Name: Hooked on Horror: Writing Horror for YA and Middle Grade Audiences
Start: 2025-06-12T18:00:00-0400
End: 2025-06-12T18:45:00-0400

Welcome to the premiere horror literary convention presented by the Horror Writers Association. Registration for StokerCon 2025 is now available! This year the convention is being hosted by the city of Stamford, Connecticut, at the Hilton Stamford Hotel and Executive Meeting Center. We’re taking over from June 12th through the 15th, 2025.

Thursday June 12, 2025 6:00pm - 6:45pm EDT

Glen 2 & 3

Horror isn’t just for adults—it has long captivated young readers, from those first spine-chilling stories to the narratives that keep us coming back for more. Panelists will discuss their experiences with horror as young readers, how they craft engaging yet age-appropriate stories, and the unique challenges of writing for children. Topics will include what’s “too scary,” the importance of diverse voices, and navigating sensitive issues like book bans and censorship in children’s literature.

Moderators

Sarah Faxon

Sarah Faxon, who publishes under S. Faxon, is a dark fantasy, horror, and urban fantasy author. Sarah is the author of the books: The Animal Court, Foreign & Domestic Affairs, Tiny Dreadfuls, Origins: The Blue Dragon Society, co-writer of Lost Aboard and How to Become A Successful... Read More →

Speakers

Gaby Triana

GABY TRIANA is the Cuban-American author of 24 books for adults and teens, including Dark and Dangerous Things, Moon Child, Island of Bones, River of Ghosts, City of Spells, Wake the Hollow, Cubanita, and Summer of Yesterday. Her short stories have appeared in Classic Monsters... Read More →

Anastasia Garcia

Author of the Frights to Tell at Night Series

Alyssa Alessi

Author•Spooktastic Book Fair creator/host

Please talk to me about 90’s horror shows and movies, ghosts, witchcraft, the struggles and triumphs of publishing and the moon.

Rob Costello

Rob Costello (he/him) writes dark and contemporary fiction with a queer bent for and about young people. He’s the contributing editor of We Mostly Come Out At Night: 15 Queer Tales of Monsters, Angels & Other Creatures, nominated for a 2024 Bram Stoker Award® and named a 2024 CYBILS... Read More →

Robert Ottone

Robert P. Ottone is the Bram Stoker Award-winning author of THE TRIANGLE and is also the best-selling author of CURSE OF THE COB MAN, THE SLEEPY HOLLOW GANG, THE VILE THING WE CREATED and NOCTURNAL CREATURES.His short fiction has been collected in TEAR ME OPEN as well as HER INFERNAL... Read More →

Thursday June 12, 2025 6:00pm - 6:45pm EDT
Glen 2 & 3

Convention Event

StokerCon 2025