Tag: womeninhorror

The Importance of Women in Horror Fiction: Why Their Voices Matter

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When you think of horror authors, a lot of names that probably come to mind are men—Stephen King, H.P. Lovecraft, and Edgar Allan Poe, for example. But did you know that women have been just as integral to the horror genre, crafting some of the most influential and spine-chilling stories? While their contributions were often overlooked, women in horror have not only shaped the genre but have also used it as a platform to explore deep, complex themes that resonate with us on a deeply personal level. And that’s something we shouldn’t overlook.

Breaking the Mold

For a long time, horror fiction was predominantly written by men, which, let’s be honest, often led to stories that focused on the same types of characters, plots, and themes. But then came women writers who weren’t afraid to push boundaries and challenge what horror could be. From Shirley Jackson’s unsettling psychological horror to Mary Shelley’s groundbreaking Frankenstein, women have always had a hand in redefining the genre. They brought something fresh, something that explored not only monsters and the supernatural, but also the very real monsters inside our heads, the complexities of human emotions, and societal fears.

Take The Haunting of Hill House by Shirley Jackson. It’s not just a ghost story; it’s a tale about loneliness, mental illness, and how isolation can destroy a person. It taps into very real human fears and makes us question what’s real and what isn’t. It’s this depth of emotion and the ability to blend the supernatural with personal struggles that women have brought to the genre. And that’s one reason why their contributions are so significant—they make horror more relatable, more reflective of the human condition.

Women Exploring Real Fears

One thing women authors in horror often excel at is turning the genre inward. While many male horror writers focused on external threats like monsters, women writers have frequently explored more internal, personal fears. Think of Margaret Atwood’s The Handmaid’s Tale or Helen Oyeyemi’s White Is for Witching. These authors weave horror into narratives that reflect on real-world issues like power, control, identity, and societal structures. And that’s part of what makes women’s voices so important in horror—there’s an element of horror in everyday life that women, especially, are acutely attuned to.

In The Bloody Chamber, Angela Carter reimagines classic fairy tales, adding layers of feminist critique and sexual politics. Her retellings are dark, unsettling, and frequently tackle themes like power dynamics, gender, and the violence women endure, themes that often go unexplored in traditional horror. In this way, women in horror help broaden the conversation, allowing the genre to evolve into something that can address issues of inequality, fear, and vulnerability that are unique to women.

The Future of Women in Horror

The future of horror is bright, and it’s becoming increasingly clear that women will be driving the genre forward. More and more women authors are taking center stage, and the stories they are telling are diverse, powerful, and innovative. From psychological thrillers to body horror and speculative fiction, women are continuously expanding what horror can be. Authors like Tananarive Due, Silvia Moreno-Garcia, and Carmen Maria Machado are blending horror with elements of cultural identity, race, and trauma, creating stories that are both terrifying and thought-provoking.

Horror isn’t just about scaring people—it’s about reflection, confrontation, and exploring the unknown. Women in horror give us a unique lens through which we can experience these emotions. They’re breaking down walls, amplifying marginalized voices, and creating more inclusive, diverse narratives. And that’s something the genre desperately needs.

Final Thoughts

So, why are women in horror so important? Because they bring new perspectives, new themes, and new layers of meaning to a genre that has the power to examine our deepest fears. They challenge us to look at the world through a different lens, to confront uncomfortable truths, and to question what really scares us. As the genre continues to grow and evolve, one thing’s for sure—women will continue to be at the heart of it, making horror richer, deeper, and far more compelling.

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Women in Horror: Redefining the Genre and Shaping Fear

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The horror genre, with its history of jump scares, suspense, and psychological terror, has often been seen as a space primarily dominated by men—both on-screen and behind the scenes. Yet, as audiences grow more diverse and as filmmakers explore new approaches to storytelling, women have increasingly made their mark in the world of horror. Whether through compelling on-screen performances, dynamic characters, or groundbreaking directorial and writing roles, women are becoming crucial in the evolution of the genre, shaping the way we understand and experience fear.

The Evolution of Female Characters in Horror

For decades, women in horror were primarily portrayed as victims, often relegated to the role of the “final girl”—the lone survivor who outwits the killer. While characters like Laurie Strode from Halloween (1978) and Sally Hardesty from The Texas Chainsaw Massacre (1974) became staples of the genre, they often served as one-dimensional tropes of purity and innocence, simply surviving the terror unleashed by male antagonists. But as the genre has evolved, so have these female characters. No longer are they helpless victims, but multifaceted, empowered individuals who face terror with resourcefulness, courage, and strength.

Films like The Descent (2005) and The Witch (2015) introduced complex female characters who not only survived the terror but confronted their own fears, flaws, and complexities. The rise of these characters marks a significant shift in the genre, moving away from simple tropes and toward nuanced portrayals of women navigating horror in various forms. These women aren’t merely defined by their relationships to male characters or their ability to survive. Instead, they become central to the plot, shaping the story and driving the action.

Women as Creators in the Genre

While women have historically been underrepresented in horror filmmaking, this is beginning to change. Female directors and writers are increasingly using horror as a platform to explore themes like trauma, gender, and societal expectations. These films often provide a unique and important perspective, one that reflects the experiences of women navigating a world filled with its own set of dangers and societal pressures.

Director and writer Jennifer Kent made waves with her 2014 film The Babadook, a chilling exploration of grief, motherhood, and psychological terror. Kent’s ability to blend supernatural horror with real emotional trauma resonated deeply with audiences and critics alike. Her work paved the way for other female filmmakers, proving that women could tell horror stories with both depth and intensity.

Other notable women in horror include Mary Harron, who directed American Psycho (2000), a film that blends horror with social commentary on masculinity and identity. In recent years, filmmakers like Ari Aster (Hereditary) and Jordan Peele (Get Out) have created psychologically rich horror films that tap into societal fears, many of which echo the experiences of women in particular. As a result, women directors, producers, and writers are now more prominent than ever in shaping the genre.

The Importance of Women in Horror

The increasing representation of women in horror—both in front of and behind the camera—brings valuable perspectives to the genre. Horror, as a genre, is uniquely suited to explore human fears, traumas, and anxieties. When women have the opportunity to tell these stories, the result is often a more nuanced and complex portrayal of fear, one that speaks not just to the universal but also to the distinctly female experience.

Moreover, the rise of strong, multifaceted female characters challenges outdated gender roles and stereotypes, allowing audiences to see women as more than just victims or sidekicks. Instead, they are presented as active participants in the horror narrative, often driving the plot forward and confronting fears that are both supernatural and rooted in reality.

Final Thoughts

Women in horror are breaking barriers and redefining what it means to be both scared and powerful. As creators, they’re bringing fresh and important perspectives to the genre, pushing the boundaries of storytelling. As characters, they are no longer bound by the constraints of outdated stereotypes but are becoming integral parts of the narrative, embodying strength, resilience, and complexity. With the continued rise of female filmmakers and characters in horror, it’s clear that women are shaping the future of fear in ways that are both empowering and thought-provoking.

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Gothic Tales: Thirteen Modern Retellings You Must Read – Into the Dread Unknown: Women in Horror Anthology

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A curse. A castle. Strange noises in the dark. What could possibly go wrong?

Thirteen authors explore the chilling theme of Gothic Literature with a modern twist. In this collection you will find fairytale retellings, folklore, and atmospheric settings bound to seduce as much as it unsettles.

Stories included:

Strega by Azzurra Nox

The Howling Places by L.E. Daniels

Moonlight Sonata by Grace R. Reynolds

Green Eyes by DW Milton

Kiss Me To Sleep by Pauline Yates

Ring of Blood, Ring of Ashes by Jasmine De La Paz

Please Serve Cold by Rachel Bolton

Thief of Dreams by Elana Gomel

The Secret of Thornwick Hall by Alyson Faye

Becoming The Deathless by Joni Chng

The Lady and the Viper by Kay Hanifen

Ladylike by TM Lunn

The Awakening of Prince Tristan by Marnie Azzarelli

You can pre-order the book HERE!!!

BOOK WILL BE OUT MARCH 11, 2025

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Women in Horror Interviews Part VI

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For the month of March, in order to celebrate Women in Horror, I’ll be highlighting interviews with some of the authors that appear in Hush, Don’t Wake the Monster – Stories Inspired by Stephen King Women in Horror Anthology.

Marnie Azzarelli author of “Carrie’s First Day”

Which Stephen King novel/short story inspired your short story?

Salem’s Lot! I’m just kidding, it’s a retelling of Carrie.

Who’s your favorite modern female author?

I think they’re both extremely underrated, but I love reading anything Marisha Pesl or Helen Oyeyemi have to offer.

Which song would be the soundtrack to your story?

“you should see me in a crown” Billie Eilish.

What are some of your current writing projects?

While I’ve been on a bit of a hiatus the last couple of years, I’m planning on publishing more original writing on both my website’s blog at marnieazzarelli.net, and on a new, yet to be named Tumblr blog (more info will be available on my socials). Plus I have plans in the works of releasing my own short story collection sometime in 2023!

Who’s your favorite final girl and why?

While I’ll always have a soft spot for Laurie Strode, I have to say that Nancy Thompson is really one of the ultimate final girls. She’s smart, resourceful, and kind of kicks Freddie’s ass no matter what movie she encounters him in. I would not want to take Nancy in a fight because while she doesn’t have brute strength, she could definitely figure out a way to get rid of me with a quippy one-liner.

Lauri Christopher author of “Fair Erasures”

Which Stephen King novel/short story inspired your short story?

In Stephen King’s short story FAIR EXTENSIONS a dying man makes a deal with a roadside devil to extend his life. All he has to do in exchange is curse his best friend to a life of misery. In my story FAIR ERASURES, Lacey Milton struggles with an unwanted pregnancy and her best friend’s betrayal, but Mr. LeVid offers her a way to erase the situation. And it won’t be messy at all.

Who’s your favorite modern female author?

Seanan McGuire, writing as Mira Grant, changed the zombie landscape in her FEED trilogy. She unapologetically writes gritty, strong female characters.

Which song would be the soundtrack to your story?

Lacey might have been listening to Ani DiFranco’s Amendment after she settled up with Mr. LeVid and drove off into the rest of her life. Much like this anthology, Ani takes the “point of view of women” in her lyrics.

What are some of your current writing projects?

I am working on a middle grade novel about a boy who has to spend the summer with his fraud of a ghost-hunting Dad. But when he discovers he can see ghosts, he’s the only one who can help a young friend escape a dangerous haunting.

Who’s your favorite final girl and why?

Since the appropriate-for-the-80s age of 8 ½, Laurie Strode has been my girl. I watched through the space between my fingers as she unfolded a wire hanger and owned her power to survive. Plus, when you share a name with someone battling a masked killer, the story takes on an added edge of life or death.

Read Marnie Azzarelli & Lauri Christopher’s stories in Hush, Don’t Wake the Monster along with other amazing authors!

Purchase book here!

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Women in Horror Interviews Part V

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For the month of March, in order to celebrate Women in Horror, I’ll be highlighting interviews with some of the authors that appear in Hush, Don’t Wake the Monster – Stories Inspired by Stephen King Women in Horror Anthology.

Christabel Simpson author of “The Kiss in the Outhouse”

Which Stephen King novel/short story inspired your short story?

The Kiss in the Outhouse was inspired by a Stephen King short story called Weeds, which I decided to read after seeing an adaptation in the movie Creepshow. King’s story was first published way back in 1976 in a magazine called Cavalier, and is a tongue in cheek horror about a farmer who starts to change into a plant when he touches a meteorite that has landed in one of his fields. My own plot is totally different, but as with Weeds, it involves a man who is part plant, as I found this idea intriguing. Like King’s character, my plant person is marginalized by his condition, but rather than being driven to kill himself as happens in Weeds, he has learnt to live with what he is. Other ideas I borrowed from King were the use of a close-knit community and characters with secretive layers. The story Weeds is thought to be a homage to H.P.Lovecraft’s The Color Out of Space, so in a way, writing a Weeds homage felt like the passing of a baton.

Who’s your favorite modern female author?

There some truly excellent female writers out there right now, but for me, the one who really stands out is Tamsyn Muir. I read the first two books in her Locked Tomb trilogy a couple of years ago and they blew me away. There’s just so much to like about them – they’re a mix of science fiction and horror, which are two of my favorite genres, the queer representation is great and they’re full of laugh out loud moments. It’s more than that, though. Muir has a writing style which is totally unique. It can be disorientating at times, but you can’t stop reading. Her world-building is excellent and she offers an intriguing perspective on things. I’ve been putting off reading the last book in the trilogy, because I don’t want the saga to end, but I’m sure I’m going to love it. Other writers I’m really into are Arkady Martine (I’m reading one of her books at the moment and enjoying it immensely), Nicky Drayden and Natalie Zina Walschots.

Which song would be the soundtrack to your story?

I have three contenders for this and haven’t been able to choose between them, so I’ll mention them all. The first is Birds of Paradise by Chromatics. I got into Chromatics when I heard their song Whispers in the Hall in the movie Birds of Paradise (a fave of mine) and think their music really fits the tone of my story. I focused on Birds of Paradise (which isn’t used in the aforementioned movie, by the way, despite having the same name) because it seems to share some of the same themes and has a fragile feeling to it which foreshadows what happens between the lovers in my story. Also, I think the haunting, repetitive melody would complement my words rather than overpowering them. Song number two is IloMilo by Billie Eilish. If stories had end credits, then I could definitely imagine this song playing over mine, as the theme of being separated from a lover ties in well with my ending. It has a super catchy melody, which is obviously important for a soundtrack song, but there’s something ominous about the bass line which fits the mood of my story perfectly. The final song is White Noise by PVRIS. This one’s louder and more intense than my other choices, but still feels like a good fit. My lead character ends up like a ghost of her former self, which ties in very well with the theme of the song, and the shifts in tempo kind of mirror her emotional journey. It’s a great song, full of raw emotion and sends shivers down my spine every time I hear it. I also considered Kate Bush, Joan Jett, Florence and the Machine, In This Moment, Bjork and a bunch of others for this question, but as I’m supposed to be picking one song, not planning an entire album, I’ll leave it at that.

What are some of your current writing projects?

Right now, I’m working on a horror story about a woman who has a ghostly encounter when she and her girlfriend go to view an apartment in a building that used to be an asylum. I think I’ve got some nice moments in it and I’m hoping it will resonate with people as I’ve incorporated some experiences from my own life. I’m aiming for short and punchy, so should be done with it pretty soon. After that, I’m thinking of writing a story to submit to the Lesbian Historic Motif Podcast about two Vestal Virgins who have an illicit relationship in ancient Rome. I’ve tried to get my work into the podcast before without success, but it’s something I’d really like to do, so I’m not giving up. I have quite a few ideas for poems as well, so I’ll definitely be getting to those.

Who’s your favorite final girl and why?

After giving it some thought, I’m going to go with Ripley from the Alien movies, who you wouldn’t necessarily think of as a final girl, but who totally meets to criteria. I think it’s great that she’s surrounded by the toughest of the tough soldier types and she’s the one who survives. What makes it even better is it’s totally believable. A lot of modern writers seem to go over the top with their strong females, like they’re overcompensating for the millions of times we’ve been cast in the shitty role of damsel in distress, but you never feel like that with Ripley. She doesn’t beat her enemies because she has superhuman strength or agility; she’s just clever, resourceful and absolutely won’t give up, which is way more inspiring. If you believe in a character, then you can believe that if you’d had the same training and life experiences and you were in the same position, maybe you could come out on top as well.

Kay Hanifen author of “The Hunting Lodge”

Which Stephen King novel/short story inspired your short story?

The strongest influence on the short story was my favorite of King’s: The Shining. I loved the mood he created with the isolation and the feeling of a never-ending snowstorm. To a lesser extent, I also took some inspiration from Dolores Claiborne because I have a fondness for stories about women murdering their abusive husbands.

Who’s your favorite modern female author?

That’s a tough one because there are so many great female authors out there! I really enjoy the work of Hailey Piper and Kiersten White. If you want to stretch the definition of modern a bit, then Shirley Jackson is one of my all-time favorites. The Haunting of Hill House is absolutely brilliant and a huge inspiration for my writing.

Which song would be the soundtrack to your story?

I didn’t listen to this song when writing my story, but “I Walk Alone” by Tarja Turunen fits the mood pretty well.

What are some of your current writing projects?

I’ve been working on sending out a lot of short stories and have a novel or two in the very early stages, so I don’t want to jinx it. I hope to publish a novel sometime in the next five years.

Who’s your favorite final girl and why?

That’s like making me choose my favorite child. It’s so difficult. But if you put a machete to my throat, I have to go with Deena from the Fear Street Trilogy. She’s smart, tough, funny, and will stop at nothing to protect her brother and save the girl she loves. The trilogy is full of fun characters and clever plot twists, and it was directed by a woman, so if you haven’t checked it out yet, I highly recommend it!

Read Christabel Simpson & Kay Hanifen’s stories in Hush, Don’t Wake the Monster along with other amazing authors!

Purchase book here!

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Women in Horror Interviews Part IV

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For the month of March, in order to celebrate Women in Horror, I’ll be highlighting interviews with some of the authors that appear in Hush, Don’t Wake the Monster – Stories Inspired by Stephen King Women in Horror Anthology.

Trisha Ridinger McKee author of “Finding Toni”

Which Stephen King novel/short story inspired your short story?

Pet Sematary

Who’s your favorite modern female author?

There are so many, and it depends on what I’m in the mood to read. I love Eden Royce, Elin Hilderbrand, Kristin Hannah, and so many more. I love giving new authors a chance as well.

Which song would be the soundtrack to your story?

I Would Die 4 U by Prince

What are some of your current writing projects?

I will have three novellas coming out in time for Valentine’s. I’m hoping to get my thriller book out sometime this year.

Who’s your favorite final girl and why?

Nancy from Nightmare on Elm Street. That was the horror series I grew up with, and I love her strength and persistence.

Amy Grech author of “Dead Eye”

Which Stephen King novel/short story inspired your short story?

“Apt Pupil” inspired my story, “Dead Eye”, in which a young boy discovers the perils of hunting fair game firsthand.

Who’s your favorite modern female author?

Samantha Kolesnik — she’s award-winning author of genre fiction, including True Crime and Waif. True Crime examines nature vs. nurture in the origin of a serial killer.

Which song would be the soundtrack to your story?

“Billy’s Got a Gun” by Def Leppard.

What are some of your current writing projects?

I’m seeking a publisher for my NYC Crime novellas, Alphabet City/Vicious Pink.

Alisha Galvan author of “As for the Fallen Seed”

Which Stephen King novel/short story inspired your short story?

The Stephen King novel that inspired my story was Misery, how Annie started as a young child and grew into the crazed woman she became. I always love a good creepy kid story, but I wanted to take it a bit further; Annie wasn’t just some obsessed fan of Paul Sheldon, her morbid fascination runs in her bloodline.

Who’s your favorite modern female author?

Picking just one female author is impossible, but a few of my favorites are Gillian Flynn, Alice Feeney, and Karin Slaughter. I love twisty dark thrillers as much as horror.

Which song would be the soundtrack to your story?

The song that I listened to often while writing this story was Little Talks by Of Monsters and Men.

What are some of your current writing projects?

Currently, I am in the final stages of publishing a short horror story collection entitled A Path Through the Forest, my goal is to have it available to readers by January 2023. I am also querying agents with an emotional thriller novel titled Autumn. My current work in progress, Bitter Crown of Thistle, is a dark thriller.

Read Trisha Ridinger McKee, Amy Grech & Alisha Galvan’s stories in Hush, Don’t Wake the Monster along with other amazing authors!

Purchase book here!

DID YOU ENJOY WHAT YOU JUST READ? IF YES, THEN SUBSCRIBE TO THE BLOG, GIVE THE POST A LIKE, OR LEAVE A COMMENT! NEW POSTS ARE UP EVERY TUESDAY & THURSDAY!

Women in Horror Interviews Part III

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For the month of March, in order to celebrate Women in Horror, I’ll be highlighting interviews with some of the authors that appear in Hush, Don’t Wake the Monster – Stories Inspired by Stephen King Women in Horror Anthology.

Cheryl Zaidan author of “The Girl with the Peculiar Smile”

Which Stephen King novel/short story inspired your short story?

My story wasn’t based on a specific work by Stephen King but rather I played with some of the concepts he uses – including supernatural elements and traumatic family dynamics. King also writes great child protagonists, so I wanted to make my main character a smart, wise-beyond-her-years girl who is also still very much a child – much like Trisha McFarland in The Girl Who Loved Tom Gordon.

Who’s your favorite modern female author?

Gwendolyn Kiste has been a favorite for a while now. And Her Smile Will Untether the Universe is an amazing collection of her short stories. Beautifully written and quite creepy.

Which song would be the soundtrack to your story?

I was thinking I didn’t have one and oddly enough Strange Little Girl by The Stranglers popped up on my shuffle. It fits (and it’s also a great song.)

Who’s your favorite final girl and why?

It sounds like a cliché but I adore Nancy from the original Nightmare on Elm Street. She comes across as a nice, sweet girl but when things get tough, she’s ready to fight. When Nancy says, “I’m into survival”, you know she means it.

Sealey Andrews author of “Emily Mine”

Which Stephen King novel/short story inspired your short story?

My story was inspired by Stephen King’sCujo.The influencing elements were a slow-burning domestic tension and an exploration of the dichotomy between feelings of resentment toward motherhood versus the inherent need to protect one’s child from danger. And, of course, there is a crazed animal with an agenda of his own.

Who’s your favorite modern female author?

One of my favorite modern female authors is Louise Erdrich. Her novel Future Home of the Living Godis particularly outstanding.

Kristi Petersen Schoonover author of “Let The Rain Settle It”

Which Stephen King novel/short story inspired your short story?

My favorite short story of King’s is “Rainy Season,” which has always been an unpopular choice—it’s been accused of being too similar to Jackson’s “The Lottery” and in general, its reviews aren’t positive. But it’s been said the experience of a story is different for each reader, because it depends on what that person brings to the table. I didn’t read it until it was reprinted in his 1993 Nightmares & Dreamscapes collection. As a starry-eyed twenty-two year old who was, at the time, blissfully unaware she was engaged in a toxic relationship, I connected most with the subtle clues King presents about the broken young couple heading toward not just physical demise, but an eventual emotional disaster if they did survive. While John and Elise aren’t the focus of King’s narrative—the spotlight, as always, shines on unsettling Mainers—they’re clearly in a place where the ordinary drudge of life and its reactionary transgressions have squelched the blush of love and romance. The blinders are off, they see each other for who they really are, and it’s not pretty. This is something we face in our every day lives, and so, if we look deeper, it’s an important commentary on the real world. “Rainy Season” isn’t just another folk horror tale or creature feature. It’s a warning that the killer toads of life are always at your romantic door, and sometimes, it’s just better to let them in.

Who’s your favorite modern female author?

The contemporary female writer I love the most as far as the short form goes is Gina Ochsner. Her collections The People I Wanted to Be and The Necessary Grace to Fall are fantastic in both emotional timbre and light infusion of the supernatural, and I read them over and over. Her work is definitely worth examining.

Which song would be the soundtrack to your story?

“Barren Ground” by Bruce Hornsby & the Range.

What are some of your current writing projects?

I have a LOT of irons in the fire. My new collection, Songs for a Dying World, is slated for 2024, and a new novel, Tidings—provided I get it finished—is slated for 2025. But I write a lot of stuff in between for specific calls, or stories that just show up. My non-writing time is all spent on 34 Orchard. I’m also currently editing Wicked Sick for the New England Horror Writers.

Who’s your favorite final girl and why?

I’m not exactly sure that she’d be considered a “final girl,” but my favorite female in a horror film has always been Rachel Keller from The Ring. She’s got pluck, confidence, drive and ambition; she’s passionate and crackerjack in her career; she’s a single mom to a precocious child. But she’s also vulnerable in many ways: she’s an emotionally damaged person, although we don’t know quite why; her life is disorganized and chaotic—probably fallout from trauma; she has all the hallmarks of a trauma survivor—and she does her best even though she often fails. She’s also, clearly, still hurt by and in love with her son’s father—who has moved on—but is headstrong enough to go to him for help. It’s her vulnerability that makes her stronger—because she knows how to put that vulnerability aside and do what she has to do when it matters. It fuels her ultimate success, and that’s the true definition of a strong female heroine.

Read Cheryl Zaidan, Sealey Andrews & Kristi Petersen Schoonover’s stories in Hush, Don’t Wake the Monster along with other amazing authors!

Purchase book here!

DID YOU ENJOY WHAT YOU JUST READ? IF YES, THEN SUBSCRIBE TO THE BLOG, GIVE THE POST A LIKE, OR LEAVE A COMMENT! NEW POSTS ARE UP EVERY TUESDAY & THURSDAY!

Women in Horror Interviews Part II

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For the month of March, in order to celebrate Women in Horror, I’ll be highlighting interviews with some of the authors that appear in Hush, Don’t Wake the Monster – Stories Inspired by Stephen King Women in Horror Anthology.

Rachel Bolton author of “Sharp Teeth”

Which Stephen King novel/short story inspired your short story?

Carrie inspired “Sharp Teeth.” I always had sympathy for Carrie, more than Stephen King did. In On Writing he considers her a girl version of Harris and Klebold, which I disagree with. Part of me wanted her to win. For this anthology, I didn’t want to write an exact reinterpretation. I took certain themes from the book and played around with them under different circumstances. The biggest difference is that Ann wanted her powers.

Who’s your favorite modern female author?

My two favorite modern female authors are Carmen Maria Machado and Gretchen Felker-Martin. They both write very differently from each other, but their work is beautiful, frightening, and deeply political. All things great horror should be. All things I want to achieve as a writer. 

Which song would be the soundtrack to your story?

I can’t think of a specific one, but any 50’s pop song would be fitting. Especially if it’s by a girl group. 

What are some of your current writing projects?

Oh boy, I have a lot going on. I’m trying to finish a novella, I have numerous short stories in progress, and there is a full length comic script that desperately needs a full second rewrite. I hope to have a short story collection out in the next few years. I also write a Kennedy themed substack called Trapped in Camelot. 

Who’s your favorite final girl and why?

Ellen Ripley! She’s tough, vulnerable, and always handles herself whenever she’s surrounded by idiots. “Get away from her, you bitch!” Best line ever. 

Jane Nightshade author of “The Sorting”

Which Stephen King novel/short story inspired your short story?

My story The Sorting was loosely inspired by the Loser’s Club from Stephen King’s IT. The Loser’s Club of a gang of misfit kids ring true to the way I grew up in an era where neighborhood kids hung out together and rode all over town without having to tell their parents where they were going. A different time.

Who’s your favorite modern female author?

I don’t know if they qualify as “modern” but the horror stories of Shirley Jackson and Daphne DuMaurier are big favorites.

Which song would be the soundtrack to your story?

Since my short story takes place on Halloween, I’d say it would be a great Halloween song like “Little Ghost” from Paranorman.

What are some of your current writing projects?

Working on a full-length novel that’s an origin story for one of my more successful short tales, Rockin’ Around the Murder Tree. Continuing to write at least one or two short stories a month as well. Also, getting ready for the publication of my collection of short stories, “A Scream Full of Ghosts,” coming out sometime next year from Dark Ink.

Who’s your favorite final girl and why?

My favorite final girl is Olivia Hussey in the original “Black Christmas.” She’s a very good actress.

Read Rachel Bolton & Jane Nightshade’s stories in Hush, Don’t Wake the Monster along with other amazing authors!

Purchase book here!

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Women in Horror Interviews Part I

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For the month of March, in order to celebrate Women in Horror, I’ll be highlighting interviews with some of the authors that appear in Hush, Don’t Wake the Monster – Stories Inspired by Stephen King Women in Horror Anthology.

L.E. Daniels author of “Silk”

Which Stephen King novel/short story inspired your short story?

First published in Cavalier magazine in 1972, “The Mangler” was later included in Stephen King’s 1978 Night Shift collection. An industrial laundry press is exposed to magical elements of nightshade, a bat, and virgin’s blood, summoning a demon that possesses the machine and attacks the workers. Also peering into the dark side of industrialization, my story “Silk” explores the conditions of the child workforce in the early twentieth-century New England mills. My grandmother, a child of Italian immigrants, survived polio and worked in such a mill. At five, her first job was pulling dead silk moth caterpillars from their boiled cocoons.

Who’s your favorite modern female author?

Lately, I’ve been reading short story anthologies like Sara Tantlinger’s Chromophobia, James Aquilone’s Classic Monsters Unleashed, and Other Terrors edited by Rena Mason and Vince A. Liaguno and the rising tide of female voices within from these pages is exquisite. If I had to pick a favorite, I’d go with Geneve Flynn. She fearlessly tackles edgy themes within narratives loaded with the residue of intergenerational trauma and deeply-informed cultural nuance. She’s a total badass.

Which song would be the soundtrack to your story?

Since the story spans the 1920s, recording of “America the Beautiful” performed by Louise Homer in 1924 would cast a shadow over images of children working the aisles of the New England mills.

For a sensation of being completely out of control for the big finish, the 1929 recording of “You Were Meant for Me” by Nat Shilkret with Dick Robertson on vocals might also leave us breathless.

What are some of your current writing projects?

This week, I’m currently braiding a few true ghost stories together into one narrative for Kristi Petersen Schoonover’s 34 Orchard literary journal.

Rebecca Rowland author of “The Clawset”

Which Stephen King novel/short story inspired your short story?

“The Clawset” is a feminist reimagining of King’s “The Boogeyman” from his Night Shift (1978) collection. My father was a huge King fan, so his paperbacks filled our bookcase when I was growing up, and I remember reading Night Shift when I was pretty young. I loved a number of the stories in that collection, but “The Boogeyman” flat out terrified me and the imagery stayed with me. Even as a freshman in college, I could not sleep with the closet door ajar.

For the culmination of my graduate degree in English literature, I analyzed King’s female characters in (what was at the time) his more recent releases: Dolores Claiborne, Gerald’s Game, Insomnia, Rose Madder, and Needful Things. So many of his twentieth-century stories portray women as either the victims of men or the monsters who destroy them. I reread “The Boogeyman” recently, and his portrayal of the one woman who appears (tangentially) in it is very telling of the time in which King penned it nearly fifty years ago. I wanted “The Clawset” to be a 2020s version of his tale with an all-female cast, and I named the characters very purposefully. It’s my love letter to Stephen King and the influence his stories had—and continue to have—on my writing.

Who’s your favorite modern female author?

There are so many to choose from, it’s difficult to name one as a favorite. I adore Gwendolyn Kiste’s writing: it’s feminist with a whip smart wit I adore, and I’ll read anything she puts her hand to. As a fan of short fiction in particular, I love seeing the names of women writers whose work I’m familiar with in thematic anthologies and reading their interpretations of those themes, women like KC Grifant, EV Knight, Kenzie Jennings, Ruthann Jagge, Candace Nola, Holly Rae Garcia, Bridgett Nelson, Stephanie Ellis, Hailey Piper, C.O. Davidson, Elin Olausson, and of course, three of the kick ass women I share space with in this anthology: Amy Grech, L.E. Daniels, and Kristi Petersen-Schoonover. The stuff all of these women are crafting is simply genius: it’s horrific and original and more than anything, smart as hell.

What are some of your current writing projects?

My seventh curated anthology, American Cannibal, drops just a few days after this anthology, and it’s a true juggernaut with twenty stories from some of the biggest names writing horror today: I can’t wait for readers to take a bite out of it. My own stories will be appearing in anthologies here and there throughout 2023, including in Sinister Smile Press’ Just a Girl women in horror collection later this month (March 2023). My next novelette, Rock of Ages, debuts in a horror anthology that benefits a Texas-area food bank in June, and my next short fiction collection, White Trash & Recycled Nightmares, drops from Stygian Sky Media in late summer. I maintain a (likely obnoxious) website, RowlandBooks.com, and a (definitely silly) Instagram, @Rebecca_Rowland_books. I hope readers will give them a look.

It’s certainly easier being a woman in horror today than it was thirty, twenty, or even ten years ago, but it still isn’t a piece of cake: there will always be INCELs and boys’ club naysayers lurking about, trolling social media and slapping blind, one-star reviews on anything they see is penned by a woman. I’m endlessly appreciative of small presses, reviewers, and influencers that take the time to spotlight the women who write horror. We may still be in the minority, but make no mistake: we are a force to be reckoned with.

Read L.E. Daniels & Rebecca Rowland’s stories in Hush, Don’t Wake the Monster along with other amazing authors!

Purchase book here!

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Top 5 Horror Films Directed by Women

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In the past couple of years, female directors have truly flexed their predilections for all things scary and creepy, and have managed to create some true gems. Here are some amazing films directed by female directors that will be sure to keep you up at night and leave you questioning a few things about yourselves and others (as all excellent horrors do).

TITANE (2021) DIRECTED BY JULIA DUCOURMAU

A woman who has a titanium plate fitted in her head embarks on a bizarre journey involving her fetish for cars.

CENSOR (2021) DIRECTED BY PRANO BAILEY-BOND

A British film censor links a disturbing horror movie to her sister’s mysterious disappearance.

CANDYMAN (2021)DIRECTED BY NIA DACOSTA

For decades, the housing projects of Chicago’s Cabrini-Green were terrorized by a ghost story about a supernatural, hook-handed killer. In present day, an artist begins to explore the macabre history of Candyman, not knowing it would unravel his sanity and unleash a terrifying wave of violence that puts him on a collision course with destiny.

12 HOUR SHIFT (2020) DIRECTED BY BREA GRANT

Bodies start to pile up when a drug-addicted nurse and her crazed cousin try to find a replacement kidney for an organ trafficker.

BLEED WITH ME (2020) DIRECTED BY AMELIA MOSES

During a winter getaway at an isolated cabin, a self-destructive young woman becomes convinced that her best friend is stealing her blood.

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