EP. 4 | CJ Leede — From Maeve Fly to Headlights: Grief and the American Landscape

In this episode of Uncanny Women Podcast, KJ Brantley sits down with CJ Leede, author of *Maeve Fly*, *American Rapture*, and *Headlights*. CJ reflects on the acclaim that followed the release of *Maeve Fly* and what it's been like navigating the expectations that come with a breakout debut. Together, they discuss how religion and grief have each shaped her work, the emotional power of body horror, and the ways America's cultural and physical landscapes finds its way into her fiction. The conversation explores writing flawed, unapologetic women, writing a MMC with emotional depth, the influence of place on storytelling, horror publishing, how she researched Colorado for her latest book, and the inspiration behind *Headlights*. CJ also shares her latest favorites written my women in horror. **Books by CJ Leede Mentioned** *Maeve Fly:* https://bookshop.org/a/111724/9781250857859 American Rapture: https://bookshop.org/a/111724/9781250857927 *Headlights:* https://bookshop.org/a/111724/9781250857965 **Books & Authors Recommended in This Episode** *Kiss, Slay, Replay* by Rachel Harrison: https://bookshop.org/a/111724/9798217188574 *Cranberry Cove* by Hailey Piper: https://bookshop.org/a/111724/9798988128632 *Game in Yellow* by Hailey Piper: https://bookshop.org/a/111724/9781668077085 **Connect with CJ Leede** Instagram / Threads / Bluesky: @ceejthemoment