StokerCon 2025

In Gothic fiction, the past returns to haunt the present. From ghosts to witches to the Jewett City vampires, New England is emblematic of the dark themes of the Gothic literary tradition, its history combed by writers from Hawthorne to King. Yet while areas in Canada and eastern Virginia have longer histories of European presence, none carry the same mystique as New England. We will delve into some possible reasons why this is, and through comparisons to other regions like the American South and Appalachia, attempt to pinpoint what separates New England from the rest. Finally, we will explore whether New England has any ore left to mine for the modern Gothic writer.

Allen Ginsburg said, “Poetry is words that are empowered to make your hair stand on end, that you recognize instantly as being some form of subjective truth that has an objective reality to it, because somebody’s realized it.” Poetry, regardless of genre, seeks to tell the truth, speak out, and advocate for those who might not otherwise speak for themselves. In this panel, panelists will discuss how poetry can be both advocative and subjective truth.

From emotionally immature mothers to monstrous fathers and legacies soaked in dread, horror has long used family as a vessel for fear. In recent years, the genre has seen a surge in stories centered on parental horror—where the most terrifying relationships aren’t with ghosts or ghouls, but with those closest to us.

This panel brings together authors whose work examines parent-child relationships at every stage of life: from Nat Cassidy’s When the Wolf Comes Home, where grief, care, and monstrous memory collide; to CJ Leede’s American Rapture, where family fractures amidst an apocalyptic collapse; to Philip Fracassi’s The Autumn Springs Retirement Home Massacre, where the horror of aging meets the scars of the past. Panelists will explore how dysfunctional families, generational trauma, and the “parent as monster” trope shape their work—and why horror remains the perfect genre for unpacking the complexities of love, fear, and legacy.

This panel brings together StokerCon’s Guests of Honor—writers at different stages of their careers—to explore how the writing life evolves over time. From first publications to award wins, from chasing deadlines to mentoring the next generation, panelists will reflect on how their creative process, career goals, and relationship to the industry have changed over the years. How has the horror genre shifted? What challenges remain the same? What advice would they give to their younger selves—and to those just starting out today? Whether you're a new writer looking for inspiration or a seasoned author reflecting on your journey, this conversation offers candid insights from those who’ve seen the industry grow and transform.

NOTE: This panel lasts for ninety minutes.

As horror continues to evolve, so does the need for authentic, nuanced representation of marginalized characters. From disabled protagonists and LGBTQ+ survivors to characters of diverse racial, cultural, and neurodivergent identities, today’s horror readers are demanding stories that reflect a broader range of human experiences, without relying on stereotypes or exploitative tropes.

This panel will feature writers from marginalized communities who bring their lived experience to the conversation about representation in horror. Panelists will explore the challenges and responsibilities of writing characters from identities other than their own, the harm caused by inauthentic or exploitative depictions, and how to craft stories that are both respectful and resonant. Examples may include the use of disability as a scare tactic, the mishandling of queer trauma, or missed opportunities for inclusive storytelling.

This isn’t about creating a checklist of what not to do—it’s about encouraging deeper awareness, responsible storytelling, and a commitment to getting it right. Whether you're writing disabled, queer, BIPOC, or otherwise underrepresented characters, this conversation will provide practical insight into how horror can honor identity while still delivering a powerful scare.

A conversation with Joyce Carol Oates, her works, and her history.

A discussion of horror comics, what makes them special and influential, how to break into comics writing, historical highlights of horror comics, and why some stories can only be told in the comics medium. This will look at key horror comics through history from the EC Comics of the 1950s to the Marvel horror comics of the 1970s, the Vertigo comics of the 1980s and 90s, to current horror manga by Junji Ito and Gou Tanabe. The emphasis will be on the unique storytelling aspects of the comic book format.