HALLOWEEN HAUNTS: KINDNESS ABOVE ALL
By Naching T. Kassa
Just before my mother passed in June of 1998, she asked me what I wanted to do with my life. At the time, I didn’t understand the importance of the question. I had no way of knowing she wouldn’t be there to see my life unfold. When I told her I wanted to be a writer, it was more dream than reality.
After my mom’s death, I told my father of our exchange. My dad understood the value of words and often advised me to keep mine. It was then I realized becoming a writer wasn’t just a dream. It had become something sacred—a promise. I had no idea that promise would lead me to the Horror Writers Association and the wonderful members in it.
I’m a huge fan of Dean Koontz and learned of the Horror Writers Association through his biography (he was the first president). When my dad passed in January of 2014, I’d been published in a few horror anthologies and had made enough to join as an Affiliate member. I was, however, a bit reticent. The HWA seemed like something only a professional writer should join, and I wasn’t at that level yet. It was President Rocky Wood who changed my mind.
I had asked a question in the HWA Facebook group about the organization, and he answered me immediately. Rocky didn’t know me, had never heard of me, but was incredibly welcoming. He urged me to join the HWA, and impressed by his kindness, I decided to do just that.
HWA dues were low in those days, much lower than most organizations. Because of this, I felt an obligation to volunteer. I wanted to help those who were helping me. That was how I met Kathy Ptacek, the editor of the HWA Newsletter. She had put a call out for proofreaders, and I decided to be one. (I later learned that Kathy was the author of Ghost Dance, a book I’d read when I was fifteen. It blew my mind when I learned I was working with my favorite female horror author.)
Kathy’s kindness inspired me. She helped everyone and believed in everyone. She worked tirelessly on the newsletter, creating calls and articles. We had great fun talking about the “Honkin’ Huge” October newsletter which was, many times, over two hundred pages. Think of that! It was as long as a book! She and Donna Fitch, the web editor, created a masterpiece every time. And I was fortunate enough to write a column and interview some of our most distinguished members.
Aside from the newsletter, I experienced other benefits as an HWA member. Rena Mason mentored me for a year, helping me polish a story I’m very proud of. She is the one who introduced me to the editing skills I would need as an employee of Crystal Lake Publishing. I have learned much from her and I’m very grateful.
Times have changed since my entry into the HWA, but I hope one thing will never change. The value of kindness above all. I hope members will continue to treat each other with respect, whether they are Supporting or Affiliates. I hope they will welcome the new author and answer their questions with patience, just as Rocky did me so long ago. Most of all, I hope the organization will continue its good work of uplifting authors, and that the community will always come before an award.
Dreams change, but promises don’t. Thank you, HWA, for helping me keep mine.
Naching T. Kassa is a wife, mother, horror writer and Talent Relations Manager at Crystal Lake Entertainment. She is a proud member of the Horror Writers Association, Mystery Writers of America and The Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers Association. She’s also a 2022 HWA Diversity Grant recipient. You can find her work on Amazon. https://www.amazon.com/Naching-T-Kassa/e/B005ZGHTI0