Podcast Summary: The Stacks – Ep. 375 "The Gospel of the Dispossessed" with S.A. Cosby

Release Date: June 11, 2025

Introduction

In Episode 375 of The Stacks, host Traci Thomas welcomes New York Times bestselling author S.A. Cosby, a prominent voice in the crime, mystery, and thriller genres renowned for his unique take on Southern noir. This episode delves deep into Cosby's latest novel, King of Ashes, exploring its intricate family dynamics, themes of violence, and literary influences.

Overview of King of Ashes

Traci begins by introducing King of Ashes, a Godfather-inspired crime epic that follows the Carruthers family—Roman, Nevaeh, and Dante—as they navigate threats from local criminals and grapple with past traumas, including the mysterious disappearance of their mother.

Defining Noir and Cosby's Approach to Violence

Cosby elaborates on his classification as a Southern noir crime fiction author, emphasizing that noir encompasses characters at their most desperate, often engaging in morally ambiguous actions. He states:

"Noir is people on the street falling in the gutter... it's people at their most desperate, doing really bad things for what they think are good reasons." ([36:12])

When discussing violence in his writing, Cosby underscores that it is a necessary component to propel the narrative and reveal character traits. He asserts:

"Violence is expository. Violence moves the story. Violence tests the metal of the characters." ([12:32])

He emphasizes meticulous detail in violent scenes to immerse readers:

"I want you to feel the sweat, the spit, the crunch of bone... I want you to feel all that." ([16:09])

Literary Influences: Shakespeare and Beyond

A passionate Shakespeare aficionado, Cosby shares his admiration for plays like Macbeth and Titus Andronicus, drawing parallels between their themes and his work. Discussing Macbeth, he notes:

"Macbeth is a badass... but he's also incredibly insecure. It's all about man's hubris." ([18:48])

He also credits modern literary works and classic cinema as significant influences, aiming to craft stories that feel both personal and legendary.

Writing Process and Character Development

Cosby describes his disciplined yet flexible writing process, combining structured synopses with character biographies to ensure depth and consistency. He reveals:

"I write pretty extensive biographies for the characters... it's the reason he always wear aviator sunglasses." ([55:53])

He also shares his superstitions, such as wearing a "lucky hat" while writing and celebrating each completed book with a special whiskey shot.

Audience and Representation

Acknowledging a strong following among female readers and writers, Cosby discusses his commitment to authentic and respectful representation, particularly of African American women. He reflects on feedback from readers and the importance of not limiting his storytelling by targeting a specific audience:

"I don't write for any specific audience. I write to tell a good story, and to entertain me." ([43:27])

He shares experiences handling criticism, especially concerning representations of the LGBTQ community, emphasizing respect and authenticity in his portrayals.

Handling Criticism and Online Feedback

Cosby addresses the challenges of online criticism, particularly regarding sensitive portrayals. He emphasizes resilience and the importance of coming from a place of respect:

"If you're making homophobes angry, you're doing God's work." ([50:06])

He recounts discussions with sensitive readers that have shaped his approach to writing diverse characters.

Recommendations and Influences

When asked to recommend books akin to King of Ashes, Cosby suggests titles like Dead Though I May by Adrian McKinney, The Godfather by Mario Puzo, and City of Fire by Don Winslow, highlighting their exploration of family dynamics within crime narratives.

Conclusion

The episode culminates with heartfelt gratitude as Cosby expresses his admiration for fellow writers like Jesmyn Ward and shares the significance of his audiobook narrator, Adam Lazar White. Traci and Cosby conclude by encouraging listeners to explore King of Ashes and engage with his compelling storytelling.

Notable Quotes

• S.A. Cosby on Reading and Writing:

  "If you want to be a writer, you have to read voraciously and not just so you can copy other writers." ([02:14])

• On Violence in Storytelling:

  "Violence is the language which some people speak." ([12:32])

• Defining Noir:

  "Noir is people on the street falling in the gutter... it's people at their most desperate, doing really bad things for what they think are good reasons." ([36:12])

• Handling Criticism:

  "I don't engage... I know that I wrote it to the best of my ability." ([50:09])

Additional Resources

• King of Ashes by S.A. Cosby is available wherever books are sold.
• Follow The Stacks podcast on Instagram and other social media platforms for updates and more.

Conclusion

Episode 375 of The Stacks offers an in-depth conversation with S.A. Cosby, providing listeners with valuable insights into his writing philosophy, the creation of King of Ashes, and the broader themes of noir and representation in contemporary crime fiction. Cosby's thoughtful approach to storytelling and character development underscores his position as a standout author in the genre.