Marketing Middle Grade Books

**This post was originally published on Medium. Find me over there @kimventrella to read my other articles for writers.**

My first middle grade novel came out with Scholastic in fall 2017, and I’ve learned a lot about marketing since then. I am not a marketing expert, and I do believe that only publishers can significantly move the needle in terms of sales. By significant, I mean that publisher activities can generate thousands or tens-of-thousands of sales. Having a title featured in the Scholastic Book Fairs can do that, for example. You probably can’t.

But that’s not to say you shouldn’t promote your books as a traditionally published author. I actually love marketing and promotion, because I adore events, live for making cute graphics, and eat up the chance to mingle with readers and fellow writers.

Also, school visits are the only time I get to feel famous as an author. I once had a student rush up to me after a visit and ask me to sign their forehead in Sharpie. I reluctantly declined, but I have had students cry and cheer telling me how much they loved my books. And that is SUCH a good feeling. It’s the kind of promotional juice that actually feeds the writing spirit.

I want to talk about those kind of activities in this article, along with a breakdown of what hasn’t worked, why, and some special considerations for marketing middle grade.

Gatekeepers

Middle grade (MG) readers are typically eight to twelve years old. They’re not on Twitter or Facebook. They may be on TikTok, but if so they’re probably more focused on funny cat videos than authors. This means that none of our social media efforts as MG authors are reaching our target audience directly.

Kids also don’t have credit cards, or the ability to drive themselves to their local bookstore and buy whatever they want. But don’t despair, because the first step in marketing MG is to identify who is buying our books. This is generally librarians, teachers, and parents, i.e. the gatekeepers.

Keeping this in mind, I tailor my social media presence to these gatekeepers, especially on Twitter where educators seem to be most active. Teachers love connecting with authors online, and they especially love winning free books. Much of my effort on Twitter has been focused on gaining teacher followers through fun giveaways.

Screenshot of Twitter book giveaway targeting teachers.
Screenshot of a Twitter giveaway by the author.

I’ve found these giveaways to be the best way to reach my target audience on social media, i.e. educators. And many teachers have gone on to schedule virtual or in-person school visits with me, the real sweet spot when it comes to marketing MG.

Networking

Social media is also a great way to build a network of fellow authors. In fact, you may notice early on that most or all of your followers are other writers. This isn’t so great when it comes to reaching your actual target audience (i.e. readers), but it is great in terms of A) finding new friends and making the whole promotion thing more fun and B) creating opportunities for cross-promotion.

Screenshot of a Twitter post advertising school visits with the Spooky Middle Grade author group.
Screenshot from Twitter by the author.

Back in 2018, I helped organize an author collaborative called Spooky Middle Grade that’s still going strong today. We have a private chat where we share, rant, talk business, and plan fun spooky events for kids. Our main activity throughout the years has been our 30-minute virtual Q&As that we offer to schools across the country (and world!).

I’ll talk more about the amazingness of school visits later on, but one thing I’ve also gained from this group has been the opportunity for a little backup on social media. If I have an important post that I’m hoping will get some traction, I ask my Spooky MG pals for help. Those extra retweets upfront can be a huge help in getting my tweets seen.

Am I selling a zillion copies thanks to a few extra retweets? No. Do I feel less terrified that literally zero people will like something I tweet, sending me into a spiral of gloom and self-loathing? Yes!

There are definitely plenty of other ways that networking with writers has helped me over the years, apart from Spooky MG. But the benefits are usually on the touchy-feely, intangible side. I’ve made great friends through the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI), for example. Hey, I’ve even sold a few books at conferences and events where they invited me to speak.

But would I call the various writing groups I’m connected to sales opportunities? Not so much. *A wise person once said that you can’t expect to sell fiction at a non-fiction (i.e. craft-centered) event. So true. But I’ve gained knowledge, friends, experience as a speaker, and a venue for promoting my non-fiction stuff (i.e. editorial services and courses for writers).

So go forth and network. And if you can find opportunities to network with teachers, even better. I have participated in NCTE (a national conference for teachers), as well as numerous NerdCamps (events where educators come together to talk literacy, often with authors invited as special guests). These happen in regions across the country, and can best be found with a quick search on Google or Twitter.

*Footnote: I believe that wise person was Lindsay Buroker from the self-publishing podcast Six Figure Authors, but don’t quote me on that.

Spooky Middle Grade authors after a book signing at Greedy Reads during the NCTE Conference in 2019. Photo by amazing, yet anonymous bookseller.

School Visits

This is the biggie. School visits are the one time that middle grade authors get to pitch their books directly to kids. And they’re pretty magical. Not only do kids at school visits assume you are famous, but you have the rapt attention of an entire class, grade, or school. If you give an engaging presentation, you could not only make a ton of sales that day, but potentially get kids excited enough to tell their parents and friends about the book.

This is marketing in its most direct form. Try getting the attention of 500 kids all at once on social media (remembering they’re probably not even on the platforms you use). So the big question is, how the heck do you actually schedule school visits?

I wish I had a magic formula for this, because I could definitely use one. My key strategy (apart from connecting with teachers at events or on the socials) has been to email school librarians information about me and the visits I offer. In my experience, it’s almost always the librarian (or media specialist) who’s responsible for scheduling authors, so that’s the person you need to reach. I have even resorted to sending physical postcards on occasion, because librarians don’t always have time to read emails from random authors (assuming we’ve never met).

My response rate with this strategy has gotten better over time, as I’ve become more well-known in the community with each new release. But it can be tough as a brand new author. It can be especially tough if you write about difficult topics for kids — many of my books deal with death and grief, for example. But I’m a fun-filled person, promise! Still, I’ve noticed that authors with more upbeat books do seems to have an easier time scheduling visits.

But don’t let that deter you. If you haven’t already, make sure you have a decent website describing your school visit offerings. Include details like pricing, virtual options, types of presentations, travel details, etc. And don’t expect librarians to magically find your new website. Share it far and wide, with the right people, and soon you too can have kids begging you to sign their face in Sharpie.

Oh, and my #1 tip for the actual presentation? Energy! The content isn’t as important as how you sell it. Remember, you’re giving a performance, so make it one that gets kids excited and leaves them talking.

Photo of a skeleton holding a welcome sign at a school visit.
Photo by the author from a school visit.

Indie Bookstores

Another great step in your marketing journey is to make friends with local booksellers, especially from independently owned stores. Best of Books, an amazing indie here in Oklahoma, handles sales for most of my school visits. These wonderful folks can connect you to local events, talk you up to readers, and help you coordinate sales of your books at school visits or conferences.

Signings

Aw, the classic book signing. We all know the drill. You show up to find a table at the front of the store with huge signage of your face and a line around the block. The rest is a whirlwind of raving fans and lightning fast Sharpie work.

This may happen to you, or you may show up to an unmarked table in the back of the store and spend the next hour talking up your books to random strangers.

Don’t get me wrong, signings can be super fun, and they’re kind of a rite of passage in the author world. I’ve had successful launches where friends, family, and the rare unknown fan turned out to show their support. I’ve also had signings where you sell six or seven copies to people who happen to be wandering through Barnes & Noble at the time. And I’ve had signings where it was literally me and the crickets.

Here’s the thing with book signings, and I think this applies to most areas of marketing and promotion. You can sell a ton of copies if you’re already a bestseller with a huge fanbase. If not, you’re unlikely to attract new fans through signings, apart from the handful of delightful strangers who stumble upon your table.

That said, I still love signings, because they make me feel fancy. And who doesn’t want to be reminded that they’re fancy once in a while? If you’re scared that no one will show up, take my advice and hold a joint signing with one or more author pals. Sitting at a table while customers awkwardly avoid eye contact is way more fun with friends.

And it is helpful to bring bookmarks with your website and social media info so people can find you online. Strangers may want to internet stalk you before deciding to buy your books. And, hey, they may even swing back around to your table before you leave, or decide to buy a signed copy later (assuming the store asked you to sign any leftover stock).

Photo from the author’s book launch at Barnes & Noble.
Photo from my first book launch at Barnes & Noble. It might have been my mom who took this shot 😉

Pre-Order Campaigns

We’ve mostly been talking about how to get the word out after launch (school visits, hooray!), but what about before launch? This is when people start talking about pre-order campaigns, street teams, and all that jazz.

Here’s my take on pre-order campaigns (you may sense a theme going forward). It can be super fun prepping all the snazzy swag you’ll give away when someone pre-orders your book. But once again, this is not likely to gain you any new fans. Your swag would have to be pretty darn amazing to convince someone who has never heard of you to pre-order your book AND send proof of purchase. And the typical bookmark, pin, or mug with artwork from the book (that remember, they’ve never heard of) is unlikely to be convincing.

But pre-order campaigns are a great way to reward loyal fans and to direct readers, who were already planning to buy your book, to do so early. Publishers use pre-order numbers to determine print runs and how many marketing dollars to put behind a book, so they are super important.

But the reality remains that the pre-order campaigns getting huge numbers are for books that fans already wanted.

Does that mean new or mid-list authors should give up on pre-order campaigns altogether? Maybe. Or, you can follow my motto and do what’s fun. If you love swag and want to reward your fanbase (no matter how small), then you do that pre-order campaign! And if you direct twenty or thirty readers to order early, instead of waiting for release, then bonus points. It may not make a blip on the publisher’s radar, but it sure can’t hurt.

Street Teams

We talked earlier about the power of author networking. Having writer friends who can help boost your posts (even a few retweets here and there) can be super helpful. Street teams take that to the next level. These are groups of fans, reviewers, readers (in our case, mostly educators) who agree to help get the word out about your new release. Usually they do this in exchange for an advanced reader copy, access to a private group or chat, and exclusive news, giveaways, or contact with the author that’s not available outside the group.

In organizing street teams for my last two books, I created a Google Form for participants to tell me what grades they work with, why they want to join, and how they plan to promote the book.

Then I created a private Facebook group where I shared news, excerpts, information about giveaways, etc. to try to build excitement. My earliest members received physical ARCS (advanced reader copies) to read, review, and hopefully pass on to friends. I asked members to help me promote certain social media posts and to share about the book online.

It was a fun experience, but here’s the thing about street teams for middle grade. First, all the old adages apply. A) You’ll get out of it what you put into it. B) You’ll get more interest if you’re already a well-known author. But I would add another thought here, which is that teachers (your primary audience for street teams) are extremely busy. They don’t have the time to fangirl online the way that other super fans might.

I certainly got some boosts and reviews from my amazing teams (each had about 20–25 members), but it was tough asking my already overextended crew to stay engaged for months and months leading up to release.

And the majority of a street team’s activities will come in the form of promoting social media posts. That’s awesome, but we’ve already seen that social media reaches the gatekeepers of MG, not the actual readers. This is another aspect that makes the fandom for MG different from adult or YA and harder to engage directly. Remember, your street team members are not kids. They’re adults who will be sharing your posts with other adults.

I mentioned reviews. One way that street team members can be wonderfully helpful is by leaving you reviews on Amazon. Some members will follow through on this, others won’t. The more consistently you engage with the group, the more likely they’ll be to actually leave you a review after release.

If you’re interested in starting a street team, it’s time to begin connecting with educators and MG book review groups on Twitter. Use the strategies I’ve mentioned (like running teacher-specific book giveaways) to build your following, so that when you reach out for street team members, you’re talking to the right people.

And then try to keep up excitement in the group by offering early reveals and exclusive giveaways in the months leading up to release. Street teams may not be a magic bullet, but a few loyal fans can go a long way to helping you have a successful launch.

Book Trailers

These are kind of a thing of the past, but I bring them up here because I paid for friends to create a BEAUTIFUL book trailer for my debut. And I paid a lot. Did they make a wonderful animated trailer that I could use at school visits? Yes. Did Scholastic even share it on their website around release? Sure. Is it so, so gorgeous and amazing? Indubitably. But was it in any way worth the money in tangible terms (like actual sales generated)?

Absolutely not.

But it was my first book, and I had gotten a very nice advance after selling at auction. So, at the time, I was like, hey, I’ll probably never do this again, but won’t it be super cool? It was cool, but I could also really use that money right about now 😉

Websites, Bookmarks, and Ways to Get Fancy

No one will ever, ever visit your author website unless they specifically Google your name. Okay, I might be exaggerating. They might Google your book, or stumble on a popular blog post by topic (assuming you write some), or follow a link you post on social media. But your website is not a tool for gaining new readers. It is a tool for existing readers to learn more about you, your books, and your school visit offerings.

With that in mind, I do not think a fancy author website is necessary. If you have tons of disposable income to spend on a beautiful site, fair enough. But if you just want to create a professional place for kids to find more info about you for school book reports, then cheaper is better. Personally, I use a super basic WordPress.com site, because I couldn’t even be bothered to use WordPress.org.

It has been perfectly sufficient. And, unlike folks I know who have spent thousands of dollars on designer sites, it costs about $100 a year.

Bookmarks and swag are another way to get fancy. I do enjoy having bookmarks for big events, and GotPrint is my favorite company for ordering them so far (at last check, it was $32 for 1,000 bookmarks). But again, bookmarks are nice rewards for people who have already purchased your book. They’re unlikely to gain you new readers, apart from a few folks who happen upon you at signings and other events.

With all types of swag, I go back to my cardinal rule. If it’s fun, do it, but don’t expect it to generate sales.

The Bottom Line

Promoting middle grade books is very different than promoting books for other audiences. Your readers aren’t on social media, so you have to identify and connect with gatekeepers. If you’re like me, a large percentage of your sales won’t even come through regular outlets (like bookstores), they’ll come through school and library purchases.

It’s important to know who you’re targeting, how you can reach them, and how you can use your efforts most effectively. When in doubt, think about the fun vs. tangible benefit ratio. If the fun level is off the charts, then maybe it’s okay that you’re not getting any tangible benefit in terms of sales. If the activity is unlikely to generate many sales AND it’s not fun, head for the hills.

You only have so much time and energy, and it’s important to use both wisely.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

KIM VENTRELLA is the author of The Secret Life of Sam  (HarperCollins), Hello, Future Me, Bone Hollow and Skeleton Tree (Scholastic). Her works explore difficult topics with big doses of humor, whimsy and hope. Her most recent middle grade novel, The Secret Life of Sam, was named one of Kirkus Reviews’ Best Books of 2020. Bone Hollow was chosen as a Best Book for Kids 2019 by New York Public Library, and Skeleton Tree was nominated for the 2019 Carnegie Medal in the UK. For the latest updates, follow Kim on Twitter and Instagram.

by Categories: Interviews 1 Comment

THE CARREFOUR CURSE by Dianne K. Salerni #CoverReveal

Psst . . .

Come closer. Yeah, you.

Take a peek at this.

Tell me what you see?

Are you sure?

Look closer . . . what do you think is in the girl’s hands? Or in the pictures behind her?

Nice answers! Well, I don’t see specific things, but I do sense a bit of shock and some awe. Maybe a sliver of curiosity, too. And a cat. But I guess a cat is specific. #shrugs Any hoot, before I share the rest of this amazing book cover, here’s a bit about this spooky tale which is set for release in January 2023 by Holiday House.

BOOK SUMMARY📙

The Addams Family meets The Westing Game in this exhilarating mystery about a modern magical dynasty trapped in the ruins of their once-grand, now-crumbling ancestral home.

Twelve-year-old Garnet regrets that she doesn’t know her family. Her mother has done her best to keep it that way, living far from the rest of the magical Carrefour clan and their dark, dangerous mansion known as Crossroad House.

But when Garnet finally gets summoned to the estate, it isn’t quite what she hoped for. Her relatives are strange and quarrelsome, each room in Crossroad House is more dilapidated than the last, and she can’t keep straight which dusty hallways and cobwebbed corners are forbidden. 

Then Garnet learns the family secret: their dying patriarch fights to retain his life by stealing power from others. Every accident that isn’t an accident, every unexpected illness and unexplained disappearance grants Jasper Carrefour a little more time. While the Carrefours squabbles over who will inherit his role when (if) he dies, Garnet encounters evidence of an even deeper curse. Was she brought to Crossroad House as part of the curse . . . or is she meant to break it?

Written with loads of creepy atmosphere and an edge-of-your-seat magical mystery, this thrilling story reads like The Haunting of Hill House for preteens. Perfect for late-night reading under the covers.

So, fellow readers who love some spook and creep in their books, what comparison got you first? The Addams Family reference or The Haunting of Hill House?

Haha! I know! They both got me, too. Well, enough with all that. Here’s The Carrefour Curse cover in all it’s spookiness!

BOOK CHARM

Whoa . . . check out the kiddos in the framed photos. Super creepy . . .

INSPIRATION BEHIND THE BOOK🌟

When I was very young, I fell in love with the supernatural soap opera, Dark Shadows. (My mom was a fan.) The show centered on an old house and a family with a menacing family patriarch. There was magic and mystery and the nearby ruins of an older, larger house. When the main character went traveling into the past century, the “Old House” was restored to its former glory, blowing my childhood mind. Many of these elements made it into The Carrefour Curse, mashed together with a haunting Ambrose Bierce vignette about two men who found a room full of dead people that later disappeared, taking one of the men with it.

THE AUTHOR🪧

DIANNE K. SALERNI is the author of middle grade and YA novels, including Eleanor, Alice, & the Roosevelt Ghosts and Jadie in Five Dimensions, both Junior Library Guild Gold Standard Selections, and The Eighth Day series, nominated for seven state award lists. Her eighth book, The Carrefour Curse, is a spine-chilling mystery inspired by Dianne’s love of all things gothic, but especially the supernatural soap opera Dark Shadows. Dianne was a Pennsylvania public school teacher for 25 years before leaving the profession to spend time hanging around creepy cemeteries, attending ghost hunting classes, and climbing 2000 year-old pyramids in the name of book research. In her spare time, she volunteers at her local animal rescue shelter, walking dogs and serving the needs of the feline overlords. 

Thank you so much for sharing in Dianne’s exciting cover reveal! Make sure to come back in a few months, when we release more about this eerie story with a full interview with Dianne.

by Categories: InterviewsTags: , , , , , 1 Comment

Interview with Graphic Novelist, Ira Marcks

This week, I sat with spooky crew member Ira Marcks to discuss his graphic novel, Shark Summer. In addition, I wanted to learn about his creative process and get the skinny on his new book, Spirit Week, available October 25, 2022. So, without further ado, let’s wade into the spine-chilling waters of graphic novels.

Lisa: What inspired you to make Shark Summer?

Ira: I’ve always wanted to make a comic about kids on a summer adventure. But I could never find a way into the story that didn’t seem like it’d been done before. Then one day I was reading a book about the making of JAWS and I thought to myself “wow, what a wild, madcap summer that must have been for the cast and crew.”  It got me thinking… is there a more iconic summer adventure  than the one JAWS captured on film? Suddenly, I had my inciting incident; a sleepy New England island is overrun with a Hollywood production. Now, all I had to do was decide what happens to the people who live there behind the scenes.

Lisa: What can readers expect from the story?

Ira: A fast paced, nostalgia infused, summer adventure about new friendships, filmmaking, and the creepy secret history of a New England island!

Lisa: What were some of the challenges of turning this story into a graphic novel?

Ira: The most difficult part of the process was trying to find the right balance of cartoon humor, horror movie tropes, and real world consequences. Shark Summer takes place on Martha’s Vineyard in the summer of 1974 during the filming of JAWS. While I worked hard to convey the geography and spirit of this time and place, there were also choices to be made about how to use these elements to tell an inspirational comic for kids. My editor Andrea Colvin deserves a lot of credit for helping me find the best way to tell this story.

Lisa: How long have you been interested in comics? Is this what you wanted to do when you “grew up”?

Ira: Comics are a balance of drawing and writing so while I loved to draw as a little kid, I soon realized that I couldn’t tell a good story with a comic unless I practiced my writing. Putting those two skills together inevitably led me to making comics! I’ve always been good enough at it to keep a few people interested in what I was working on, and I built my ‘career’ from there.

Lisa: What’s the best writing advice you have received?

Ira: I like the quote by fantasy novelist Terry Pratchett that goes “The first draft is just you telling yourself the story.” Which is to say, the later drafts are intended for the reader. I think it’s important to distinguish a first draft from the rest of the process. To be honest with yourself is crucial to the early stages of a project. So when you bring other cooks into the kitchen and begin to edit and clarify the story, there will always be a seed of truth left from that first draft you wrote for yourself.

Lisa: I see you have a new graphic novel coming out on October 25, 2022. Please tell us about Spirit Week.

Ira: It’s kinda like a sequel to Shark Summer. In the second book we join Shark Summer’s aspiring filmmaker Elijah Jones as he heads off to Colorado to make a documentary about a reclusive horror writer who has been living at a certain infamous hotel.

Ira Marcks is a graphic novelist based in Upstate NY. He make comics, teaches comics, and podcast about cartoons. His books have been recommended by The New York Times, BuzzFeed, and American Library Learn more: https://lnk.bio/iramarcks

by Categories: InterviewsTags: , , Leave a comment

Introducing Shadow Grave by Marina Cohen

This week, I had the pleasure of sitting down with Marina Cohen to ask about her new middle grade novel, SHADOW GRAVE. Of course, our meeting took place in a remote mansion at midnight. Waves crashed on the nearby cliffs as I lit candles for our interview. Or, you know, something like that.

12-year-old Arlo is afraid of the creepy zombie show all his friends watch. He’s afraid of fire, of his own shadow, but most of all he’s afraid of losing his mother to the disease that nearly claimed her life the previous year. While on a Thanksgiving road trip with his mother and sister, Lola, their car hits a strange beast and they become stranded in an old logging town with something unnatural living in its surrounding woods—a dark secret the townsfolk will kill to keep. 

KIM: The tagline for SHADOW GRAVE is “This town has a secret it will kill to keep…” Tell me more.

MARINA: On a road trip, 12-year-old Arlo, his sister, Lola, and mother become stranded in an old logging town in the mountains of New Hampshire. The town folk are peculiar and some less than friendly. As well, something dark and mysterious lurks in the surrounding woods and when Arlo discovers this secret, it places him and his family in jeopardy. Unfortunately, to tell you more would be to give away the secret…

KIM: Arlo is afraid of everything, but mostly losing his mother. How do you play around with supernatural versus real-life fears? Do you think there’s a special way to do this in MG?

MARINA: Not every book is right for every reader and not every reader enjoys horror. But those who do can handle more than adults often give them credit for. Middle-grade readers bring their own experience to a book and adults often forget they bring with them a deeper knowledge and understanding of the world than younger readers, who experience the darker concepts in my novels on a far more superficial level. So, to answer your question, yes—there is a special way to handle the dark “real-life” horrors in middle-grade. It’s less about the what and more about the how. You must tread lightly on darker subjects, never use graphic violence, gratuitous gore, or unnecessary details. Provide the reader just enough information to give them a soupçon of the “real-life” horrors. As with most things in life—less is more.

KIM: Tell me about the cover and cover artist for SHADOW GRAVE. How did they capture the essence of your story? 

MARINA: Hannah Hill is the brilliant cover artist. She has done a superb job of capturing some of the creepy elements of the story—the shadowy figure, the imposing house, and if you turn to the back, the graveyard. The color palate she has chosen is stunning and hopefully will not only catch readers’ attention but give them a slightly unsettled feeling.

KIM: What are you hoping readers will take away from SHADOW GRAVE?

MARINA: It’s been said that if you examine a writer’s works you will find reoccurring themes. Personally, I find myself often writing stories that deal with choice and consequences. Shadow Grave is (hopefully!) a creepy story that will engage readers and give them more than a few shivers—but it’s my hope it will also leave them with big life questions to ponder. At its heart, SHADOW GRAVE is about the human experience, the choices we must make, the paths we choose, and where these paths lead—which is ultimately to the same place—onward. It’s not decision, but rather indecision that is the enemy. 

KIM: You’re known for your “twisted chiller(s)” according to Kirkus Reviews. What inspires you to write such shivery tales?

MARINA: Writers write the kinds of stories they love to read. Essentially, we write for ourselves. I love to read horror, mystery, and thrillers—therefore, I aspire to write the same. There is actually a scientific explanation behind the heart-pounding edge-of-your-seat-thrills we enjoy. It has to do with neurotransmitters and hormones release when your body feels the fear, but your brain knows you’re completely safe.

KIM: What advice would you give to writers interested in tackling middle grade?

MARINA: The best advice I can give—the one given to me long ago—is you must read a hundred books in the age group and genre you wish to write. If you’d like to write a middle-grade horror, you must read middle-grade horror. This will allow you to learn from experienced writers, to see what appeals to your target audience, and, from the business perspective, to get an idea of what is selling.

KIM: If readers like SHADOW GRAVE, which of your other spooky books would you recommend they read next?

MARINA: I’d say if readers enjoy this novel, they should give either THE DOLL’S EYE or THE INN BETWEN a try. A BOX OF BONES leans a little too much into fantasy for some horror fans’ liking.

Marina Cohen is the author of several horror and fantasy books for kids and teens including THE INN BETWEEN, THE DOLL’S EYE, A BOX OF BONES, and of course SHADOW GRAVE. Learn more at https://marinacohen.com/.

by Categories: Interviews Leave a comment

When Childhood Nightmares Come A-Knocking

I recently attended a conference called Scares that Care in Richmond VA. It was my first conference since publishing my debut Ghost Girl and I was excited to be on a panel. We talked about our childhood horrors and if they made their way into our books. At first, I thought there was nothing in Ghost Girl that related to the nightmares I had as a kid but the more I thought about it the more I realized I was wrong.

There was. This guy:

I saw Nightmare on Elm Street at too young of an age at a friend’s sleepover. Or maybe it wasn’t that I was too young but maybe just too fearful. Either way that knife-gloved nightmare found it’s way into my brain and refused to budge. First it was the claw I was afraid of. But then over time, that changed. Then I was just afraid of the man himself and at night I thought he would be standing in the corner of my room.

As I grew up I developed a very healthy fear of home invasion. The Strangers is a nightmare movie for me. But it wasn’t until this panel that I realized that my fear of home invasion linked directly back to my fear of seeing that Freddy in the corner of my room.

In Ghost Girl, the first time my main character Zee sees a ghost, it has invaded her home and is hiding in her living room. The original scene was actually written to take place in her bedroom but my editor felt that the bedroom needed to be a safe space and now, linking it all together, I see why.

So i thought I would chat with some of my Middle Grade Spooky friends and see how the things they were scared of found it’s way into their books.

Hi all! First off, why don’t you introduce yourselves, friends.

Bradley: I’m Fleur Bradley, author of various middle-grade mysteries, some with supernatural and horror elements in them. Midnight at the Barclay Hotel is a younger MG with a lighter haunted vibe; my upcoming book Daybreak on Raven Island is definitely scarier and digs deeper into horror themes. I like to mix mystery with horror in my books. I aim to write for reluctant readers (I’m one myself) with hopes of encouraging kids to enjoy reading for life.

Lawrence:  My name is Lorien Lawrence. I’m a seventh grade English teacher from Connecticut, and I love to write stories based on my haunted little state. My current horror series, Fright Watch, follows a small group of middle schoolers as they investigate paranormal mysteries in their town. The first book is called The Stitchers; the second is The Collectors; the third, Unmasked, is out in August!

Petti: Hello! My name is Erin Petti and I’m the author of THE PECULIAR HAUNTING OF THELMA BEE, and THELMA BEE IN TOIL AND TREBLE (coming 9/6/22)!

Cohen: I’m Marina Cohen, elementary school teacher and author of several creepy middle-grade books including, The Inn Between, The Doll’s Eye, A Box of Bones. and coming in this May—Shadow Grave.

Malinenko: Excellent! And I should say, I’m Ally Malinenko, author of Ghost Girl and the forthcoming This Appearing House (8/16/2022). So, what would you say got you into horror in the first place? What was your gateway? For me, it definitely started early with Scooby Doo cartoons and Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark.

Bradley: My gateway to horror was TV before books. I loved The Twilight Zone, Tales from the Crypt and The Outer Limits–so the the more supernatural side of horror. I also watched my share of Alfred Hitchcock movies and TV; I like to blend a little humor into horror like those shows did, just so I don’t start to take myself too seriously or scare myself too much.

Lawrence: My gateway to horror happened in kindergarten. The library was in the basement of the school – already creepy! – and the librarian read to us from Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark. (I KNOW!) And it was terrifying but also electric. I’ve been trying to chase that electricity ever since. And it’s contagious. You give a reluctant reader a horror book, and they will absolutely read to the end to find out if the protagonist makes it out safely. I can’t think of another genre that gives results like that. 

Malinenko: Me neither! That’s something I love about Horror. But wow, Lorein, KINDERGARTEN and you were already hearing Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark? I wouldn’t have lasted. What about you, Erin?

Petti: Honestly, sometimes I think that I just came into the world with ghost stories braided into my DNA, but for this exercise I went way back, and I found it. I remember the first time I felt that buzzing, dizzy, glorious fascination with the paranormal.

When I was three years old, my mom bought me a Talk N Play. It was the mid-80’s and this was the height of technology, as far as I was concerned. The Playskool Talk N Play became my office. I would sit in my living room every day for hours, eating cheerios and paging through these choose-your-own-adventure stories, and listening to the accompanying cassettes. I loved all of the adventures but there was one that had me absolutely, positively enraptured.

The Haunted House Mystery. It was dark and dangerous! There were mazes filled with ghosts, and an overcast graveyard to pick through. But most memorably…a staircase that went down to the basement. I remember sitting there, frozen in fear and exhilaration, about to choose whether to descend into the darkness.

I was three!

I was terrified!

I was in heaven.

There have been so many amazing ghoulish stories that have shaped my tastes and my creativity – but I think The Haunted House Mystery was my very first glimpse of the wonderful world of scary.

Cohen: My mother immigrated to Canada from Germany and so the first bedtime stories she read to me were in German. They were not the sugar-coated fairytales we tell our children today, but rather the original dark, and at times quite macabre, stories meant to educate children of the consequences of bad choices and evil deeds. Beware of wolves that might eat you and cannibal witches that live in cookie houses. If you are lazy and vain horrible things might befall you. And of course, as all little mermaids know, there is not necessarily a happily-ever-after. I listened, equal parts enthralled, equal parts horrified, to these beloved tales told to me over and over and I enjoyed the thrill of the dark settings and creepy plots and characters all while feeling safe and snug in my bed. I’d move on to enjoy Nancy Drew mysteries that had dark undertones, like The Mystery at the Moss-covered Mansion and the Sign of the Twisted Candles, and later, Poe, Lovecraft, and eventually Stephen King and Anne Rice.

Malinenko: Well it looks like all our gateways were a little bit different but one thing is for sure – Horror got us YOUNG. Has that gateway, or any of your childhood fears, found its way
into your writing?

Bradley: I (still) have a definite fear of the dark and enclosed spaces–those usually end up making their way into my books. Daybreak on Raven Island is partially set inside an abandoned prison, so I got to explore that fear. I think MG horror is a great way to take those very scary things and have kid characters find a solution within a fictional realm. Even if you get locked inside a dark room, there’s always a door out (or maybe a friend who will open that door for you). Now there’s some metaphors… 

Lawrence: The reason Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark was SO scary is because the stories were based on folktales. It’s easy to convince yourself that there is a truth to them. No monster or ghost is scarier than one that may ACTUALLY get you. I became pretty obsessed with folklore at a really young age, and even though I had a ton of nightmares from reading about the ghosts of my hometown, they absolutely made it into my writing. The Stitchers and The Collectors are based on on Connecticut folklore, specifically the Ladies in White and the Goodie Basset witch. 

Petti: I think that there’s a particular mood–a wonderful, thrilling, mysterious atmosphere that I’m always chasing in my work. There’s the edge of real danger, but there’s also the warm glow of humor and play near at hand. My early childhood spooky obsessions all had this beautiful feeling and this particular balance. Capturing this kind of energy is always my goal in storytelling, and it’s absolutely the world that Thelma Bee lives in.

Malinenko: And what about you Marina? Did Nancy Drew’s mysteries find their way into your books?

Cohen: Settings are very important in any novel but in horror particularly so. Often, the setting takes on the role of a character—at times it represents the antagonist itself. I’ve set my novels in old, decrepit houses, dark lakes, deep forests and certainly one can find the influences of the old fairytales at work here. As well, the theme of choices and consequences weaves its way through many of my novels thanks to these old tales. I often include an element of mystery to my horror novels—which I can attribute to Nancy Drew. And of course, my works have been heavily influenced by Poe and Lovecraft whose stories often leave readers wondering as to what was real, what was imagined, and what might just lie beyond the human experience.

Malinenko: Fascinating! Looks like our childhoods never really get left behind, do they? At least not the fears! Nice to think the stories that stuck with you have found their way into your own stories that will do the same for a whole new generation of kids! Thanks for chatting with me, spooky friends!

by Categories: Interviews Leave a comment

Spooky MG Oracle Cards

One of my personal favorite spooky activities is to consult an oracle deck, especially when I’m feeling indecisive or confused about a situation.

I decided to create a deck of oracle cards based on books by our Spooky MG authors that you can use for guidance! (For entertainment purposes only).

Simply print the sheets out (preferably on a thicker card stock) and cut along the lines to create your very own deck of 25 spooky cards!

For best results, consult the cards in a quiet space where you will not be disturbed. If you’d like, light a candle or incense to add some atmosphere! Take several deep breaths and try to clear your mind of any thoughts. When you feel ready, gently shuffle the cards as you ponder a question you might have. Even if you don’t have a specific question the cards will give you a topic to reflect upon.

Draw a card and consult this guide for its meaning:

  1. RESILIENCE: You may feel stuck but this is the time to push forward! Trust your inner spirit and know that you can face anything life throws at you.
  2. LOGIC: Sometimes our imaginations can get carried away. Try to bring yourself back to the facts and look at things objectively. Ask for a second opinion or clarification if needed.
  3. SECRETS: What secrets are you keeping close to your chest? Would it feel better to share them with a trusted person? Why do you keep your secrets? Is it from loyalty or fear?
  4. POWER: Recognize your own power. Take up space. Let yourself be heard! This card may also appear when you are feeling oppressed by something or someone. Acknowledge your strengths!
  5. DOORWAYS: Opportunities could be heading your way. Keep your eyes open for new challenges that could lead to good rewards. Don’t be afraid to try new things!
  6. GIFTS: Everyone has inner gifts. What are yours? See this card as an opportunity to express gratitude for the gifts in your life.
  7. DECISIONS: This card will often appear when you are at a crossroads or need to make an important choice. Sometimes it can be paralyzing, but trust your intuition!
  8. ILLUSIONS: Be wary of people and situations who might be trying to deceive you. If something doesn’t feel right, trust your gut. Things aren’t always as they seem.
  9. MISCHIEF: This card is about bending the rules. It invites you to “play hooky” from your responsibilities and do something fun for yourself. It could also mean that someone is trying to push your buttons deliberately, so watch out!
  10. ADVENTURE: When this card comes up, there’s a good chance you’ll have an opportunity to travel or try something new and exciting. Or, if things have been too routine, this card can nudge you to break out of your comfort zone and be more spontaneous!
  11. CURIOSITY: It’s healthy to be curious and ask questions. Don’t always accept things at face value. This card encourages you to explore and dive deeper into the situation at hand.
  12. MYSTERY: This card can show up when you feel lost or confused. But, like any good mystery, there will be clues you can follow. This can be a reminder to be more observant and to listen more intently.
  13. CHALLENGES: You might see this card when you are going through a difficult time. This card encourages you to learn from the obstacles in our path. What can we gain from our conflicts?
  14. FAMILY: This card reminds you to connect with the people closest to you. It may show up when you’ve been too busy to focus on family, and is a gentle reminder to reassess your priorites.
  15. HUMOR: Try to think of the last time you laughed so hard you cried. If it’s been too long to recall, this card is a reminder to invite more laughter and joy into your life. Watch a funny show or allow yourself to act silly!
  16. HISTORY: Sometimes the past comes back to teach us. Sometimes we still need to heal from old memories or experiences. This card encourages you to face your past to give you the tools you need to move forward.
  17. FEAR: What are you most afraid of? How is this holding you back from things you want to achieve? Sometimes fear can be healthy. It can keep us safe. But sometimes it can prevent us from taking necessary risks.
  18. COMPETITION: If this card shows up, you may be trying to prove something. Or jealously could be involved. Competition can be a good thing – it can give us drive and inspire others. But try not to get too wrapped up in always being number one.
  19. ANXIETY: In these times, it’s normal to feel anxious. But this card invites you to take a closer look at the things that are giving you stress. Sometimes we just need to talk to someone to make it better. It’s ok to ask for help.
  20. COURAGE: This card reminds you of how brave you can be. Courage doesn’t mean being unafraid. It means pushing forward despite your fears. Courage also has many forms. For some people, it can be as simple as speaking up.
  21. CONTROL: When this card shows up, you may be feeling a loss of control in your life. Sometimes it’s ok to let go and not manage every detail. It’s also ok to set boundaries with other people who are trying to control you.
  22. GRIEF: Sadness and loss are a part of life. This card can show up when you are mourning something, whether it be a person, a pet, or even a lost opportunity. It’s ok to take the time you need to process your grief and heal from it.
  23. FRIENDSHIP: This card reminds us to lean on our friends and to trust others to help you. Sometimes it shows up when you’re feeling lonely, and it’s a reminder to reach out to those who care. It’s also a nudge to stop being reclusive and to get out more!
  24. RESPONSIBILITY: This card can show up when you feel overburdened or stressed. How can you delegate tasks or ask for help and support? This card may be a reminder to be more organized or take time for self-care.
  25. MAGIC: This card can indicate that a surprise is on its way. It’s about the unexpected, the serendipitous, and the strange! Life is full of twists and turns. Embrace it!
by Categories: Recipes and CraftsTags: , , 1 Comment

Spooky Books in the Spring

Here at Spooky Middle Grade, we’re always saying that spooky books aren’t just for Halloween—they’re good all year round. And to prove it, here’s a list of some spooky books coming out this spring and summer that we can’t wait to read:

THE BEAST AND THE BETHANY BOOK 2: REVENGE OF THE BEAST written by Jack Meggit-Phillips and illustrated by Isabelle Follath
In this second book in the series that’s described as Lemony Snicket meets Roald Dahl, prankster Bethany tries to turn over a new leaf, but gets thwarted in the funniest and most spooky ways at every turn.
Out MARCH 22 from Aladdin

STORM written by Nicola Skinner
Doll Bones meets Lemony Snicket in this middle-grade adventure about a girl who, after she dies in a freak natural disaster that wipes out her whole town, must navigate her temper even when she’s a ghost.
Out MARCH 29 from HarperCollins

WITCHLINGS written by Claribel A. Ortega
This new book from the New York Times best-selling author features 12-year-old Seven Salazar, who, after being put in a coven for witches with little power, must fulfill an impossible task to gain her full power and become the witch she always knew she could be… or be turned into a toad, forever.
Out APRIL 5 from Scholastic

FREDDIE VS. THE FAMILY CURSE written by Tracy Badua
In this fun and spooky middle-grade adventure, Filipino-American Freddie Ruiz finds a family heirloom that he thinks will break his family’s curse, until he discovers that his cranky great-granduncle Ramon is trapped in the heirloom and the evil spirits responsible for his death have returned with a vengeance. Now Freddie and his cousin Sharkey have 13 days to break the curse, or join Ramon in an untimely afterlife.
Out MAY 3 from Clarion Books

WILDSEED WITCH written by Marti Dumas
This MG contemporary fantasy tells the story of how social-media-loving tween Hasani’s summer plans of building a makeup YouTube channel are drastically changed when she’s sent to Les Belles Demoiselles, a literal charm school that teaches generations of old-money witch families to harness their magic.
Out MAY 10 from Amulet Books

LET THE MONSTER OUT written by Chad Lucas
A mix of Stranger Things and The Parker Inheritance, this story is about Bones Malone, who feels like an outsider as one of the only Black kids in his new small town. But when things in his town start getting weird, Bones and his friend Kyle Specks find a mysterious scientist’s journal and have to push through their fear to find some answers.
Out MAY 17 from Amulet Books

THE CLACKITY written by Lora Senf
This eerie spooky MG is reminiscent of Doll Bones and about a girl who must enter a world of ghosts, witches and monsters to play a deadly game if she’s going to rescue her aunt.
Out JUNE 28 from Atheneum Books for Young Readers

Plus these spooky MG books are coming out on paperback:

ROOT MAGIC written by Eden Royce
Out APRIL 5 from Walden Pond Press

HIDE AND DON’T SEEK: AND OTHER VERY SCARY STORIES written by Anica Mrose Rissi
Out May 10 from Quill Tree Books

LONG LOST written by Jacqueline West
Out MAY 10 from Greenwillow Books

Are there any spooky books you’re looking forward to?

by Categories: InterviewsTags: , , , , , Leave a comment

#CoverReveal (!!) for WHISPERING PINES 3: RECKONING by Heidi Lang and Kati BartKowski

Is there anything better than a cover reveal for a new MG, especially when it’s a spooky series you LOVE?? We feel so honored to share with you the cover for Heidi Lang and Kato Bartowski’s next installment in the WHISPERING PINES series, this one entitled RECKONING. It is due out on September 6th, 2022.

But first! We at Spooky Middle Grade always have a few burning questions that must be answered…

1. Tell us about this new book! What spooky things can new readers and fans of the Whispering Pines series expect?

Up until now we’ve had almost two separate storylines: Rae knows there are extraterrestrials because she’s seen photographic proof. More, she’s sure that’s the reason her father was abducted. And she’s seen a spaceship hidden deep below Whispering Pines. Also in the town? A super creepy alternate dimension—the Other Place—full of a strange bruise-like glow and tentacled, flesh-eating monsters. Caden thinks he knows why the Other Place was created. But he doesn’t know the truth.

There’s a surprising connection between Rae’s extraterrestrials and Caden’s supernatural gifts. The truth is out there…and readers can expect to find it in this book. At least, some of it. 😉 We think a lot of fans will be happy to start getting some answers to the bigger questions, even if they might not be the answers they were expecting.

2. Where did you draw your inspiration from for this book? How is the collaboration process when you’re starting a new book?

Our whole series has really been inspired by The X-Files, and the idea behind their monster of the week mixed with the alien conspiracy episodes. We wanted to structure Whispering Pines in a similar way: there’s an overarching bigger story for the series, and then a monster to tackle in each book that’s somehow related to that overall thread.

This third book was a tricky one to write since we had so many storylines from the first two books to juggle, and we knew we needed to start showing how they all wove together. We did A Lot of phone calls where we just brainstormed, outlined, and got a little sick of talking to each other. But as things started to come together, we were really excited about where this series was heading.

3. Any fun facts or oddities that came up as you wrote? Were there moments where you were spooked?

While book one led to a treasure trove of supernatural information (we read all about Tarot readings, how to do a Seance, reading auras, etc.) and book two brought us to more terrifying bug facts than any one person should ever know, this book was more about building on those facts we’d already learned.

And we always try to scare each other when we write. We figure if we can do that, then we’ll hopefully scare our readers, too. There are a couple of deliciously creepy scenes in this book—monster chase scenes, a possession or two, the occasional jump scare—that did leave us with that chilled sensation. We’re excited to see what our readers think of them.

Now…

Drumroll please…

Here is the cover:

I think we can all agree this cover is amazing…! Credit goes to designer Tiara Landiorio, and artist is Xavier Collette.

Here is the book description:

Eyeless horrors. Giant, flesh-eating bugs. Despite everything Whispering Pines has thrown at
her, Rae has never given up searching for her missing father. But when she discovers a surprising
connection between his disappearance and Green On!, the shady alternative energy company that
runs her town, she’ll be forced to confront a monster more dangerous than anything she’s ever
faced before.

Meanwhile, now that Caden’s vindictive older brother is gone, it’s up to him to uphold the
family business and ensure that the evil in the Other Place never breaks free. But when a
mangled body is discovered in his backyard, he realizes that he can’t protect Whispering Pines
from the monstrous creatures of the Other Place—because they’re already here.

The only way for both Caden and Rae to save the people of Whispering Pines is to embark on a
mission deep into the heart of the Other Place. There, Caden will have to come to terms with the
truth of his family’s legacy and learn how to harness his full power.

If he fails, all the horrors of the Other Place will descend on Whispering Pines, and that’s a threat
that the town—and the world—cannot survive.

Doesn’t this sound amazing…? You can pre-order the book here.

If you’re new to the series, why not start at the beginning and read Whispering Pines 1 and 2 first…?

Happy spooky MG reading, Spookies!!

by Categories: Interviews Leave a comment

A Reading List for Aspiring Writers

by Josh Allen

“What books should I read to help me become a better writer?”

As a creative writing professor, this is one of the most common questions I get asked at the end of semesters, when classes are winding down and students are facing the prospect of developing as writers on their own—without a professor and a class curriculum to guide them.

So, over the years, I’ve kept a list of favorite “craft books”—books that have been instrumental in developing my writing skills. These are books I tell my students every aspiring writer should read. And, to flesh out my list, I’ve asked the spooky middle grade authors to chime in, to suggest books they’d recommend for those looking to sharpen their writing talents. So, here is our not-at-all-comprehensive list of must-read books for aspiring writers:

  1. Writing Fiction by Janet Burroway, Elizabeth Stuckey-French, and Ned Stuckey-French.
  2. Writing Down the Bones by Natalie Goldberg.
  3. Bird by Bird by Anne Lamott.
  4. On Writing by Stephen King.  
  5. Character and Viewpoint by Orson Scott Card.
  6. Writing Irresistible Kidlit by Mary Kole.
  7. The Emotional Craft of Fiction by Donald Maass.
  8. Story Genius by Lisa Cron.
  9. The Magic Words by Cheryl Klein.
  10. Zen in the Art of Writing by Ray Bradbury.
  11. The War of Art by Steven Pressfield.
  12. Story by Robert McKee.
  13. The Anatomy of Story by John Truby.
  14. Steering the Craft by Ursula K. Le Guinn
  15. The Anatomy of Story by John Truby.
by Categories: Interviews Leave a comment

The Bram Stoker Awards will be adding a Middle Grade Horror Category (HOORAY!)

There’s been some big news in the realm of creepy middle grade books lately, and we here at Spooky MG are absolutely over the (full) moon about it.

Each year, the Horror Writers Association presents the Bram Stoker Awards for superior achievement in horror and dark fantasy literature. The list of Stoker winners is crammed with legends: Stephen King, Neil Gaiman, Victor LaValle, Caitlin R. Kiernan. And the award statuette—a gothic, gargoyle-bedecked house, with the winner’s name engraved behind its opening front door—has to be the coolest anywhere in the book world.

(A Bram Stoker Award. I mean, just look at this thing.)

Stoker Award categories have included novel, screenplay, graphic novel, short and long fiction, and young adult novel, among others. Now, beginning with the 2022 publishing year, the HWA is establishing a middle grade category for the Bram Stoker Awards (YESSSS!!!!).  

Spooky Middle Grade chatted with Becky Spratford, current Secretary of the Horror Writers Association, about the news.  

Jacqueline West/Spooky MG: Hello, Becky! Thanks so much for joining us at Spooky MG, and extra thanks for all you do to promote horror for readers of all ages!

So, to get things started: Why has the HWA decided to add a middle grade category to the Bram Stoker Awards now? How did this change come about?

Becky Spratford, HWA: The discussions about adding a Middle Grade category have been going on informally for a handful of years. It all began in earnest when the Horror Writers Association presented R.L. Stine with a Lifetime Achievement Award at the 2014 Bram Stoker Awards ceremony. 

Around the same time, the HWA’s Library committee began their work to promote Horror to kids through public libraries. The HWA Library committee, for which I am a co-chair, administers the Dennis Etchison Young Writers Scholarship  http://horrorscholarships.com/dennis-etchison-young-writers-scholarship/ to one teen writer each year, and last year we had a record number of applicants. We also award up to five Young Adults Write Now endowments of $250 each to libraries who offer programming to teen writers of horror. In past years, we did not even receive five applicants, but again, last year we awarded all five and interest this year is already strong.

In 2019 we also launched Summer Scares, a national reading program (which I co-chair) where librarians recommend three titles each in the categories of Adult, YA, and Middle Grade Horror. We then use those titles and authors as a way to get more horror titles and programming into our libraries. The Middle Grade category has seen the largest uptick in interest with authors and library workers. 

The HWA’s overall goal is to both support horror professionals and promote the genre. Adding the Middle Grade category to the Bram Stoker Awards slate accomplishes both of these things. Middle Grade Horror is strong. The books are excellent and varied and there is a whole generation of readers growing up with these awesome books. The Board was unanimous in extending the The Bram Stoker Award to Middle Grade Horror Fiction as a way to honor the excellent work in this category as we do for adult and teen horror fiction.

This is such great news – and R. L. Stine paves the way for creepy MG lit once again! Perfect.

(Image via BookTrust)

When will the category be officially put in place? What books will be eligible?

The category begins with all middle grade horror titles published in the 2022 calendar year and will continue every year going forward. Any novel intended for the age group of 8-13 year-olds with a word length beginning at 25,000 words is eligible in a given calendar year. We will be awarding the Bram Stoker Award for the Best Middle Grade Novel (published in 2022) at StokerCon 2023. 

What can middle grade authors do if they’d like their books to be considered for the award?

All authors or editors of eligible works are welcomed to submit their own work for consideration by the jury.

Beginning around April, the portal for authors or publishers to self-submit will open on the Bram Stoker Awards website here: https://www.thebramstokerawards.com/submissions/ . You do not need to be a member of the HWA to submit. There is also a recommendation portal for all HWA members to submit titles to be considered in any Bram Stoker Award category. You must be a member to submit an official recommendation, and you cannot submit your own work.

Once those submissions are complete, how are finalists and winners selected?

The Bram Stoker Awards process for every category is the same and it is very clearly laid out here: https://horror.org/awards/rules_current.pdf. However, for the short version, the Bram Stoker Awards use a hybrid system of a closed jury for each category who review the submitted titles and submit a ranked list combined with the recommendation portal mentioned in the previous answer. This allows the general membership to also have a say.

A long list of 10 titles in each category are presented to Active and Lifetime members who can vote for up to 5 in the first round. That vote creates the official “Bram Stoker Nominee” list of 5 titles in each category. Then the Active and Lifetime members can each vote for 1 per category.

Having the HWA support MG horror in this way means so much to those of us who read, write, and love spooky MG fiction. Big thanks to the whole organization.

Can you tell us a bit more about the Summer Scares Reading Program, another way the HWA is reaching out to MG and YA horror fans?

The Summer Scares Reading Program began in 2019 and is an official HWA initiative. It is presented in partnership with United for Libraries, Book Riot, and Booklist Summer Scares provides libraries and schools with an annual list of recommended horror titles for adult, young adult (teen), and middle grade readers. It introduces readers and librarians to new authors and helps start conversations extending beyond the books from each list and promote reading for years to come. 

Selected authors agree to make themselves available to libraries (free of charge) in order to promote their titles and Horror in general.

Our committee is made up of 5 librarians and an annual rotating author spokesperson. In the past we have had Grady Hendrix, Stephen Graham Jones, and Silvia Moreno-Garcia, and this year for 2022 we welcome Alma Katsu.

Along with the vetted list of titles, the Summer Scares program and committee also provide a program guide courtesy of the Springfield-Greene County Library District. This guide is free and contains a page for each title containing a summary of the book, read-alike titles, programming ideas, and book discussion questions– really everything a library would need to feature and promote the books.

Here is the link to 2021’s Program Guide: https://bit.ly/SummerScares2021

There are also podcast, You Tube, and print components to support the program each year.

You can see more about the current year’s program and access the archive of past year’s here: http://raforallhorror.blogspot.com/p/summer-scares.html

What else is the HWA doing to support young horror readers and writers? 

Besides the Scholarship and Endowments and Summer Scares, we added a high school intern this year. She has been working with our Volunteer Coordinator and her teacher to assist us. We have been able to introduce her to authors, have had her work on blog posts and virtual events. We would love to add more young interns going forward.

And just in general, the work we do reaching out to public libraries to encourage them to add horror titles and present horror programming through the Summer Scares reading program and our sponsors like Booklist and Book Riot who also create content to support middle grade horror reads. We have seen an increase in participation by libraries at the middle grade level every single year. Many libraries have let us know that Summer Scares and our librarian-vetted content has allowed them to advocate for more horror for their grade school patrons without fear of reproach for it being “too scary,” despite the fact that we all know they love spooky and scary reads.

YES. Thank you, thank you, thank you.

Speaking of loving spooky and scary reads: What books do you think of as the classics of MG horror? Do you have any personal favorites?

As I mentioned above, there are not enough superlatives for the work of R.L. Stine, but I tend to credit Alvin Schwartz’s Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark story collections for stoking the horror flame of many a middle grade reader, going back to myself [mid 40s] but still today. I volunteer at my local school library 2x a month and it is still a huge favorite. 

In 2020, the HWA released Don’t Turn Out The Lights: A Tribute to Alvin Schwartz’s Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark edited by Jonathan Maberry. This anthology has a diverse and vibrant table of contents featuring modern middle grade horror.  

[Jacqueline/Spooky MG note: Hey, we know this one! Spooky MG’s very own Kim Ventrella has a terrifying story in this collection. Find out more here: https://bookshop.org/shop/spookymg]

Becky Spratford, cont: My work with Summer Scares has solidified for me that we are in a golden age of middle grade horror right now. We consider title from the last ten years by living authors for Summer Scares and each year, Middle Grade is always a favorite of the committee come selection time. Clearly, the time to include Middle Grade Horror in the HWA’s Bram Stoker Awards process is NOW.

Hear, hear to all that.

Thank you to Becky Spratford and the Horror Writers Association, and thank you to all of you who read, write, and love spooky middle grade lit.

Here’s to a healthy, happy, horror-filled 2022!

Bios:

Becky Spratford [MLIS] is a Readers’ Advisor in Illinois specializing in serving patrons ages 13 and up. She trains library staff all over the world on how to match books with readers through the local public library. She runs the critically acclaimed RA training blog RA for All. She is under contract to provide content for EBSCO’s NoveList database and writes reviews for Booklist and a horror review column for Library Journal. Becky is a 20-year locally elected Library Trustee [still serving] and a Board member for the Reaching Across Illinois Library System. Known for her work with horror readers, Becky is the author of The Reader’s Advisory Guide to Horror, Third Edition [ALA Editions, 2021]. She is a proud member of the Horror Writers Association and currently serves as the Association’s Secretary and organizer of their annual Librarians’ Day. You can follow Becky on Twitter @RAforAll.  

Jacqueline West of Spooky Middle Grade is the author of the New York Times-bestselling middle grade series The Books of Elsewhere, the Schneider Family Award Honor Book The Collectors, and the YA horror novel Last Things. Her latest book is the MG mystery/ghost story Long Lost [Greenwillow/HarperCollins, 2021], which was both an Indie Next List and Junior Library Guild selection. Find her at jacquelinewest.com or on Twitter @JacquelineMWest.

by Categories: InterviewsTags: , , , 1 Comment