Season 1 | Episode 9: There's No Way I'd Die First x  Lisa Springer x  Latesha Dejean

Podcast Transcript:

Speaker 1 (00:00):
Give me 13 influencers in a creepy mansion on Halloween. All go in, but not all will come out. This hair raising ya horror novel is right in time for spooky season. Are you ready?

(((♪♫The Books en Vogue Podcast Intro ♪♫)))

Welcome book lovers, to The Books en Vogue podcast.

This is your premiere listening experience all about immersive reading and helping avid and reluctant readers alike imagine book characters like never before.

I am your host, Kat Trinidad.

The format of the show is: I introduce a book, share tips on how you can engage your senses as you read this title, (Because… it’s one thing to be a mood reader but you get a little something extra from the story when you are a set the mood reader). And finally, I will end the show with a reimagining of my favorite scene.

Today We will discuss techniques for getting into There’s No Way I’d Die First by Lisa Springer, with fellow reader the book influencer behind Bookish Girl Magic, Latesha Dejean.

Welcome Latesha.

Speaker 2 (01:38):
Thanks for having me. Kat,

Speaker 1 (01:40):
Please tell us about the book.

Speaker 2 (01:44):
There’s No Way I’d Die First Is a YA horror that takes place in a mansion in Long Island New York at an exclusive Halloween party and a murderous clown takes over. It gives all the vibes one would look for in a horror but the Black Girl is at the center. It kept me up all night reading it and has lived rent free in my head since I finished it even though I’m not a horror girlie!

Speaker 1 (02:08):
Well, thank you so much for that. Latesha. Do you care to join me in a discussion of some tips for setting the reading mood?

Speaker 2 (02:16):
Of course. I love a good book discussion.

Speaker 1 (02:20):
Okay, well book lovers. I hope you have your writing utensils ready because class is in session.

(((♪♫5 Senses Segment Intro ♪♫)))

So Latesha, what’s the vibe? How can we engage our spirit as we read this book?

Speaker 2 (02:54):
It may feel like your spirit is detaching from your body with anxiety and nervousness for the party goers. So it might be a little bit difficult.

Speaker 1 (03:03):
Okay. Okay. So what is the sound of There’s No Way I’d Die First? What key notes in music or nature could set the tone as we read this novel?

Speaker 2 (03:13):
It’s like a creepy jack in the box churning up, ready to pop open. It’s like that moment that you know it’s going to happen, but you are just anxiously waiting for it. You know what I mean?

Speaker 1 (03:28):
Absolutely. I was on edge the entire time, so I definitely understand that. Do you care to share the aesthetics? This can be any visuals aside from the book such as lighting.

Speaker 2 (03:42):
I’d say it’s shadowy in its lighting. Read it during the day if you’re jumpy and at night if you want to lean into the horror vibes, what would you say? I

Speaker 1 (03:53):
Always say when I pick the book up, I started reading at night, which was a terrible idea. I wasn’t expecting this level of creepiness and I definitely wish I had started it during the day. Yeah,

Speaker 2 (04:09):
That’s fair.

Speaker 1 (04:11):
So what’s the flavor? Any food or drink companions for this title?

Speaker 2 (04:16):
I’d say theater style, popcorn and punch. Though I did a lot of nail biting while reading, which is not necessarily a flavor, but it does kind of match the mood. What about you?

Speaker 1 (04:29):
I think if I would’ve tried to consume anything while reading this, I would’ve choked just because of the amount of jump scares or the amount of surprising things happening. It was too much for me to even contemplate putting anything in my mouth as I read. No. So what is the aroma? Are there any smells to transport us into the pages?

Speaker 2 (04:56):
I would say blown out candles and copper, the tanginess of copper, but also the smell emitted from a stack of dollar bills since all the kids are rich and privileged.

Speaker 1 (05:10):
Okay, I can see that candle. I can see that. I can see that. Absolutely. So how can we get more of the build?

Speaker 2 (05:22):
Definitely curl up in a comfy blanket with a pillow or a stuffed animal nearby it to hold onto and a dimly lit room because you want to hold onto something. What about you?

Speaker 1 (05:38):
I found myself reaching for my puppy and hugging her entirely too tight. So much so that she fled the room and then I found myself alone. Alone with my fears in the book

Speaker 2 (05:50):
Awww poor thing.

Speaker 1 (05:52):
Yeah. So something warm and cuddly, maybe not your pet.

Well there you go, book lovers. These are your recommended supplies as you read this title. If you’re able, pause and get some of these if available or simply imagine.

Because it’s time for my favorite scene!

Disclaimer: Please note that exact words, names, locations, and or scenarios mentioned in this reimagined reenactment may differ from the actual book.

(((♪♫Scene Segment Intro ♪♫)))

“When the Clown enters the Chat” (((pg 53/ Chapter 6))
Starring Latesha Dejean as Demario Rollins
& Kat Trinidad as Noelle Layne

(((♪♫Soap Opera Instrumental starts… ♪♫)))

(((ding dong, ding dong, ding dong, ding)))

Speaker 1: Geez, I’m coming. I’m walking as fast as I can.

Speaker 2 (07:04):
You could definitely walk faster if you weren’t tipsy. I’m just saying.

 (((door creaks open)))

Speaker 1 (07:11):
Yay. Gage the clown. Is this him? He has a rainbow umbrella in the pouring rain, and even though I am expecting a clown, the white painted face and shock of red hair is putting me on edge. Curved red lines arch from the corners of his downturned mouth, and he peers at me with heavily kohled brown eyes.

“Gage?” I mean that is your name right?

Okay Mr. tall creepy and silent thanks for the nods of confirmation and the business card.

Speaker 2 (07:59):
Gage “The Clown” Derry…

Speaker 1 (08:03):
Ahhh! Did you have to sneak up on me like that?

Speaker 2 (08:06):
Hold still. I’m trying to read the card. Jackass of all trades old Brookville Entertainment, but he doesn’t speak.

Speaker 1 (08:17):
I mean, maybe he’s in character.

Speaker 2 (08:23):
His white ruffled high collar is dotted with yellow age spots and with one of the red pompoms dangles from his floy shirt. Even his wig is lopsided in dire need of styling. He looks as if he has literally just rolled out of the sewer. Definitely not the official officially licensed “IT” Clown.

Speaker 1 (08:46):
Yeah, definitely not what I was expecting. I take it that battered brown leather trunk with the thick brass buckles and ribbons are your supplies. You need help? It looks kind of heavy.

Speaker 2 (09:05):
What kind of props does he have in there? I wonder.

Speaker 1 (09:09):
Chill. Just an evil clown.

Speaker 2 (09:15):
That’s what you wanted.

Speaker 1 (09:17):
I mean, yeah, but it’s kind of too weird though. I knew I should have ordered premium clown practice package. Well, come on, engage

Speaker 2 (09:29):
Dude. He even has a mouthful of pointy yellow fake teeth that looked like jagged tombstones When he smiles.

(((step… creepy walking)))

Did he literally just take a giant step over the threshold with his oversized yellow shoes like a vampire accepting an invitation inside.

(((clap of thunder)))

(((flock of startled birds flying)))

(((music stops)))

Speaker 1 (10:01):
Everyone. This is Gage. He’s here for the game Gage. Is it?

(((crickets)))

Get it?

(((crickets)))

Speaker 2:

 (((awkward laugh)))

Speaker 1:

I guess a pun about a demented clown and a kids’ game hits different when there’s an actual creepy clown in the room.

(((♪♫Soap Opera Instrumental stops… ♪♫)))

(((♪♫The Books en Vogue Podcast Instrumental ♪♫)))

Speaker 1 (10:31):
Book. Lovers!

If you have enjoyed this sneak peek, you can get more by reading the whole book. There’s No Way I’d Die First is available at your local library and everywhere books are sold. And if it’s not, request it, because you deserve to read all the books that interest you!

And if you have already read There’s No Way I’d Die First, or are in the middle of reading it, let me know in the comments what you like to do to set the mood for reading, because I would love to hear from you! So, please leave your feedback.

Latesha, is there anything else you would like to share with the listeners?

Speaker 2 (11:08):
I hope you all love this book as much as I did. Feel free to find and follow me on Instagram, Twitter, and threads. Let’s talk about it

Speaker 1 (11:17):
Again, thank you Latesha, for joining us today.

Speaker 2 (11:22):
Thank you again for having me.

Speaker 1 (11:25):
And thank you book lovers for listening. With peace, love, and joy, happy reading!

(((♪♫The Books en Vogue Podcast Outro ♪♫)))

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