No idea how I snuck into this Westword (Denver’s alt-weekly) article featuring five well-known Colorado horror authors–including Steve Rasnic Tem and Stephen Graham Jones–but I’ll take it!
– by Josh Schlossberg
Independent bookstores—used ones, in particular—are among my favorite human-made spaces. I love strolling between the shelves, inhaling that old book smell, discovering new stories I can let into my head. This is exactly how I’ve found quite a few authors I’d never heard of before, some of whom became my new favorites.
Unfortunately, most indie bookstores have long since bit the dust, with the last of them barely hanging on for dear life. But what if there was a way to save them?
Over the last century, traditional publishing has brought us the most famous horror stories ever told. Big names such as Stephen King and Dean Koontz thrust horror’s tendrils into the minds of millions of Americans, popularizing the genre.
Fast forward to 2019, where small presses and indie publishing are now bringing us the lion’s share of horror fiction—including what I believe to be some of the best stuff ever written, in what many are calling a horror renaissance.
The reason is simple: Small presses have more freedom to publish unique and diverse voices, acquired tastes that might not appeal to a mainstream palate. While these conduits can sometimes be hit or miss, more often than not, they’re where you’ll find the most artful—and dangerous—writing out there. Giving free rein to authors is how a literary genre evolves.
Which is why I’m all shivers to announce that, this fall, Denver Horror Collective (of which I’m a founding member) will be publishing a horror fiction anthology of its own!
Horror authors Stephen Graham Jones, DeAnna Knippling, Chris Phillips, Effie Rose, Thomas C. Mavroudis, Linnea Linton, and Josh Schlossberg unveil their psyches, recount the battles they’ve waged against their own personal demons, and share the stories these clashes inspired!
Presented by Josh Schlossberg and Atlas Obscura Society Denver
Filmed at Lighthouse Writers Workshop in Denver, Colorado on October 25, 2018
Video by Jeamus Wilkes
Video editing by Josh Schlossberg
There are those who don’t simply hunt their demons down, but gleefully grab them by the throats, squeeze the life out of them, and dip their pens in the blood to chronicle the tale—we call them horror fiction writers.
This October, celebrate Halloween season by confronting the demon on your chest with Atlas Obscura and six horror authors. Gathered together at the Lighthouse Writers Workshop, authors will unveil their psyches, recount the battles they’ve waged against their own personal demons, and share the stories these clashes inspired.
TICKETS (Drinking tickets include a selection of white and red wine.)
AUTHORS
Award-winning author Stephen Graham Jones (Mongrels, Mapping the Interior)
Novelist, short-story writer and two-time honorable mention in Ellen Datlow’s Year’s Best Horror, DeAnna Knippling (Alice’s Adventures in Underland, A Murder of Crows)
Horror Writers Association and Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers of America member Chris Phillips (IGMS, Apex Magazine, Penumbra eMag, Sci Phi Journal)
Thomas C. Mavroudis, MFA (Turn to Ash, Terror in 16-Bits, Year’s Best Body Horror, Weirdbook)
Dark fantasy writer Linnea Linton (Denver Horror Writers)
Ghost story aficionado Effie Rose (Denver Horror Writers)
A Q&A panel will follow the reading wherein you’ll be granted full creative license to poke and prod our dark scribes to your heart’s content, followed by an opportunity to purchase signed copies of their works, as well as plenty of time to mingle with your fellow guests over a glass of wine.
ADDITIONAL DETAILS
Alcohol is available for attendees with a valid 21+ ID.
Please arrive 15 minutes early to check-in. Follow signs downstairs to the “grotto.”
Event will run rain or shine.
This event is suitable for ages 12+.
ADA: This event is taking place in an old home that is not wheelchair accessible. We apologize for the inconvenience. Please contact james.oneill@atlasobscura.com for additional accessibility information/questions.
A small lot is adjacent to the building and street parking is available. Please read signs carefully and carpool when possible.
QUESTIONS?
Email James O’Neill at james.oneill@atlasobscura.com.
Stay connected! Check out our other events; join our Facebook Group for discussions, photos, and likeminded adventurers; subscribe to the Atlas Obscura Society Denver Newsletter for a first glimpse at upcoming events.
Advance tickets only. All sales final. No refunds or exchanges.
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Hex Publishers (2017)
AN OLD MINING TOWN
IN THE HEART OF THE ROCKIES:
BEST NOT DIG TOO DEEP.
The Gospel of Z by Stephen Graham Jones
Samhain Publishing (2014)
ZOMBIES ARE A CURSE
SAY THE MILITARY BRASS.
BUT WHAT SAY THE PRIESTS?
Mongrels by Stephen Graham Jones is, paws down, the best book I’ve ever read about werewolves.
Josh's Worst Nightmare 