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FALL into These Five Fall Themed Horror Books
Fall into these five spectacular fall-themed horror books that will get you in the mood for crisp weather and spooky season!
Fall is my second favorite season after winter, and for those looking to step into the crisp weather and pumpkin spice lattes, here are some horror books to get you in the mood!
DARK HARVEST BY NORMAN PARTRIDGE
Amazon Description: Halloween, 1963. They call him the October Boy, or Ol' Hacksaw Face, or Sawtooth Jack. Whatever the name, everybody in this small Midwestern town knows who he is. How he rises from the cornfields every Halloween, a butcher knife in his hand, and makes his way toward town, where gangs of teenage boys eagerly await their chance to confront the legendary nightmare. Both the hunter and the hunted, the October Boy is the prize in an annual rite of life and death.
Pete McCormick knows that killing the October Boy is his one chance to escape a dead-end future in this one-horse town. He's willing to risk everything, including his life, to be a winner for once. But before the night is over, Pete will look into the saw-toothed face of horror―and discover the terrifying true secret of the October Boy.
BOUND FEET BY KELSEA YU-Okay, technically this is on the border of summer and fall, but still, it’s a great read that will get you in the mood for spooky season!
Amazon Description: On the night of the Hungry Ghost Moon, when spirits can briefly return to the living world, Jodi Wu and her best friend sneak into Portland’s Chinese Garden and Ghost Museum. Kneeling before the pond where Jodi’s toddler drowned one year before, they leave food offerings and burn joss paper—and Jodi prays that Ella’s ghost will return for the night.
To distract Jodi from her grief, the two friends tell each other ghost stories as they explore the museum. They stop at the main display, a centuries-old pair of lotus slippers belonging to a woman whose toes were broken and bound during childhood. While reading the woman’s story, Jodi hears her daughter’s voice.
As Jodi desperately searches the garden, it becomes apparent that Ella isn’t the only ghost they’ve awakened. Something ancient with a slow, shuffling step lurks in the shadows…
AUTUMN CTHULHU EDITED BY MIKE DAVIS
Amazon Description: Nominated for a Shirley Jackson Award!
H.P. Lovecraft, the American master of horror, understood with horrible clarity that all things must die. After summer is winter, and life inevitably gives way to frozen sterility. In our modern world, we live cushioned existences, and congratulate ourselves on our supposed escape from the old dangers. We think ourselves caught out of nature’s reach by our technological wizardry. Safely cocooned. This foolishness blinds us to the truth that our elder forebears could not avoid. Engulfed by the rhythms of the world, they understood... Autumn means death.
There are far worse fates than mere death, of course. As blight spreads, the leaves wither and fall — as do the most important foundations of life. There is nothing more horrible than watching the sources of meaning in your world unravel before you. But these things we cherish are just pretty lies. In autumn’s cold grasp, the bright petals of our reality shrivel and die. Beneath them, there is nothing but the insanity of the howling void. Faced with inevitable, agonizing corruption, death is a gentle blessing.
The stories collected in "Autumn Cthulhu" reflect the darkest, most ancient truths of the season. Inside, you’ll find nineteen beautiful, terrifying glimpses of decay and loss inspired by Lovecraft’s work. Be sure that you want the burden of understanding before venturing further, though. The dissolving strands of mind, of love, of legacy within leave no room for merciful doubt.
The true meaning of life is that there is no meaning.
BLACK RIVER ORCHARD BY CHUCK WENDIG
Amazon Description: LOCUS AWARD FINALIST • AN NPR BEST BOOK OF THE YEAR
It’s autumn in the town of Harrow, but something besides the season is changing there.
Because in that town there is an orchard, and in that orchard, seven most unusual trees. And from those trees grows a new sort of apple: strange, beautiful, with skin so red it’s nearly black.
Take a bite of one of these apples, and you will desire only to devour another. And another. You will become stronger. More vital. More yourself, you will believe. But then your appetite for the apples and their peculiar gifts will keep growing—and become darker.
This is what happens when the townsfolk discover the secret of the orchard. Soon it seems that everyone is consumed by an obsession with the magic of the apples . . . and what’s the harm, if it is making them all happier, more confident, more powerful?
Even if something else is buried in the orchard besides the seeds of these extraordinary trees: a bloody history whose roots reach back to the very origins of the town.
But now the leaves are falling. The days grow darker. It’s harvest time, and the town will soon reap what it has sown.
THROUGH THE WOODS BY EMILY CARROLL
Amazon Description: Discover a terrifying world in the woods in this collection of five hauntingly beautiful graphic stories that includes the online webcomic sensation “His Face All Red,” in print for the first time.
Journey through the woods in this sinister, compellingly spooky collection that features four brand-new stories and one phenomenally popular tale in print for the first time. These are fairy tales gone seriously wrong, where you can travel to “Our Neighbor’s House”—though coming back might be a problem. Or find yourself a young bride in a house that holds a terrible secret in “A Lady’s Hands Are Cold.” You might try to figure out what is haunting “My Friend Janna,” or discover that your brother’s fiancée may not be what she seems in “The Nesting Place.” And of course you must revisit the horror of “His Face All Red,” the breakout webcomic hit that has been gorgeously translated to the printed page.
HAPPY READING!
Back to School Horror Books!
It’s back to school time! Let’s jump into some horror book recommendations that are set in schools:
Killer Nashville Claymore Award Finalist!
My screenplay is a finalist!
I’m beyond thrilled to announce that my screenplay for Food Fright (my first ever published book) is a Killer Nashville Claymore Award Finalist! It moved from the top 20 to the top 6!
If you haven’t had a chance to check out Food Fright, here’s a bit about it, and you can purchase it here!
High school junior Cassie Adler just wanted the bullying to stop. She thought gaining a spot on the varsity soccer team would whip up instant friends, but it isn't until the popular girls need Cassie's help that they acknowledge her presence. Cassie reluctantly agrees to participate in a prank that turns sour fast. Now with blood on their hands, she and the popular girls race to cover their tracks. But something savage knows what they've done, and it's hungry for revenge. Can Cassie redeem herself before it's too late, or will her deadly sins ketchup to her?
Book 7 in the Rewind-or-Die series: imagine your local movie rental store back in the ’70s, ’80s, and ’90s, remember all those fantastic covers. Remember taking those movies home and watching in awe as the stories unfolded in nasty rainbows of gore, remember the atmosphere and textures. Remember the blood.
Ready for Horror Beach Reads?
Three spooky horror books perfect for a relaxing day at the beach!
Who is ready to sit by the pool with a good horror book? Here’s a few suggestions!
It’s time for SUMMER HORROR!
Beach horror movies other than Jaws!
I’m not a fan of the heat, but I LOVE summer horror! Of course, one of the most popular summer horror movies is Jaws, but what about other beach horror movies that are just as thrilling? Here’s some recommendations!
Piranha is just camp b-horror fun! As you can probably guess, a bunch of human-munching piranhas are in the water, and they’re hungry!
Sweetheart is one of the most underrated movies ever! At least, in my opinion. It’s a tense story of a young woman trapped on a deserted island while a creature hunts her.
Beach House features a struggling couple who escape to … you guessed it … a beach house to try and fix their relationship. Soon, they’re interrupted by an older couple and a mysterious environmental concern.
Who doesn’t know The Meg? Okay, just in case you don’t The Meg is about a mega shark that escapes the bottom of the ocean and reeks havoc.
Happy Summer!
HAPPY PRIDE!
IT’S HERE!!!!!!! GET READY FOR FUN PRIDE CONTENT!
Please note, all month the templates are provided by H.Everend who you can hire for your social media needs :)
What is Pink Horror?
What is pink horror? Can men write it? Which books have I written that are pink horror? We look at these questions and discuss this important topic!
The Definition of Pink Horror:
It’s a new term for an old concept. Pink horror is all about uplifting women, femmes, and non-binary writers. It focuses on the real issues these communities face and contains characters, plots, and values with these individuals in mind. Also, there’s plenty of toppling the patriarchy!
Recently, an individuals reached out and asked if all pink horror includes non-binary individuals. I hadn’t even considered otherwise; to me, pink horror doesn’t exist without all non-binary writers; however, after further researched, I noticed some definitions excluding this group of authors.
While the idea of pink horror may be rooted in women and femmes, feminism is not. Intersectional feminism is broad, inclusive in all respects, and effects everyone (even those who deny the need for feminists). I consider pink horror feminist writing, so it makes sense to me that the inclusivity would be extended.
Also, pink horror doesn’t have to be just focused on the seriousness or tragedy of this community. It can be silly, funny, upbeat, and really, anything you can dream up, as long as it holds to the overall tenants of the pink horror definition, which really, is still evolving, so unleash your inner pink feminist and get creative!
Who are the Pink Horror Audiences?
Literally, anyone and everyone. While it’s certainly written for a certain audience, I highly encourage cis-hetero-white men to read and absorb the stories. These are the men at the top of the patriarchy, and it’s always important for this group to check themselves, their actions, and the actions of other men. A great way to understand the point-of-view outside the patriarchy is through storytelling. So, if you’re the leaders of the patriarchy, please pick up some pink horror and give it a read with an open mind!
Can Cis-Hetero-Men Write Pink Horror?
In general, I don’t like censoring what an author can and can’t write. I find the mindset of “this isn’t for you” exclusionary (even if it’s true). My idea of toppling the patriarchy means working with all communities, even those who have permanent seats at the proverbial table. That doesn’t mean everyone agrees with my opinion, and I completely understand that. Reading about a personal topic by someone who hasn’t lived it can be extremely frustrating to say the very least. So, back to the original question. I’d say every cis-hetero-man will have to decide that for himself; however, if his book takes the place of an equally qualified story written by a member of a marginalized community, the man should be prepared for backlash. While writing pink horror as a man and publishing it for free on a blog with no intention of progressing towards publication where they profit is one topic, being published and becoming a best seller and profiting while a marginalized writer is tossed into the slush pile is a different topic.
In a perfect world, in my mind, there would be room for all of us at the table. We have a long way to go for that.
How Are My Books Pink Horror?
Dissociate Identity Disorder: Mental Health Awareness Month
It’s Mental Health Awareness month which means we’re going to be diving in to how the horror genre handles this sensitive topic. We’re going to talk about specific mental health concerns, movies and books that get it right (and wrong), and share personal stories to help spread awareness and break the stigma!
Today, we dive into dissociative identity disorder, a commonly used plot device within the horror community. Often, it feels like writers are quick to add mental illness as a character plot point without doing proper research and presenting the mental illness with accuracy and respect. In my opinion, these are some books that do it right. Note: I realize Fight Club isn’t a horror book, but I believe it handles the topic well.
3 Body Problem: Not A Problem for Viewers
The 3 Body Problem Series on Netflix isn’t a Problem for Viewers
I’m about halfway through the new Netflix show 3 Body Problem, so let’s chat about this big budget adaptation.
First, you may be like me and have started the series completely unaware that this is adapted from a book series written by Liu Cixin. The first book, The Three-Body Problem, seems to follow closely to the Netflix show as ties into China’s Cultural Revolution where an alien signal is first received. Not having read the books (yet), I can’t say if the show follows the rest of the series, but as a stand alone from the literature from which it’s based, Netflix seems to have a hit on their hands.
The show vacillates from China’s Cultural Revolution to present day London where scientists are experiencing high suicide rates. Slowly, the series pieces together an intriguing puzzle linking the two and weaving mystery into a wonderfully tense plot.
So what is the 3 Body Problem?
I won’t give too much away since this is certainly a show worth watching but know that the 3 body problem sits at the heart of the alien contact. While you may think you understand the intention of this integral story element, there is a clever pivot which shifts the focus of the characters’ overall intentions.
Who is in the cast?
The characters come to life with a dynamic and talented group of actors. Here’s the core five:
3 Body Problem Cast
Eiza González (I Care A Lot, Godzilla vs. Kong, Fast & Furious Presents: Hobbs & Shaw) plays Auggie Salazar, a brilliant nanotech expert on the verge of revolutionizing the industry.
John Bradley (Game of Thrones, North Shore) plays the lovable (if not stereotypical) silly sidekick and comedic relief who quit his posh college life and to start a snack business empire.
Jess Hong (Inked, The Brokenwood Mysteries) plays a genius theoretical physicist who finds herself entangled in a complex web
Jovan Adepo (Babylon, Watchmen (series)) plays the scientist who isn’t as serious as the rest but a loyal friend
Alex Sharp (How to Talk to Girls at Parties) plays the lovable, if not a bit sad, physics teacher who receives life changing news
From what I can tell from reading about this series online, the book has very different characters, but again, I’ve yet to read it.
What I can say is that halfway into the series, I’m completely hooked. There’s tons of twists and curious moments, intrigue and mystery, and plenty of tension. To watch, go to Netflix!