[Ad Free] Episode 292 – Chuck Wendig & Little Vulgar Hell-Babies
Topics discussed
Introduction and the offer to discuss The Calamities
Chuck Wendig's recent trip to Scotland
The impetus for writing The Calamities
The duology structure and plot vs. character
D&D influences on storytelling and character dynamics
The demonic lineage and human-demon breeding
Comparisons to The Godfather and Succession
Horror game design and societal stratification
Managing exposition and world-building density
The mystery of the monster in Good Boy
Critique of world-building over storytelling
Characters as the vehicle for ideas
The influence of Clive Barker's work
Urban fantasy vs. horror and Barker's shorter works
Discussion of Staircase and personal demons
The nuance of monsters and the 'Vulgar Hell Baby'
The joy of writing dark and transgressive content
The 'Flesh and the Archive' and body horror
Themes of transaction, consumption, and power
Creating empathy for the worst characters
The 'Three Pint Rule' for character likability
Internal rivalry and the appeal of Succession
Why audiences are drawn to internecine conflict
Soap opera storytelling and The West Wing
The Calamities as a critique of late-stage capitalism
Character analysis: Key and his motivations
Character analysis: Morning and the need for change
Critique of Succession's character stagnation
Key's moral compromise and capitalism
Character analysis: Silas the serial killer
Silas's predatory nature and charm
Researching demonology and its societal roots
Visual history of demonology and Niberius
The character of Lucifer and the Romantic movement
The interconnectedness of Wendig's novels
The multiversal setup and cosmic stakes
The cosmic figure and the urge to destroy
Demons as teachers and the need for shattering
Book recommendation: Blacktail by CJ Leude
Neil's ghost tour experience in Edinburgh
Neil's encounter with a growl in the vaults
Closing remarks and future plans
Neil's review of The Calamities' tone
Favorite demon discussion and social media call
Outro and next episode preview
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