Morbid Episode 697: Possessed by Paperbacks: A Chat with Grady Hendrix

Released on August 11, 2025

Hosted by Ash and Elena from Morbid Network | Wondery

Introduction of Grady Hendrix

In this special episode of Morbid, hosts Ash and Elena welcome bestselling author Grady Hendrix to discuss his intriguing works and creative process.

Grady Hendrix: "Talking is my preferred mode of existence. If I'm not talking, I'm not sure I exist." [02:26]

Grady's Writing Journey and Personal Insights

Grady delves into his journey as a writer, revealing the personal challenges and breakthroughs that have shaped his storytelling.

• Embracing Vulnerability in Writing:

  • Grady emphasizes the importance of writing authentically, sharing personal anecdotes to create relatable characters.

    Grady: "The more I put in stuff that I found embarrassing and difficult, the more readers responded to it." [13:32]

• Overcoming Initial Struggles:

  • He recounts his early attempts at writing, where his initial drafts were uninspired until he embraced his true experiences.

    Grady: "The first time I realized that the more I put in stuff that I found embarrassing and difficult, the more readers responded to it." [13:32]

• Influence of Personal Life:

  • Grady discusses how his upbringing and personal life, including his family's dynamics, influence his writing style and character development.

    Grady: "I just was like, I need to break myself in this habit." [11:37]

Deep Dive into Grady's Works

The conversation shifts to Grady's notable books, focusing on "My Best Friend's Exorcism" and "Witchcraft for Wayward Girls".

• "My Best Friend's Exorcism":

  • Ash and Elena highlight the book's unique perspective and its impact on readers.

    Elena: "You were able to tell the story from a female perspective and really get into the frame." [08:56]

• "Witchcraft for Wayward Girls":

  • Grady describes his research-intensive approach and his passion for weaving historical elements into his narratives.

    Grady: "I do research, but most of my research is really nuts and bolts and logistical." [04:36]

• Character Development:

  • Grady explains his method for creating authentic female characters, drawing from his personal experiences with his sisters and wife.

    Grady: "I'm kind of like, well, yeah, I love parking far away from a venue if I'm going to see a show or something..." [22:26]

Grady's Upcoming Projects and Events

Grady shares insights into his upcoming non-fiction book "These Fists Break Bricks", a history of kung fu movies in America, and his plans for a new podcast series.

• Upcoming Book:

  • "These Fists Break Bricks" explores the cultural impact of kung fu films in the United States.

    Grady: "Which even if it doesn't seem like your thing, it's sort of paperback from hell, but for like kung fu movies instead of paperback horror." [70:01]

• New Podcast Series:

  • Grady hints at a second season focused on haunted houses, aiming for a more professional production.

    Grady: "I'm trying to be more professional. I work with editors and musicians and actors..." [71:33]

"Would You Rather" Game Segment

A highlight of the episode is the interactive "Would You Rather" game, where Ash, Elena, and Grady engage in humorous and thought-provoking scenarios.

• Cursed Writing Partners:

  • Question: Would you rather co-author with a sentient cursed book or an eldritch horror who writes in Comic Sans?

    Grady: "I'd go with the eldritch horror. We might come to know each other and appreciate our differences." [30:56]

    Elena: "I'd go with the eldritch horror because I love the idea of the book being called 'Sexy Spells for Sassy Sorcerers.'" [33:22]

• Haunted Writing Tools:

  • Question: Would you rather write with a haunted typewriter that provides sassy commentary or a cursed laptop sabotaging your drafts?

    Grady: "I'd choose the cursed laptop. It would require me to collaborate and might lead to interesting storytelling." [34:42]

    Elena: "I'd prefer the haunted typewriter but ultimately leaned towards the laptop to avoid constant interruptions." [42:11]

• Living in Fictional Settings:

  • Question: Would you rather spend a week in Shirley Jackson's Hill House or a weekend with the witches from Suspiria?

    Grady: "Definitely a weekend girls trip with the witches from Suspiria. It sounds like a blast." [45:54]

    Ash and Elena agree, highlighting the allure of interactive and dynamic settings over prolonged haunted experiences.

• Cursed Environments:

  • Question: Would you rather be trapped in a haunted house with murder puppets or live with them for a year?

    Grady: "I'd opt to live with the murder puppets for a year. They’re tiny and adorable, and I’d enjoy the companionship." [49:34]

    Ash and Elena discuss strategies to coexist with the puppets, adding humor to the eerie scenario.

Closing Thoughts and Recommendations

As the episode wraps up, Grady discusses the importance of events and engaging with readers personally. Ash and Elena encourage listeners to attend Grady's book events, praising their uniqueness and interactive nature.

Grady: "If you know me, you know that I am a cat lover to the fullest extent." [39:18]

He also touches on the challenges of balancing writing with personal life, expressing optimism for his upcoming projects.

Grady: "Hopefully, this first draft of this new book will be done by September." [71:46]

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Grady on Writing and Existence:

  • "If I'm not talking, I'm not sure I exist." [02:26]

• On Embracing Vulnerability:

  • "The more I put in stuff that I found embarrassing and difficult, the more readers responded to it." [13:32]

• On Character Development:

  • "I can write a robot. Why can't I write... you can think it through and not be a knucklehead." [21:47]

• On Hosting and Events:

  • "People who leave the house for a book event should be assured that I'm the stupidest person in the room, not them." [03:44]

• On Future Projects:

  • "These Fists Break Bricks... a history of how kung fu movies came to America." [70:01]

Conclusion

Episode 697 of Morbid offers a deep and entertaining dive into the mind of Grady Hendrix, exploring his literary creations, personal experiences, and the creative process behind his bestselling novels. The interactive "Would You Rather" segment adds a playful dimension, making this episode a must-listen for true crime and horror enthusiasts eager to understand the intricacies of a master storyteller.