“Read, read, read. Read everything – trash, classics, good and bad, and see how they do it. Just like a carpenter who works as an apprentice and studies the master. Read! You’ll absorb it. Then write. If it’s good, you’ll find out. If it’s not, throw it out of the window.”
–William Faulkner
I’ve recommended books in the past, but I’m not sure if I’ve ever recommended anthologies. Why not, I asked myself…..Gee, Dahlia, I don’t know, I said back. So, I decided to make a change to be a better blogger and recommend some great spooky anthologies for your autumn spooky season reading.
Why anthologies? Well, why not? Anthologies are a buffet for horror lovers, serving up an array of scary stories, each one a delectable small bite of terror. You’ll feast on everything from spooky ghost tales to those spine-tingling dates with the supernatural. And because each story is by a different author, you get a taste of a variety of writing styles.
So, here we are. I’m going to talk about three anthologies that I think you will enjoy. Yes, I have stories in all three of these anthologies, one under my horror name. However, the authors I’m surrounded with are so top-tier that I just had to share them with you.
Like B-movies? In the world of horror, even the worst B-movie can be a treat to watch. But there are no bad stories here. Go with the authors on a blood-soaked journey with 13 talented authors as they guide you through a horrifying nostalgic stroll down Memory Lane in our B-Horror-inspired anthology.
Relive the thrill of browsing the shelves at your neighborhood video store, where hidden gems and cult classics awaited. Inside this most excellent anthology, you’ll meet menacing dolls, killer sludge, murderous firemen, and deadly amphibious creatures. It’s a collection so delightfully over-the-top, it deserves the southern-twang narration of Joe Bob Briggs himself, but unfortunately, they didn’t have the budget for that. Get your copy now; this is a book you’ll want to hit rewind on, savoring its gruesome delights time and time again! Click the picture to purchase.
Ooooo! Step into the realm of Colors in Darkness, an online platform dedicated to showcasing the voices of dark fiction from diverse authors. Forever Vacancy is their first anthology.
Here’s the set up: Amid the tumultuous backdrop of the 1960s, a mysterious beacon of malevolence emerged in the heart of a poverty-stricken and forsaken corner of Atlanta. Known as the Kretcher Motel, this mysterious establishment has maintained its sinister purpose throughout the years, beckoning lost souls, the troubled, and even the malevolent. Brace yourself as you check in, for what lies within these pages are thirteen harrowing tales, each dripping with the essence of horror, betrayal, fear, and wickedness.
In the world of the Kretcher, you’ll witness journeys through the uncharted territories of terror contain within its walls. In the Kretcher Motel, the boundaries between reality and the supernatural blur. From the eerie corridors to the foreboding rooms, every facet of this ominous locale serves as a backdrop for tales that will leave you mesmerized and changed forever. Or at least the excellent authors in this awesome anthology hope so. Click the picture to purchase.
Black Girl Magic Lit Mag – The Horror Issue
If you’re like me, you’re tired of that old trope where the Black character dies first in a horror movie. Of course you are. So, get ready for a change with the Black Girl Magic Lit Mag Horror Issue.
In a world where horror narratives have often sidelined or stereotyped Black characters, the Black Girl Magic Lit Mag Horror Issue takes a bold and empowering stance. These stories challege the status quo, break free from clichés, and give the readers a fresh perspective on horror storytelling. The pages are filled with thrilling, chilling, and spine-tingling tales that celebrate the strength, resilience, and unique experiences of Black characters in the horror genre. You won’t find them relegated to secondary roles or serving as mere plot devices or the best friend here.
Instead, these stories showcase the brilliance, courage, and complexity of Black protagonists as they confront (or perpetrate) the darkest of nightmares. Prepare to be captivated, frightened, and inspired by this great Black Girl Magic Lit Mag Horror Issue, where they kick out those tired stereotypes to embrace a new era of horror storytelling. Click the picture to purchase.