I’m very much looking forward to attending StokerCon 2026, which will take place June 4-Jun 7, 2026 in Pittsburgh, PA! This is StokerCon’s 10th anniversary, and it really is a fabulous event. I’ve enjoyed every iteration that I’ve attended. It’s such a joy to be around other horror creators and horror fans and celebrate our love of all things horrific together. Below is my tentative schedule for the weekend. Hope to see you there!
Author Reading – Friday, June 5 – 1pm – Armstrong
I’ll be reading alongside the fabulous Christi Nogle and Chelsea Conradt.
Mass Author Signing – Friday, June 5 – 5pm – Allegheny Ballroom
When Horror Crosses the Line: The Rise of Genre-Blending Fear – Saturday, June 6 – 1pm – Westmoreland
Madison Dawn (Moderator), Rachel Harrison, Keith Rosson, Caitlin Starling, Denise Tapscott, A.C. Wise
Horror is increasingly colliding with neighboring genres—thriller, romance, fantasy, and literary fiction—to create stories that are as emotionally intimate as they are terrifying. This panel explores why horror hybrids are dominating the current market, how writers balance multiple genre expectations, and what blending genres unlocks in terms of theme, audience, and tension. Panelists will discuss craft techniques, publishing trends, and how horror can amplify love stories, mysteries, and high-stakes suspense.
The Calls Are Coming from Inside the Spaceship: When Horror and Science Fiction Meet – Saturday, June 6 – 4pm – Butler
Russ Colchamaro (Moderator), Patrick Freivald, Darius Jones, Deanna Sjolander, Caitlin Starling, A.C. Wise
Frankenstein. The Color Out of Space. The Body Snatchers. The Day of the Triffids. Alien. The Thing. Event Horizon. Cell. When horror and science fiction join forces the limits of fear seem infinite. Join our panelists for a discussion of the classics that have defined this popular blend of genres and why it is such an effective combination. How do the elements of these distinct genres complement each other? What must writers keep in mind when bringing them together? What are some of the best examples of sci-fi/horror from the 21st century?
Stoker Awards – Saturday, June 6 – 8pm – Allegheny Ballroom
Hey, uh, wish me luck!
