San Antonio’s Thriving Horror Writing Scene: Where Nightmares Come Alive
San Antonio, a city known for its rich cultural heritage and vibrant arts scene, is hiding a peculiar thrill beneath its surface: a wildly thriving horror writing community. Yes, you read that right! This city is not just about mariachis and tacos. It’s now a breeding ground for talented authors who are lighting up the horror genre with their terrifying tales. And at the forefront is Johnny Compton, a local horror writer whose much-anticipated second book, Devils Kill Devils, releases this Tuesday.
The Rising Stars of Horror
We recently caught up with Compton, who is excited about the reception of his new book. “We’ve got a lot of horror to share here in San Antonio,” Compton expressed with enthusiasm. His debut novel, The Spite House, has already received praise from Publishers Weekly and was recognized by Esquire magazine as one of the best of the year. With such accomplishments, it’s no wonder the city has gained recognition in the horror community.
The San Antonio horror writing scene is not just limited to Compton. There are so many emerging authors, each bringing their unique flavor of frights to the literary world. For example, Sanford Nowlin, who writes under the pen name Sanford Allen, coupled his experience as a former business reporter with tales of post-American Revolution horror. His novella, Deadly Passage, is a flip book that pairs with Joe McKinney’s winning tale, illustrating how connected the authors here really are.
Ghoulish Books: A Hub for Horror Lovers
Sitting at the heart of this horror revival is Ghoulish Books, a cozy indie bookstore in Selma. It’s more than just a place to buy books; it’s a haven for horror enthusiasts. The owner, Max Booth III, who identifies as they/them, shared that this community “just seems to all flock together in this odd way.” Ghoulish Books not only showcases local authors like Compton and L.P. Hernandez, but it also hosts author readings and even free horror movie screenings – talk about a literary fright fest!
Diving into the Abyss: Works that Redefine Horror
Compton’s upcoming book, Devils Kill Devils, is set against the backdrop of San Antonio, featuring fantastic elements inspired by local culture and folklore. The novel follows Sarita Bardales, a woman caught between a looming threat and the monsters of her own past. Her guardian angel becomes a twisted figure when he commits an unspeakable act, and Sarita is thrown into a world filled with supernatural dangers that reflect the real-life issues of racism and bigotry.
If that’s not enough to get your heart racing, check out Compton’s chilling opening scene that immediately draws you in, setting the stage for the horror to unfold.
Meet the Other Terrifying Talents
But wait, there’s more! Max Booth III has their own spine-tingling tales. The author of Maggots Screaming! and others recently turned heads with their film adaptation of a novella. If you enjoy blending horror with a dash of humor, Bradley—a Georgetown rock guitarist—has you covered with his hilarious horror comedies like Saint’s Blood.
Then there’s Celso Hurtado, whose 2021 young-adult horror novel, The Ghost Tracks, earned critical acclaim and introduced us to a new supernatural detective on the block. The blend of real-world issues with hauntings is a key theme that resonates through much of San Antonio’s horror literature.
Join the Spooky Fiesta!
As Compton kicks off his book tour this Tuesday at Barnes & Noble, he is thrilled to share the stage with fellow horror writers like L.P. Hernandez, further showcasing the tight-knit community of creative minds lurking in the shadows of San Antonio. If you’re a fan of spine-chilling tales, this is definitely a moment you won’t want to miss.
With so many local authors weaving terrifying tapestries of fiction that reflect both eerie cultural elements and the ever-present struggles within society, San Antonio’s horror scene is proving that fear can be both entertaining and thought-provoking. So loop in some time for a chilling read; you might just find yourself swept away in a world of nightmares.
