Family Dynamics and Personal Growth 20:38 Childhood Monsters and Emotional Neglect 27:11 Cultural Identity and Queerness 34:13 The Journey of Writing and Creative Expression 51:05 The Plague's Arrival in Kilwa 52:38 Feroz's Journey and Anxieties 55:48 Exploring The Glade: A Middle Grade Horror Fantasy 57:20 The Process of Writing The Glade 59:59 Inclusive World Building in Fantasy 01:12:56 Crafting Secondary Worlds in Speculative Fiction 01:20:03 OF MONSTERS Rapid Fire Questions Of Monsters: A podcast with Nicole Shawan Junior [https://www.nicoleshawanjunior.com] features intimate chats with speculative fiction masterminds and the characters they create. Spread love. It's the Brooklyn way. Follow the podcast. Share it on your socials. Comment on what you hear. Find Of Monsters on IG [https://www.instagram.com/ofmonsterspod/]. Written and performed by Nicole Shawan Junior [https://www.nicoleshawanjunior.com/], the Of Monsters intro music was created by Ben Ford, produced by Caits Meissner [https://www.caitsmakesart.com/], and engineered by Tatenda Dizha [https://soundcloud.com/tatenda-dizha?utm_source=clipboard&utm_medium=text&utm_campaign=social_sharing].

Zin E. Rocklyn: Of Mothers & the Monstrous

In episode seven, Nicole kicks it with Zin E. Rocklyn, a horror and dark fantasy author of Trinidadian descent hailing from Jersey City, NJ. A contributor to several anthologies, Zin's creative nonfiction essay, "My Genre Makes a Monster of Me,"  was published in Uncanny Magazine’s Hugo Award-winning Disabled People Destroy Science Fiction issue, and her debut novella, Flowers for the Sea, earned the Shirley Jackson Award.  Nicole and Zin explore the complexities of vulnerability, mental health, and family dynamics. They discuss the importance of being open about struggles, the impact of upbringing on identity, and the challenges of navigating relationships, particularly with mothers. Zin shares insights on the writing process and offers advice for aspiring writers. Purchase Flowers For The Sea [https://bookshop.org/p/books/flowers-for-the-sea-zin-e-rocklyn/e697b79e84628046?ean=9781250804037&next=t&next=t&affiliate=3214], Zin's debut novella. Oracle Card: "Face," from the Classic Horror Oracle Deck [https://bookshop.org/p/books/classic-horror-oracle-ricardo-diseno/19743250?ean=9781797218946&gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAiAh6y9BhBREiwApBLHC9bopv4mn-GIxvm9dN0I-bQjIKIl6U_qMMyRQDrXJ1gMnnSb65rGSBoCgZcQAvD_BwE]. Chapters 00:00 The Power of Vulnerability 03:33 Navigating Mental Health Challenges 05:50 Exploring Family Dynamics 11:45 The Impact of Maternal Relationships 18:08 The Evolution of Monstrous Relationships 22:01 The Power of Personal Narrative in Writing 28:34 The Catharsis of Writing About Trauma 35:16 The Role of Writing Workshops in Development 39:05 Challenging Perceptions in Speculative Fiction 40:51 The Birth of a Story 44:41 Exploring Themes of Hunger 50:40 Monstrosity and Care 53:25 Invisible Disabilities and Personal Narratives 55:27 Writing Process and Sensitivity Reading 59:07 Crafting Complex Characters 01:03:18 Of Monsters Rapid Fire Segment Read Zin's short stories: "Summer Skin [https://www.abyssapexzine.com/2017/06/sycoraxs-daughters/]" "My Genre Makes a Monster of Me [https://www.uncannymagazine.com/article/my-genre-makes-a-monster-of-me/]" "Birds [https://www.apexbookcompany.com/a/blog/apex-magazine/post/birds?srsltid=AfmBOopMima6ks_PEwROubauwjcO8S5vPBlGSvxOAmLiBbCeHY7_Tnm4]" The Night Sun [https://torpublishinggroup.com/the-night-sun/?isbn=9781250771315&format=ebook] "Teatime [https://reactormag.com/teatime-zin-e-rocklyn/]" "Tet Fe Mal [https://fiyahlitmag.com/issues/issue-25/]" "A Keening for Churile [https://www.apexbookcompany.com/a/blog/apex-magazine/post/a-keening-for-churile]" "Bloodhoun [https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/763729/bound-in-blood-by-johnny-mains-adam-cesare-eric-larocca-alma-katsu-zin-rocklyn-alyssa-cole-nadia-bulkin-danny-robins-isy-suttie-charlie-higson-angeline-morrison-ag/] Of Monsters: A podcast with Nicole Shawan Junior [https://www.nicoleshawanjunior.com] features intimate chats with speculative fiction masterminds and the characters they create. Spread love. It's the Brooklyn way. Follow the podcast. Share it on your socials. Comment on what you hear. Find Of Monsters on IG [https://www.instagram.com/ofmonsterspod/]. Written and performed by Nicole Shawan Junior [https://www.nicoleshawanjunior.com/], the Of Monsters intro music was created by Ben Ford, produced by Caits Meissner [https://www.caitsmakesart.com/], and engineered by Tatenda Dizha [https://soundcloud.com/tatenda-dizha?utm_source=clipboard&utm_medium=text&utm_campaign=social_sharing].

DJ Ben Ha Meen: Of Third Ward & the World

In episode six, Nicole chops it up with DJ Ben Ha Meen. DJ Ben Ha Meen is a native of Third Ward, Texas. He is an alumnus of Howard University, where he studied film and television. Ben Ha Meen is the co-creator of the graphic novel Jimi Hendrix: Purple Haze (Penguin Randomhouse). and a self-published author of the children's book The World Is Yours. A world-renowned DJ and music producer, a WGA screenwriter (American Gods), and a pioneering podcaster (FORALLNERDSSHOW, The Combat Jack Show). In this in-depth convo, DJ Ben Ha Meen shares his journey from growing up in Houston's Third Ward to becoming a successful DJ, filmmaker, and author. He reflects on the cultural influences of his upbringing, his passion for music and storytelling, and the challenges he faced in the creative industry. The discussion also delves into his collaboration on the graphic novel Jimi Hendrix: Purple Haze with creative geniuses Mellow Brown and Tom Mandrake, and the importance of writing authentically. Throughout the conversation, DJ Ben Ha Meen emphasizes the power of creativity, resilience, and the impact of storytelling on culture and society. Purchase Jimi Hendrix: Purple Haze [https://bookshop.org/p/books/jimi-hendrix-purple-haze-titan-comics/19815627?ean=9781787731899&next=t], written by DJ Ben Ha Meen and Mellow Brown and illustrated by Tom Mandrake. Listen to the ForAllNerdsShow [https://pod.link/632843709]. Oracle Card: "Escape" from the Classic Horror Oracle Deck [https://bookshop.org/p/books/classic-horror-oracle-ricardo-diseno/19743250?ean=9781797218946&gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAiAh6y9BhBREiwApBLHC9bopv4mn-GIxvm9dN0I-bQjIKIl6U_qMMyRQDrXJ1gMnnSb65rGSBoCgZcQAvD_BwE]. Chapters 00:00 Navigating Imagination and Reality 01:37 Roots in Third Ward, Texas 03:00 The Influence of Literature on Perspective 04:10 The Journey into DJing 04:10 The Evolution of a DJ's Craft 07:54 Cultural Influences and Musical Diversity 09:43 Soulmate Stories and Past Lives 09:54 The Early Influences of Film and Writing 10:15 Intentionality in Education and Career Choices 12:36 Navigating Economic Realities and Artistic Aspirations 14:23 Building Connections and Crews at Howard University 15:44 The Evolution of DJing and Filmmaking Skills 18:28 From DJing to Writing for American Gods 21:35 Breaking into Hollywood: A Personal Journey 24:53 Facing Adversity: Personal Stories of Struggle 30:27 The Transformative Power of Writing 34:15 Collaboration in Creativity: The Making of Purple Haze 41:20 Astro Punk and Collaborative Creation 43:32 The Role of Black Music in Revolution 46:55 Genre Defiance and Creative Process 50:06 The Poetry of Jimi Hendrix 52:17 DJ Ben Ha Meen Answers the OM Closing Five Of Monsters: A podcast with Nicole Shawan Junior [https://www.nicoleshawanjunior.com] features intimate chats with speculative fiction masterminds and the characters they create. Spread love. It's the Brooklyn way. Follow the podcast. Share it on your socials. Comment on what you hear. Find Of Monsters on IG [https://www.instagram.com/ofmonsterspod/]. Written and performed by Nicole Shawan Junior [https://www.nicoleshawanjunior.com/], the Of Monsters intro music was created by Ben Ford, produced by Caits Meissner [https://www.caitsmakesart.com/], and engineered by Tatenda Dizha [https://soundcloud.com/tatenda-dizha?utm_source=clipboard&utm_medium=text&utm_campaign=social_sharing].

Erika T. Wurth: Of Creepy Dolls, Culture, & Craft

In episode five, Nicole chats with Erika T. Wurth. Erika's novel, WHITE HORSE, is a New York Times Editors Pick, a Good Morning America Buzz Pick, an Indie Next List Book of the Month, and a Target Book of the Month. She is both a Kenyon and Sewanee fellow, and Kenyon faculty. She’s published in Buzzfeed and The Writer’s Chronicle and is a narrative artist for the Meow Wolf Denver installation. She is an urban Native of Apache/Chickasaw/Cherokee descent. She’s a professor of creative writing and lives in Denver with her partner, step-kids, and two incredibly fluffy dogs. Her novel, THE HAUNTING OF ROOM 904, is out with Flatiron Books. In this convo, Erika kicks it with Nicole about her experiences with childhood fears, the complexities of adult life, and the cultural influences that shape her writing. She reflects on her identity as a Native American woman and the importance of representation in literature. Erika shares insights into her creative process, the role of music in her life, and the significance of confronting personal and societal monsters. The discussion culminates in an exploration of her latest novel, The Haunting of Room 904, which intertwines themes of family, loss, and the supernatural. Purchase The Haunting of Room 904 [https://bookshop.org/p/books/the-haunting-of-room-904-erika-t-wurth/21357476?ean=9781250908599&next=t] by Erika T. Wurth. Oracle Card: "Boogeyman" from the Classic Horror Oracle Deck [https://bookshop.org/p/books/classic-horror-oracle-ricardo-diseno/19743250?ean=9781797218946&gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAiAh6y9BhBREiwApBLHC9bopv4mn-GIxvm9dN0I-bQjIKIl6U_qMMyRQDrXJ1gMnnSb65rGSBoCgZcQAvD_BwE]. Chapters 00:00 Confronting the Boogeyman: Childhood Fears and Monsters 04:24 Creating Monsters: Universal Fears and Cultural Contexts 06:40 Identity and Heritage: The Urban Native Experience 13:38 Coming of Age: Cultural Awareness and Personal Growth 17:45 The 90s: Music, Monsters, and Growing Up 22:39 Facing Real-Life Monsters: Personal Stories and Resilience 25:55 The Importance of Authenticity in Native Art 26:49 Influential Native Writers and Their Impact 29:14 Erika Wurth's Literary Journey and Diverse Works 34:35 Exploring 'The Haunting of Room 904' 46:03 The Role of Indigenous Folklore in Writing 50:07 Erika Answers the OM Closing Five Of Monsters: A podcast with Nicole Shawan Junior [https://www.nicoleshawanjunior.com] features intimate chats with speculative fiction masterminds and the characters they create. Spread love. It's the Brooklyn way. Follow the podcast. Share it on your socials. Comment on what you hear. Find Of Monsters on IG [https://www.instagram.com/ofmonsterspod/]. Written and performed by Nicole Shawan Junior [https://www.nicoleshawanjunior.com/], the Of Monsters intro music was created by Ben Ford, produced by Caits Meissner [https://www.caitsmakesart.com/], and engineered by Tatenda Dizha [https://soundcloud.com/tatenda-dizha?utm_source=clipboard&utm_medium=text&utm_campaign=social_sharing].

Silvia Park: Of Robots, Fascism, & Future Representation

In episode four, Nicole chats with Luminous author Silvia Park. Silvia grew up in Seoul and split their time between Korea and America. They received a BA from Columbia and MFA from NYU, in addition to completing the Clarion Workshop in 2018. Their short fiction has been published in Black Warrior Review, Joyland, Reactor, and reprinted in the 2019 Best American Science Fiction and Fantasy. Luminous is their first novel. In this conversation, Silvia discusses the complexities of launching her book, the commodification of genius, and the intersection of cli-fi, sci-fi, and folklore in her writing. She reflects on cultural identity, the struggles of language, and the impact of education and class dynamics in Korea. The conversation delves into the haunting nature of loss, the creative process, and the importance of research in writing. Park emphasizes the significance of writing our futures and the role of monsters in society, ultimately encouraging writers to embrace their creativity and imagine a better world. Order LUMINOUS [https://bookshop.org/p/books/luminous-silvia-park/21534117?ean=9781668021668&next=t] by Silvia Park. Oracle Card: "Dinner" from the Classic Horror Oracle Deck [https://bookshop.org/p/books/classic-horror-oracle-ricardo-diseno/19743250?ean=9781797218946&gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAiAh6y9BhBREiwApBLHC9bopv4mn-GIxvm9dN0I-bQjIKIl6U_qMMyRQDrXJ1gMnnSb65rGSBoCgZcQAvD_BwE]. Chapters 00:00 The Cognitive Dissonance of Book Launches 03:09 Exploring the Concept of Genius 05:26 The Irony of Modern Genius 08:00 The Legacy of Octavia Butler & Zora Neale Hurston 10:21 The Intersection of Cli-Fi, Sci-Fi, and Folklore 12:42 Cultural Identity and Language 14:58 Navigating Childhood and Education 17:28 The Journey into Literature 19:32 The Haunting Nature of Grief 22:17 The Storyline of Luminous 34:17 Exploring Grief Through Immortality 34:55 The Cycle of History and Technology 37:07 The Journey of Writing: From Burnout to Joy 38:49 Overcoming Creative Sludge: The Importance of Letting Go 40:51 The Metaphor of the Tiger: Extinction and Replacement 47:38 Writing for the Unseen: Who is the Audience? 49:02 Crafting Beginnings and Endings: The Art of Closure 52:29 Research as a Joyful Exploration 55:52 The Balance of Pantsing and Outlining 57:59 Silvia Answers the OM Closing Five Of Monsters: A podcast with Nicole Shawan Junior [https://www.nicoleshawanjunior.com] features intimate chats with speculative fiction masterminds and the characters they create. Spread love. It's the Brooklyn way. Follow the podcast. Share it on your socials. Comment on what you hear. Find Of Monsters on IG [https://www.instagram.com/ofmonsterspod/]. Written and performed by Nicole Shawan Junior [https://www.nicoleshawanjunior.com/], the Of Monsters intro music was created by Ben Ford, produced by Caits Meissner [https://www.caitsmakesart.com/], and engineered by Tatenda Dizha [https://soundcloud.com/tatenda-dizha?utm_source=clipboard&utm_medium=text&utm_campaign=social_sharing].