Interview with Horror University instructor Johnny Worthen

Here's the second of our interviews with StokerCon 2017's Horror University instructors. Take it away, Johnny Worthen! Johnny Worthen: Mistakes Were Made Concrete advice on tightening your writing from an editor, author and student of the craft. We’ll concentrate on specific issues and hot buttons. See what doesn’t work. See how to fix it. From passive voice to head-hopping to adverbs and scaffolding, a dense class in modern style to please editors, readers and writers. Johnny Worthen grew up in the high desert snows and warm summer winds of the Wasatch Mountains. He graduated with a B.A. in English, minor in Classics and a…

Interview with Horror University instructor Patrick Freivald

This is the first in a series of interviews with our StokerCon 2017 Horror University instructors. At Horror University, you'll find award-winning and best-selling authors offering intensive two-hour workshops on all aspects of horror writing. Today we're talking with multiple Bram Stoker Award®-nominated author Patrick Freivald about his Saying More With Less workshop. About Saying More With Less: Writing styles are as varied as writers themselves, but a common complaint among editors and publishers of horror fiction is that writers use too many words to say what they mean to say. This interactive workshop will focus on squeezing every ounce…

The Scholarship From Hell Winners Announced

Congratulations to the winner of The Scholarship From Hell! First place winner Billicent James San Juan will receive domestic coach airfare (contiguous 48 states) to and from Long Beach, a four-night stay on the Queen Mary, free registration to StokerCon2017 and as many Horror University workshops as she’d like to attend. Second runner up Lisa Blair Kroger will receive a convention membership generously donated by Tim Waggoner, registration to Tim’s Horror University class and one more Horror University class of her choice. Third runner up Garrett Johnson will receive a convention membership and one Horror University class of his choice. StokerCon 2017…

2016 Lifetime Achievement Award Winners

2016 Lifetime Achievement Award - Dennis Etchison and Thomas F. Monteleone Long Beach, CA, March 17, 2017 The Horror Writers Association announces two Lifetime Achievement Award winners for 2016. Dennis Etchison and Thomas F. Monteleone will both be on hand to accept their awards at StokerCon 2017 held April 27th-30th on the Queen Mary in Long Beach, CA. Both recipients have provided many years of dedicated commitment to HWA and the writing and publishing industry. “It’s a great honor to be recognized by my peers,” Mr. Etchison, a former President of HWA, commented when informed he had won the award.…

Horror Writers Association’s Mentor of the Year Award Winner

2016 Mentor of the Year Award – Linda Addison   Long Beach, CA, March 7, 2017 The Horror Writers Association announces Linda Addison as winner of the 2016 Mentor of the Year Award. Addison is a distinguished poet and writer and will receive the award at StokerCon 2017 held on the Queen Mary in Long Beach, CA. “What a wonderful surprise,” Addison stated upon notification of the award. “I have always enjoyed sharing what I know with others.” HWA presents the Mentor of the Year Award in recognition of a member who distinguishes herself in helping mentees, while serving in…

Horror Writers Association’s Silver Hammer Award Winner

2016 Silver Hammer Award – James Chambers   Long Beach, CA, March 7, 2017 The Horror Writers Association announces James Chambers as the 2016 Silver Hammer Award recipient. Chambers will receive the award at StokerCon 2017 held on the Queen Mary in Long Beach, CA. “I enjoy the work I do for the HWA,” Chambers commented, “and I appreciate the opportunity to pitch in and help out the group and other writers.” HWA presents the Silver Hammer Award in recognition of extraordinary volunteerism by a member who dedicates valuable time and effort to the organization. The award is determined by…

2016 Richard Laymon Award Winner – Caren Hanten

The Horror Writers Association announces the 2016 Richard Laymon President’s Award will be presented to Caren Hanten. She will receive the award for her extraordinary volunteerism and dedication to HWA at StokerCon 2017, which is being held on the Queen Mary. Instituted in 2000, the Richard Laymon President’s Award is named in honor of Richard Laymon, who passed away in 2000 while serving as HWA’s president. The honor is awarded by the current President of the HWA, Lisa Morton, and is presented to a member who has served HWA in an exemplary manner and shown exceptional dedication to the organization.…

Final Frame Film Competition at StokerCon

Acclaimed Director Judges Short Film Competition Horror Writers Association – Final Frame Judged by Michael Flanagan The Horror Writers Association announces the second annual short film competition held in conjunction with StokerCon 2017 on the Queen Mary in Long Beach, CA. Final Frame will celebrate short horror films from around the globe. Everyone is encouraged to enter their film. Selected films will be screened on Friday, April 28th in the Queen’s Salon from 8 to 10 in the evening. A grand prize winner will be announced at the film competition’s cocktail reception in the Royal Salon once the screening is…
2016 Bram Stoker Awards Final Ballot

2016 Bram Stoker Awards Final Ballot

The Horror Writers Association announces the 2016 Bram Stoker Awards Final Ballot. HWA is the premier organization for writers of horror and dark fantasy. “The nominees for this year’s Bram Stoker Awards® unquestionably represent the state of the art of horror writing,” said Lisa Morton, HWA President and multiple Bram Stoker Award winner. “Once again, our members and awards juries have chosen outstanding works of literature, cinema, non-fiction, and poetry.” The presentation of the Bram Stoker Awards® will occur during the second annual StokerCon aboard the Queen Mary in Long Beach, California on the evening of April 29, 2017. Tickets…

The Scholarship From Hell is now open to applications!

NOW OPEN TO APPLICATIONS! The Scholarship From Hell is the only scholarship offered by HWA that puts the recipient right into the intensive, hands-on workshop environment of Horror University. Horror University takes place during HWA’s  StokerCon 2017 aboard the Queen Mary in Long Beach CA April 27-30. The winner of the Scholarship From Hell will receive domestic coach airfare (contiguous 48 states) to and from Long Beach, a 4 night stay on the Queen Mary,  free registration to StokerCon2017, and as many workshops as you’d like to attend! Be sure to follow us on Facebook or Twitter so you don’t miss…

First Recipients of the Young Adult Write Now Endowment Announced

First Recipients of the Young Adult Write Now Endowment: The Horror Writers Association (HWA), the premier organization of writers and publishers of horror and dark fantasy and home of the iconic Bram Stoker Awards®, is proud to announce the first-ever recipients of the annual Young Adults Write Now endowments. Each of the following five libraries will receive $500 to help fund teen writing programs as part of the HWA’s ongoing dedication to furthering young adult literacy. The W. T. Bland Public Library – Mount Dora, FL Dreadful Teen Writing Program, administered by Cathy Jones, Adult Services Librarian The Louisiana, Missouri…

The 2016 Bram Stoker Awards® Preliminary Ballot Announced

The Horror Writers Association (HWA) is pleased to announce the Preliminary Ballots for the 2016 Bram Stoker Awards®. The HWA (see www.horror.org ) is the premier writers organization in the horror and dark fiction genre, with over 1,300 members. We have presented the Bram Stoker Awards in various categories since 1987 (see https://horror.org/awards/stokers.htm ) The HWA Board and the Bram Stoker Awards® Committee congratulate all those appearing on these Preliminary Ballots. Notes about the voting process will appear after the ballot listing. 2016 Bram Stoker Awards® Preliminary Ballot    Superior Achievement in a Novel Fenn, J. Lincoln – Dead Souls…

2016 Bram Stoker Awards Timeline

The Bram Stoker Awards® Please note the Preliminary Ballot for the 2016 Bram Stoker Awards will be announced on January 20, 2017. The main timeline is as follows: January 15: The Bram Stoker Awards Recommendation Sheet (https://horror.org/private/stokers/2016recs.php) closed to new Recommendations at midnight U.S. Pacific Time (Recs will not be accepted after this time). On the 17th, the Juries will forward their Submission choices to the Bram Stoker Awards Committee Co-Chairs. January 20: Announcement of Bram Stoker Awards Preliminary Ballots – announced on the HWA website, via Special IM, and on the HWA Facebook page. In accordance with Rule VIIi…
2016 Lifetime Achievement Award Committee Appointed

2016 Lifetime Achievement Award Committee Appointed

In accordance with the rules regarding the Lifetime Achievement Award (LAA) process, HWA President Lisa Morton has appointed the 2016 LAA Committee: Ramsey Campbell Erinn Kemper Monica Kuebler John Little (chair) Joseph Nassise The Committee will immediately begin discussions to determine 2016's recipient(s). If you would like to suggest someone for consideration to receive the 2016 LAA, please first review the rules and list of former winners. When you are sure your suggested recipient meets the requirements and has not previously received the LAA, please contact Committee chair John Little at john.little@telus.net (please note "LAA Suggestion" in your subject line).

HWA Announces Contents of Its Next Anthology, HALLOWS’ EVE

An exciting line-up of bestselling and critically-acclaimed authors will share the table of contents with some of the horror genre’s best new voices in the Horror Writers Association’s next anthology, Hallows’ Eve. Co-edited by Ellen Datlow, past winner of HWA’s Lifetime Achievement Award, and Lisa Morton, one of the world’s leading authorities on Halloween, Hallows’ Eve presents sixteen never-before-published tales that explore every aspect of the darkest holiday. In addition to stories about scheming jack-o’-lanterns, vengeful ghosts, otherworldly changelings, masks that cover terrifying faces, murderous urban legends, parties gone bad, cult Halloween movies, and even trick or treating in the…
HWA Opens Registration to StokerCon 2017

HWA Opens Registration to StokerCon 2017

The Horror Writers Association (HWA), the premier organization of writers and publishers of horror and dark fantasy and home of the prestigious Bram Stoker Award®, today announced it will begin accepting registrations for StokerCon 2017 this Friday, June 10, at 12:00 AM EDT. To register, visit http://hwa46.wildapricot.org/event-2262526. For HWA members, registration is $99 (USD); registration for non-HWA members is $115 (USD). Upon successful registration, attendees will receive a discount code for Queen Mary hotel accommodations. StokerCon 2017, the HWA’s second annual convention, is scheduled for April 27-30, 2017 aboard the Queen Mary in Long Beach, California. Guests of Honor for…
How to Watch the Bram Stoker Awards® Ceremony

How to Watch the Bram Stoker Awards® Ceremony

The Horror Writers Association (HWA), the premier organization of writers and publishers of horror and dark fantasy, today released the link to the Bram Stoker Awards® ceremony live stream. The awards ceremony begins at 7:30 PM PDT on Saturday, May 14, 2016. The ceremony is part of HWA's inaugural StokerCon, which opened yesterday at the Flamingo Hotel in Las Vegas, NV, and runs through Sunday, May 15. Live Stream Link: http://www.onlineevent.com/bramstokerawards2016/ Awards include Superior Achievement in a Novel, First Novel, Short Fiction, Screenplay, and seven other categories. The ceremony will be emceed by author and seven-time host, Jeff Strand. For…
HWA Announces Finalists in Short Film Competition

HWA Announces Finalists in Short Film Competition

The Horror Writers Association (HWA), the premier organization of writers and publishers of horror and dark fantasy, today announced the thirteen finalists in its inaugural Lucky Thr1t3en Horror Short Film Competition. The film competition—part of the HWA’s StokerCon 2016—received entries from nearly twenty countries during its six-month submission window. The thirteen finalists hail from Germany, Italy, Spain, the United Kingdom, and the United States. “We received a staggering number of quality submissions,” said Brad Hodson, chair of the film festival. “But, the work of these finalists is truly remarkable.” The Finalists The Barber's Cut - Mark Brocking (UK) Boogey-Woogie -…
The 2015 Bram Stoker Awards Preliminary Ballot Announced

The 2015 Bram Stoker Awards Preliminary Ballot Announced

Ron Breznay and Rena Mason, Co-Chairs, Bram Stoker Awards® Committee The Horror Writers Association (HWA) is pleased to announce the Preliminary Ballot for the 2015 Bram Stoker Awards (given out in 2016). The HWA (see www.horror.org) is the premiere writers organization in the horror and dark fiction genre. We have presented the Bram Stoker Awards in various categories since 1987 (see www.horror.org/awards/stokers.htm). The HWA Board and the Bram Stoker Awards Committee congratulate all those appearing on the Preliminary Ballot. Notes about the voting process appear after the ballot listing. The Preliminary Ballot is: Superior Achievement in a Novel Barker, Clive…