Not Possessed, Possessing Power: Women in Horror

What happens when your dad shows you The Exorcist at age six and it changes your life forever?

For Kimberly Ramsawak, it sparked a lifelong fascination with horror that became a platform for empowerment, creativity, and connection.

Not Possessed, Possessing Power: Women in HorrorWho is Kimberly Ramsawak?

Kimberly is the creator of Horror Concierge, a Substack newsletter for women horror fans and creators. She is also the founder of Horror and Her, a coaching business that helps women build powerful newsletters and communities centered on their unique horror perspectives.

What we talk about in this episode

• Kimberly’s horror origin story and how The Exorcist became her lifelong favorite
• The link between horror and empowerment for women
• Why Substack is becoming a home for horror voices and creative community
• How to turn horror writing into a movement, not just a newsletter
• Why horror fans were more resilient during the COVID pandemic
• The growing diversity in the horror world and why representation matters
• The need for original storytelling and fewer remakes
• Kimberly’s favorite final person and why Naru from "Prey" stands above the rest

Favorite moments

• I was six when my dad sat me down to watch The Exorcist and Thriller. He told my mom, ‘They’re gonna learn not to be afraid of anything.’
• Everyone writes reviews. What’s your hill to die on? What’s the thing you can’t stop talking about? That’s your horror voice.
• Horror fans already survived the zombie apocalypse in our minds. That’s why we handled COVID better than most.

Why this episode matters

Kimberly shows how horror can be both a creative outlet and a path to healing. Her approach reminds us that when we confront what terrifies us, whether it is societal expectations or personal fear, we make space for growth, power, and reinvention.

Listen if you have ever

• Hidden your horror fandom at work or around friends who do not get it
• Wanted to start writing about horror but did not know where to begin
• Needed a reminder that fear can be fuel
• Wished to see more women and creators of color shaping the horror landscape

Connect with Kimberly

• Substack: Horror Concierge
• Coaching: Horror and Her

Question for our Horror Heal-iacs

What horror film or book made you feel seen for the first time?

Share your answer in the comments or tag us with #HorrorHeals. Your story may be featured in a future episode.